THE PULSE

WPS' THE PULSE!!! #75

The Pulse's "Best Of" issue Grin

Dragon has not been back long enough to gather info for an "all new" Pulse, so for our 75th Anniversary issue thought is would be nice to do a "Best Of" issue! So sit back, grab your favorite beverage, and enjoy some of the best articles and photos from the first 74 issues of the WPS newsletter....The PULSE!!!

PART 1

*Das Uberteam becomes a household name from issue #2

"Das Uberteam!"

WPFC Black '95s...Wow, what else can be said about this little team of superstars? 3 tournaments in a row now and they are undefeated champions in all three. Including the Rainier Challenge, Starfire (as a play up), and just last weekend in Beavertown! Their stats are an incredible 65 goals for! And 0 goals against! Goes to show both the offense and the defense are working as one unit. That is truely an outstanding job for these young ladies considering a lot of them came from other teams last year. Coach Robi must be very proud of her team and the way she has gelled them together so quickly. Greg Ion and several of the coach's have taken notice and can be seen on the sidelines watching several of this teams games...it seems everyone down at river road is in love with "Das Uberteam"... Come to think of it, the boys team Pirahnnas/WPFC Black have their own t-shirts the parents wear. Dragon thinks the Girls 95 team need some "Uberteam" t-shirts too (make it happen Greg) :mrgreen: Good luck to this team the rest of the season and down at the Mustang Stampede! We will all be rooting for you down there Grin

*Standings plus goes Poof from issue #5

"Standings Plus going bye bye"

If you go to the Standings Plus home page this is the message that will great you:

"Standings Plus will be going "off the air" the end of August. July 15th marked the 3rd anniversary since my husband Rob's death and I've decided to move on with my endeavors. Good luck to everyone in the upcoming season"

Well it has seemed like SP has been around forever for us younger parents. Us 94's started mostly over there on Beth's forum. It was always a fun place to go and learn about this new sport for most of our daughters at the time; "Select soccer". As most of you know Dragon left there to come over to WPS after a few months just to have greater range of posting ability and PM's and avatars, etc. But that don't mean there was any true ill will against SP or any other forum. We will miss the easy to read standings and state cups brackets. We here at WPS wish Beth (and Cliff) all the best in the future, and a sincere thank you for all you have done in the past!

*On of the first appearances of the WPS "paparazzi" from issue #7

Not sure who this guy is, just thought it was a cool picture of a guy outside the portapotty. Seem's he was fond of "the Korean style" of going shee shee!

*From issue #9 (the first time the newsletter is called the PULSE). Big Red's 1st tournament win, and a paparazzi of coach care bear!

Team Highlights- It was a "Go Big Red Weekend"!

The gals from "Big Red" show off their Blue kits, along with the gold bling!

Moments after the game a certain mother of a tall, very talented player (#5) received a phone call from Dragon. It was a short and sweet congratulations, but very heart felt. Dragon knew it was a big deal for the team, coach, and of course the players that have been with the team since U11. Big Red's 1st tournament victory, and they did it playing up in U14!! You can almost see the pride in the coachs (the sexy russian) face! NWN Red did well in the tournament as a whole, and only lost one close game. After getting revenge for the loss they faced the Mighty Arsenal team! Was it destiny that they face this undefeated team? It sure seemed so. The U14 Sno-Ho team was not only undefeated, they were also unscored upon during the whole tournament! Well Sno-Ho's scoreless run lasted about 45 seconds as the awesome gals of Big Red marched down the field after stringing together 5-7 passes right from the kick-off! #18 Sis hit a left footed cross into middle where #13 Gabby dropped it back to #3 Natalie who made a sweet touch shot up and over the keeper into back left side of net from about 18yds out! Later Gabby #13 made another great run down left side beating several players and hit a hard shot that appeared to be a cross; the force of her kick made it screwball and the keeper was fooled as the ball sneaked in near post! The U14 Sno-Ho team put up a good rally but could not muster a goal in the first half. The 2nd half was more of the same, with Big Red continuing to apply pressure on the goal and putting on a passing clinic. With about 10 minutes left to go, NWN Red had a corner kick which resulted in a volly shot; The goalie saved the shot by punching it out, But low and behold though the ball went right to Sis #18 and she hit another volley in the back of the net from about 10yds out front. Final Score: NWN 3-0! Great job Big Red on your 1st tournament win, may you have many more in the future! Also kudo's must go out to the parents of the 93 Sno-Ho team, several of them were very complimentary to the gals during the awards ceremony!

