I hate to start off yet another story mentioning COVID-19, but with all the twists and turns it has put into my life, it is inevitable.  My 2020 sports season was not only ripped away from me, but also many other student athletes who simply wanted to play the sport they love.  

But, I am fortunate enough to say I was given a second chance to play.  Although many students’ sports seasons were cut short and delayed, I am thankful for the opportunity that I was given to play with not only my teammates, but my friends as well. 

The 2021 soccer season was not one I expected. I expected to simply wish this season goodbye, and count it as yet another let down that COVID-19 has brought me. When I heard the news that I was going to be given the chance to play again, I was ecstatic.

When my season first began, there were many new changes and challenges that my team and I had to overcome.  For example, the first few weeks of our soccer season, we were not even allowed to bring, touch , or use balls. Conditioning was our only option. But, none of us took this as a negative, we were all just happy to be able to do what we love the most.  

When the time came and we were finally allowed to officially practice, we took no second for granted. We practiced almost every single day until our pre-season games were scheduled. 

Going into pre-season, I won’t lie, I was a bit nervous.  The whole season caught me by surprise, because at the end of the day, I didn’t even expect to have one.  There were many changes that we all had to make.  Wearing masks was the new “normal”, and I will admit, it was a struggle, but we all persevered.  

This soccer season might have been short, but it was by far one of the best times I have had since the pandemic began. I felt a sense of accomplishment and normality, which was something I hadn’t felt in a long time. 

The team and I had a league record of 5-2 and an overall record of 6-4, only losing to two teams in our conference (Central Catholic and Clackamas). Honestly, I could not have asked for a better season or a better group of girls, and I would not trade this season for anything. 

As a team we came such a long way.  We worked our butts off day in and day out, and we portrayed it right onto the field. We left everything we had out on the field and never looked back.  Being a captain, I just want to say that I am so proud of each and every one of my teammates, and honored that I had the privilege of leading such a strong team. 

My coach always says, “Take advantage of every second you have on that field, because you never know what can happen,” and I can gladly say that we took that to heart this season.  I am very excited to see what we have in store for my senior year, and I cannot wait to represent the Eagles for one last time.