Soccer

Playing varsity soccer for my high school has taught me a lot about the game, but this one away game taught me something even more significant. It was our game against Southland Christians, a team that had beaten us 3-1 earlier in the season, but this time it was different. We won 2-0, and this meant more to us than just 3 points in the standings.
I play rightback, a position where it goes unnoticed until something goes wrong. Every tackle, every sprint, every pass felt important. We came into the match, laser-focused because we know how they play and how it felt to lose to them before. From the opening whistle, there was a sense that this game was about growth, not revenge.
The game moved quickly, teams would take their shots or miss chances multiple times before the referee’s final whistle at 2-0. The feeling of winning and the sense of pride in winning because they played the game in the correct way, instead of making mistakes from past matches, pushed both teams to work extremely hard to get that score.
When I was a junior, I learned that nothing in soccer or life lasts forever. Losses become distant memories, wins fade, and seasons come and go quickly. It’s all about how you react to what happens in your life and how you continue to learn from the experience.
After beating an opponent 2-0 and leaving the field, I was proud to win, but more importantly, for what our victory meant. Soccer teaches that every moment will eventually fade, which makes them precious and provides valuable life lessons long after you have left the field.