Coach Care Bear laughs out loud in glee as he realizes he has beaten Coach Batman to the punch in signing the WPS Ball LOL

*From issue #10, one of the Pulse's most talked about issue ever!

Some sad faces from the little EX-Crush kids

"FC CRUSH 94....IS NO MORE!!!!"

This just in late last night from Pulse Reporters. Below is a letter that was sent to the people at FC Crush, SSFC President Dan Martinez, along with Gary O'Neil and others. This is copy and pasted directly from an email attachment that was sent to the Pulse late last night:

Quote from: WSYSA

September 7, 2007

To FC Crush, Dan Martinez, Kurt Pendt, Gary O”Neil, Mike Dieckman,
From, Washington State Youth Soccer.
Re: Decision

To all parties concerning the FC Crush issue.

WSYSA,has studied the recent incidents regarding the FC Crush 94 Team. WSYSA is deeply disappointed in this course of events concerning this team and the community impact that has occurred.. It is unfortunate that WSYSA and other soccer community members have spent far too many hours with this issue.

The resolution that is presented here is the final decision for this FC Crush 94 team.

1.   WSYSA will leave the FC Crush 94 Team in the South Sound Club in District 7
2.   We require them to list them selves on all web sites, flyers, and other media events as the South Sound Select Club
3.   We require them to stop wearing the FC Crush Academy 94 uniforms and other resemblance to the FC Crush Academy and to wear the colors and uniforms of the South Sound Select Club.
4.   We will require the FC Crush 94 to remove any reference to this particular team off the FC Crush Web Site in its entirety within 30 days of the date of this letter.
5.   No reference to the FC Crush 94 is used by the South Sound team, which includes logos, uniforms, tournaments inside the State of Washington and outside the State of Washington.
6.   The team does not practice in District 4, unless written permission is granted by District 4, its association President and notification of its Commissioner. This team may only practice in District 7 & Starfire, unless written permission is granted by the respective District Commissioner, all communication must include the WSYSA President, and District 4 Commissioner.
7.   Should any violation of these directives occur, WSYSA will immediately suspend the FC Crush/South Sound Select team from play with out a hearing and this will be sent directly to the WSYSA Appeals board.

WSYSA requests these actions to take place immediately and will monitor the changes requested. We will expect a full report to be issued to WSYSA by the South Sound Select Club President and District 7 commissioner on or before November 1,2007

We appreciate your cooperation.

Washington State Youth Soccer Association

*from issue #11. State WYS prez gives us his first interview, + we add team news from California!

"DRAGON'S INTERVIEW WITH WSYSA PRESIDENT ~
DOUG ANDREASSEN!!!"

First off I would like to say that I (Dragon) wrote the President of WSYSA and asked his permission for an "email interview". He graciously agreed to do one for all of you readers of the Pulse! The questions were originated by myself, so if you don't like the questions you can only blame Dragon :lol: I wanted the interview geared towards the "newer" parents to select/premier soccer who have limited understanding of what WSYSA & the position of President is all about. Not only was Doug kind enough to answer all the questions, but he stayed up late (he sent the answers long after D goes to bed) answering them for all of you just so you would be able to read them in this issue of the Pulse!!!

Enjoy :mrgreen:

DRAGON: Doug, how long has you been involved with youth soccer in Washington State either as a parent, coach, or administrator?

DOUG: I have been involved in soccer as a parent, coach and a as an administrator for over 16 years in one capacity or another. Like many members I too started at the club level, and then my association and then on to the President of WSYSA I filled the need to coach and then saw the need to be involved in my community club, which attracted me to volunteer at the Association level in various offices, and saw that I could provide some leadership as one of forty two association presidents. I finally saw the need to fill a void at WSYSA and I chose to run for President.

DRAGON: Do you have children that play soccer now or in the past? How was there experience?

DOUG: Yes in the past and currently, they have played at multiple levels in WSYSA. I have hung nets, striped fields, filled in holes on fields and other numerous activities. They have all had a wonderful experience with a few challenges thrown in, as with most members.

DRAGON: When did you decide that you wanted to run for president of WSYSA? Being that this was a major decision, how supportive was your family?

