How Soccer Changed My Life by Breeyawna

How Soccer Changed My Life by Breeyawna - December 2013 Scholarship Essay

Whenever I am feeling dismal, the best pick-me-up is playing soccer. The soccer field is such a magical place. It is the perfect place to go if I am seeking contentment.

Despite the chaos and high energy that soccer games usually are, simply being on the field gives me the feeling of euphoria. Running against the wind with a ball at my feet is invariably the best feeling ever. Even though there are twenty-one other players aside from me on the soccer field at any given time, during play I feel completely alone. I get the sense that I am advancing the ball toward the goal for a wide open shot worth one hundred points. In actuality, I am advancing the ball toward the goal while dodging eleven bodies, only to get my shot cleared by the opposing team’s goalie. Not making the goal does not affect the feeling that my heart gets the moment I lace up my cleats, tie my hair back, and step foot on the freshly cut grass. I just do my best to defend so I can have an encore shot.

However, being on the field unaccompanied is an even better feeling. Shooting on goal and making every single one due to the lack of goalie is exhilarating. I get the feeling that I am an angel as I float up and down the soccer field without interruption.

Time spent on the soccer field is time spent for self reflection and amelioration. I have learned a lot about myself through playing soccer. Before I began playing soccer I was not a fan of team activities. Now I like teamwork and I thoroughly enjoy being a part of something bigger than myself. This has also translated into my school work; I am better at working in groups for projects and assignments. Through soccer I have learned that I am a competitive person. I do not always have to win, but when there is competition I try my best to do so. I think it is important to present myself well, because every opportunity is an opportunity to get better and show others what an asset I could be.

Playing soccer is an outlet for me. Before I began playing I had no constructive way to release aggression. My aggression would often be misguided. I would bottle it up, which was not very beneficial. Now that I have found a way to properly channel my aggression I feel better. If I am tense or angry about something I no longer am forced to fight through it on my own, or seclude myself. I can take a trip to the soccer field, or even my backyard, to kick the ball around. Working on drills and skills not only improves my game play, it makes me feel exceptional. Knowing that when I step on the field with my team for a game that I will be able to contribute to our success adds to my self confidence.

I first got involved in soccer three years ago during a quest to try something new. I tried out for my school’s varsity team, and made it. When I tried out I never knew that I had found my passion. Since then soccer has been a tremendous outlet for me, and has had great health benefits as well. I cannot imagine my life without soccer. Being on the soccer field provides me with satisfaction that I have experienced no other place.