Player to Leader by Esther

Player to Leader by Esther - December 2021 Scholarship Essay

On Saturday mornings at the Whittier American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) field, parents typically volunteer as mediocre referees, but Coach Josh, my dad, decided to involve his players. He asked several teammates at the AYSO soccer fields, and me, a ten-year-old, to enroll in a referee training course. After completing the health course and technical skills training, I shadowed a former coach and experienced referee while we managed the teeny five-year-olds in tandem. The charming, uneven AYSO field wasn’t just home to my Saturday games as a player, as it had been since the age of five, on the field- I was now a referee, too. An example. A leader. I blew my new purple whistle and directed little girls on the field through the game I love so much.
Set in my pink shoes and oversized referee jersey, I was quickly promoted to games for the eight and nine-year-olds, even though I was of similar stature to many players. As a youth referee, I joked seamlessly with the players and generated more personable conversations, kidding around about my nonregulation pink shoes. Personability and fearlessness, despite age, make for the best of leaders. Coaches commended my efforts and encouraged their players to referee as I did. The continuous support from coaches and staff built my confidence in both my refereeing abilities and knowledge of the game.
And, thus, the infamous Morrison referee squad of Whittier AYSO formed- comprised of my dad, my twin sister, and me. With the praise of board members, coaches, and volunteers, my total game tally reached over 50, and I became the third most active youth referee in the city.
Just recently, I participated in an advanced online and in-person class to further expand my expertise as a club referee. Despite COVID restrictions momentarily putting my club and recreational refereeing to a halt, I plan to continue giving my time to young girls in an environment that stimulates hard work, fun, and passion- no matter what age. Whether a number is on my back, or a referee badge resides on my chest pocket, Saturday mornings on the soccer field are where I strive to inspire.