DOUG: I decided to run in June of 2006, while on a family holiday, when I noticed that access to communications was difficult, items like no answers to the emails, no answers to the phone calls, no replies from state officers and while attending national events I found our state lagging further and further behind the other states. I felt then and still feel that I could do more. My family was supportive, however not knowing the complete time commitments that are required, they encouraged me to run for the office. Now four months into the office the family now wonders where I am at, more often that not. I have displaced family vacations, holidays and other events in an effort to provide top notch service to the members and get the WSYSA house in order. My goal is to professionalize how WSYSA operates, from top to bottom. By the way we have along ways to go. This position takes a lot of support from my family, they support my commitment to youth soccer 100%, and I appreciate that from them every day.

DRAGON: Is being the President of WSYSA a full time job for you, or do you also have another non-soccer related job?

DOUG: As President of WSYSA it is a volunteer position, I have another non soccer related position(s) I occupy in the private sector. I have a great deal of responsibility to my employees and their lives, just as I feel that commitment to the WSYSA members.

DRAGON: If you could list one personal goal that is important to you to accomplish while in office, what would it be?

DOUG: To provide programs at all levels for the kids to play soccer, whether it be recreational, select and premier. My goal is to provide quality programs from the top level of soccer to the recreational level. If I can get people excited about the game of soccer and what it provides to you as a member of our soccer community, our society, and to contribute to our world around us. Soccer is a game of passion.

DRAGON: How often in your busy life do you get a chance to go out and watch youth soccer?

DOUG: I get out almost every weekend, weekdays some times and even a game or two for ethics/judicial reasons. I have a lot of friends who play the game and their kids who play, I watch many games for the thrill of watching soccer. I like to see the soccer community, listen to the soccer community and see how the rules, policies and other items we do affect the games.

DRAGON: Do you have any funny stories that have taken place since you have been in office?

DOUG: I occasionally will be at the WSYSA office and will answer a phone call. One individual called and said she was trying to contact the State President. I told her I am that person and what could I help her with, she angrily responded to stop placating her and to transfer to the President. She said she had been calling the state office for over 3 years in an attempt to talk to the President. I again informed her that I was that person. There was a moment of silence. She then said she forgot what her concern was and hung up the phone on me, I have yet to hear from her, if you are out there and read this message, email me, I am still eager to answer your concerns!

DRAGON: How many hours do you normally put in, in 1 week related to your job and soccer as a whole?

DOUG: I put in anywhere between 25 to 35 hours a week into soccer, everything from meetings, answering email, disusing soccer topics with community members, meeting with staff, meeting with marketing firms etc etc etc. this is in addition to my private sector companies where I will put in another 50 + hours a week.

DRAGON: What is your personal “Vision” of Washington soccer in the future?

DOUG: My vision is to reach out to those communities that are being under served, provide diversity to all WSYSA and to leave office someday with programs that serve all of our players abilities as well as have the members feel that the WSYSA office/staff are as professional as any sports organization, whether it be youth or professional in the country.

DRAGON: If you could tell our readers one thing about yourself that they probably don’t know, what would it be?

DOUG: I am an avid fan of sports car racing around the world. I have enjoyed that for 30+ years and travel around the world to watch these events. I also collect and have owned several sports cars.

BONUS QUESTION:
Doug took his time to add onto our interview, and give us some wonderful insight into what he and the members of WSYSA are hoping to accomplish in the future!

DOUG: I frequently get asked what is on my soccer plate at any given time, so I have provided you here a list of 52 items that are currently on my plate, they are not in order of importance or critical nature, however I do work on all of them simultaneously.

