Chasing Dreams by Natasha

Chasing Dreams by Natasha - December 2013 Scholarship Essay

The Texas Rush coach called and told me about the opportunity. If I wanted to play, I

would need to move away from my family in Tennessee to live with a host family in Texas. I

would need to sacrifice everything I had. I would leave behind my friends, family, and home just

to play this game. And that is exactly what I did.

Growing up in a small town of Collierville, Tennessee, I switched between many soccer

clubs, but I came to settle on one in particular: Rush. More than just a team, this club became my

new soccer family. With teams all around the world and coaches who wanted to see me succeed,

I grew increasingly loyal to the club over the years. I am truly grateful for how Rush prepared

me for the next stage in what I hope to be only the start of my athletic career.

Although I loved playing for my team in Memphis, I was encouraged by my coaches to

look away from home for the next level of competition. Though the Rush coaches shuffled me

around to give me as much exposure as possible, I could not make it into any big showcases, as

they simply weren’t available in the region. Playing high-level college soccer would be a life-
long dream come true, so after a year of hard work, I decided to leave Tennessee Rush. I still

remember the tears when I told my coach. It broke my heart; I loved this club. But then came the

phone call. I was being given an opportunity to play in the ECNL – the most competitive girls’

league in the country – with Texas Rush.

A week before school started, I packed up all my things and flew to Texas. I have never

been more scared. People I had never met before were waiting at the airport. The Dodsons, my

host family, took me to their home where I began settling into my new life. I called home that

night. I had to explain to both my baby sisters – and myself – that I was going to be gone for a

long time, and all we could do was cry together. I remember being so torn up inside. I could not

believe it was real. I was really gone.

My first few months in Houston were hard. I celebrated my 16th

family and without my friends. I started school not knowing anyone. I was enrolled in multiple

AP courses and practicing eight times a week. I was under enormous stress and pressure from

school and soccer - and so homesick - I cried myself to sleep every night.

But if there is one thing soccer career has taught me, it is that persistence pays off, and

after a while, things started getting better. I quickly became the leading scorer on my team.

Gradually, my phone calls home could be made without so many tears. I was beginning to

appreciate the new opportunities I had. I was finally happy with my choice to move.

This move changed my entire life. I proved to myself that I am ready for new challenges,

and I can only hope this move was just the beginning of many new opportunities to come. I am

beyond excited to now be committed to a school with a great soccer program, with a chance

to fulfill my lifelong goal to play college soccer. I hope this will be the next step towards my

ultimate dream which is to represent the United States in the Women’s World Cup. Few players

get this incredible opportunity, but this move gave me that hope. It proved to me that I have what

it takes to put everything on the line to succeed. I have the drive, dedication, and desire to be the

best, but most importantly, I personally understand the importance of hard work and sacrifice.