1. Diversity in WSYSA.

2. Risk Management, to provide programs to protect our members.

3. Recreation Issues

4. PDL issues

5. Membership passes

6. Player passes

7. Registration questions and certification

8. Updating Play On publication

9. Revising Soccer Fair from Top to bottom

10. Revising the Web site/Spanish

11. Coaching clinics in Spanish

12. All of our forms, books and other materials in Spanish

13. Soccer Summits for all parts of the state

14. Recreation Summit

15 WSYSA office restructuring

16. Budget Items

17. Insurance issues as they relate to our players

18. Legal issues that confront WSYSA on a monthly basis

19. Development programs for our members

20. Attending Club events, Association Events, District events

21. Reviewing all state leagues from Top to bottom

22. Reviewing all State Cups from Top to bottom

23. Revising WSYSA Logo and mission

24. Reviewing our Rules and guidelines

25. Reviewing our Disciplinary Rules

26. Interaction with Region 4 on State Issues

27. Interaction with US Youth on Diversity, Programs for our youth

28. Better communication systems with our members

29. Professionalize WSYSA office

30. Work with our Exec Director on multiple issues

31. Interaction with USSF and our Academy teams

32. MLS in Seattle

33. Sounders and promotions

34. Promotion of WSYSA within our State

35. Communication with Assoc Presidents

36. Communication with Districts

37. Communication with Clubs

38. Advise to clubs on administrative issues

39. Responding to members concerns

40. Bonzi system

41. Field Issues and how we can provide new Fields to our members.

42. Sponsorships to help keep our Fees reduced.

43. Sponsorships contacts

44. Administrative hearings

45. Judicial hearings and how we can improve them

46. Referees, how to improve

47. Coaching Director and coaching clinics

48. State League Brkfst of Champions

49. Soccer Ball for every player

50. Interaction with other State Presidents in ideas and issues that affect WSYSA.

51. Returning to a Public Draw for State Cup. Be ready!

52. ATTRACTING A TOP NOTCH SPEAKER FOR SOCCER FAIR DINNER. ANY SUGGESTIONS?

DRAGON: Thank you Doug for taking time out of your very busy schedule to answer these questions for the Pulse! We all look forward to you accomplishing all the items on your "plate".
And to borrow a line you wrote to me; "Look forward to more communication not less". Grin

GIRLS U13 NORTH-CALIFORNIA REPORTS!!!

Well what can Dragon say? WPS rules Washington when it comes to reporting youth soccer...we are slowly but surely taking over Oregon as well...Sooo, what was Dragon to do? Keep branching out of course! :lol: So the next logical soccer-mecca for Dragon to reach out to was the state of California who is broken down into two sections (Nor-Cal and So-Cal). Dragon hunted high and low to find a parent of one of the best (if not the best) U13 team in Nor-Cal. He found one! So, Dragon is adopting the Central Valley ChiliPeppers as our Nor-Cal team (State Champs at U12), and they are going to give us weekly updates on their team and some of their competition! Cal-North now...tomorrow the world :lol:

Quote from: ChiliPepper Reporter

Dragon, Lets start with last weekends results. The Peppers are off to a 2-0 start in District 2 Cal North winning both games opening weekend vs Deanza 1-0 and the CV Revolution 8- 0. Maddie our GK had to have surgery on the arm she broke in our Tournaments Championship game vs Mustang Blast. We lost to Mustang 1-0 but played the whole 2nd half without subs due to injuries and ODP. The other big team at U13, the Mustang Blast opened up with a decisive 4 -0 vistory over Lamorinda and then tied DVSC 1-1 who played with only 10 players in the 2nd half. That's it for week #1, for week #2 here are some of the scores from our Dist 3 and Dist 2-

District 3
Dubkin Flame 1 Mustang United 0
Mustang Blast 5 Pleasanton Rage 0
ACC Mavericks 1 Lamorinda 0
Bay Oaks Speed demons 2 DVSC 0

In District 2
Chilipeppers 2 Santa Cruz 0
Orchard Valley Storm 2 Deanza Force 1
Almaden Ice 0 Cenral Valley Revolution 0

Here is my recap for the C.P. game on 9-15:
The goals were scored by Marrissa #13 and Celeste #14 both in the 1st half off of assists from Zarette #15 and Colby #4. Our defense recorded their 3rd straight shutout as Sam #21, Brittany #2 Sloan #5 and Sarina #16 were outstanding allowing only 3 shots on our goalie Leslie # 11. We will get our defender Hannah #12 back this week from her broken arm before regionals and Maddie #8 our keeper had successful surgery to put a plate in her right forearm that she broke. We also picked up an excellent midfielder who is transferring over from a D2 rival. When all paperwork is finalized we will introduce her wink

The Chilipeppers!

Thanks ChiliPepper-Reporter! Look forward to your report next week!!!
Hope Maddie get well and recovers soon, we up here in Washington will have her in our thoughts Grin

*from issue 12, one of our most disgusting covers LOL, + a picture of one of our original posters-Soccrtaxi!

...a WPS reporter goes out to the local pitchs to find the story, and all they find is.........?

young AR: "I am really nervous, what should I do?"
Experienced Ref: "well when I am nervous I like to put my hands under my arm pits like this...."

*From issue 13..One of our most read coachs interview of all time!, + a great picture of Gumby!

....AS WE INTERVIEW "THE ASSASSIN" NEIL MEGSON/PUSHUP!!!!!

DRAGON'S INTERVIEW WITH ONE OF THE KINGS OF THE PDL ~ NEIL MEGSON!

DRAGON: What do you think about your move to Crossfire?

NEIL: So far it's been wonderful. Crossfire is so organized. The real story behind Crossfire is their office staff and volunteer's. If it weren't for people like Curt, Celeste, Connie, Sandy, Dick and Bernie crossfire would be just another club. The volunteers base ran by Tina, Veronica, Barry, Lance and Brain also create massive funds so that every child who needs financial help gets to play.

DRAGON: Do you do anything for a living outside of coaching?

NEIL: I coach 7 days a week in the evenings. I've just started a spec house project in Gig Harbor.

DRAGON: You are frequently “bashed or applauded” on WPS. How do you feel about the “accolades”? How do you feel about the “bashing”?

NEIL: It comes with coaching soccer. Some people hate you , some people love you. I do however love it when people take time out of their day to bash me. It would be like me wasteing my time telling people how to do their jobs when I have no idea what I'm talking about.

DRAGON: What is your feelings on the WPS site? What made you decide to “Come out” as your persona “Pushup” as you did on the site?

NEIL: I don't care what people say about me on the Internet, as I said it goes with the territory. But while I was at Westsound not only me, but volunteer board members and players were getting bashed. So I fought fire with fire. Over time I realized nobody cares about anyone else's problems so when someone bashed my BU11 team at Crossfire I posted as my self.

DRAGON: It is obvious that several of the posters on the site are unknown. Name 3 people (that are unknown to you now) who you would like to meet in person someday and why.

NEIL:
Duffer and Eastern Washington - two tuff talking chickens who nobody knows who they are, and who hide on the internet. Duffer actually says he's going to walk up to my face and tell me what an ass#$%^^ I am. Well Duffer here's my stats. Height 6'2". Weight 216. Position when playing pro; Hard nose defender. Nickname.... "Assassin". Let's meet for coffee :twisted:
Dragon - Of course, who wouldn't.
Gumby - 99% of the time this person is so positive.
94soccermom - I honestly don't know who this is but shes always has my back.

99% of the parents at Westsound are wonderful people who get bashed because of a few. I still say that if the Kitsap Peninsula could unite they would become an overnight club to deal with. The other 1% ruin it for the other 99%.

DRAGON: What do you think your team's chances are this year? Boys team? Girls team?

NEIL:
BU11 - the best group of young boys I've ever had. I have between 11 to 14 depending on which roster Dick, Seth and myself put them on. All of them would be starters on any other team in the State. They practice and play 4 times a week. Our goal this year is to go undefeated and win State.
GU13C - This group of girls are the most improved team I've ever had the privilege to coach. I decided with Porter and Amy they would practice exactly the same as the A and B team. We practice 3 times a week and focused on fitness and ball skills for the first 6 weeks. I did actually have parents complain that the C team shouldn't have to run as much as the A and B team. Go figure. What was great is that it paid off, we won 2 tournaments and it was great to see a C team have success.
GU18 - this team makes me sad a little. I've had 4 players follow me from Norpoint, to Harbor to Kitsap to Crossfire in the past 6 years. They were wonderful kids who grew up to be great young adults. On the other hand they are great young adults and players that I wish I had the chance to coach on Crossfire when they were younger. We had a good summer and I know that this team can play with anybody.

DRAGON: What are your personal goals as a coach?

NEIL: This ones easy. Bernie, Dick and myself have the same formula. Listen to what we coach. Practice hard and practice often. That's it. You won't find much help in a book.

DRAGON: Besides yourself, name some of the best coach you have seen?

NEIL: Old school - Bernie James. Dick McCormick. Tommy Jenkins. Fran O'Brien. Bash all you want, they produce quality teams that win at the highest tournaments.
New on the block - Tim Reynolds. Michell French, Jason Harnasch, Jim Thomas. There are many other coaches who do fantastic jobs (mainly at Crossfire. I had to say it ) but I don't see them coach. If your happy with your coach, the grass is not always greener on the other side.

DRAGON: Describe the 94 Crush team as you would to a friend over a pint at MadPizza.

NEIL: This is a tricky question. I don't think that the 94 Crush team has ever had a player that wouldn't start on any other team in the state. Their fun to watch, their quick over 2 yards, fast over 20. Their powerful and good on the ball. Their wonderful going forward but have the worst offside trap I've ever seen. The parents that are now on the team have nothing to do with the fight I had when they were U10/U11. Those players have been replaced by recruited players. I don't care what you say about me, O'Neil recruits cause he can't coach, In my humble opinion.

DRAGON: All of us here on WPS know that you don't care for G.O.; Can you think of 3 people that you would rather NOT spend a month with on a desert island?

NEIL: Wow trying to find 1 person is like trying to find a needle in in a haystack!... but 3?!!
#1 Hitler. he would yell at kids like O'Neil.
#2 Jeffrey Dahmer. He might get hungey.
#3 Lauren Bobbit. She might get mad.

DRAGON: If you could not coach with your team tomorrow, name one team you would not mind taking over if you had your pick of any?

NEIL: GU13 FC Crush.

DRAGON: What is some thing you would like Dragon to tell the whole world about you?

NEIL: A lot of stuff has been posted on this web page about me. Most of it's not true. I haven't had any problems with the Crush since I left WS for XF. When I first went to Westsound the FC kitsap versus FC Crush was just beginning. When ever the Crush didn't get their own way after breaking WSYSA and D4 rules I got blamed. I even got blamed when O'Neil had an argument with the Gig Harbor tournament director, he got his teams kicked out. Then some idiot puts on WPS that I had them removed. Total BS. Never happened; But because it was posted on here people think its true. Any how, most of the players from back then have been cut and replaced with more developed recruited players. I don't know any of the new parents and I haven't really had any problems with the new parents. Anyhow, just like you don't judge a book by it's cover, please meet me before you decide if you like me or not.

DRAGON: I have a young son or daughter looking to play for a top level coach…you are one of the coach’s they are considering. Tell us all why they should pick you over another coach.

NEIL: All of the DOC"S and coach's at Crossfire have the same formula. Listen to the coach, practice hard and practice often.
Well, I've coached youth, college and pro. Sometimes with good talent and sometimes not so good. If your children played for me I would make them become the best player they could be.

DRAGON: Being one of the Kings of the PDL, what is something you would like to tell everyone about the PDL if you were given the chance?

NEIL: Give the PDL a chance. It's evolving. Some things may work some may not. We may stay apart from the state, we may go back with them. All we know is for 20 years nothing changed, in 3 months we moved the girls season to save numerous ACL tears and injuries. There are other ideas that are being talked about to help develop WA State youth soccer. Look for Tier 1, 2 and 3 PDL club league. Most parents think that all clubs are the same. There not. Some clubs are well organized machines, some clubs don't know their ass from their elbow. Get organized or get out of the way.

DRAGON: Thank you for taking the time to do this interview. The readers of the Pulse all appreciate it! Dragon and the Pulse welcome any response from parents or coachs to this interview

The Pulse's "guest editor" will never live down the day he took this flop....is that butt crack?! :lol: :lol:

*from issue 14 a 17 year old Super Star wrote a nice article for the Pulse

"WHAT IS LOVE?? A 17 YEAR OLD SUPERSTAR'S DEFINITION OF LOVE AND SOCCER

Dragon is very very pleased to bring you this article from a home grown super star. This young star has done things and been places that most U11-U14 players only dream about! A fantasitc article, by a fantastic National Level Player!!!

People always say they love playing a certain sport, playing videogames, hanging with friends, watching movies, etc. What exactly is this passion? I always say I "love" playing soccer. What exactly does that mean?

What is love?

My soccer career has been like a rollercoaster… I have had my highs and I have had serious lows. A few years ago I experienced something no player should have to go through and it was probably one of the hardest times I have ever gone through in my life. I was struggling in soccer and having issues on my club team. With all the issues, stress, pressure, being mistreated, etc… the "fun" in soccer slowly began to drain. Before I knew it, going to practice was a chore and no longer fun for me. It felt like work. It got so bad that my confidence in myself as a player was extremely low and I was about ready to quite playing soccer because I hated it so much.

After months of struggle, I had to step back and ask myself why I was still playing. Deep down in my soul I knew I still loved the game and wanted to play until I died. I had to make an unbearably tough decision that most don’t understand and never will. I switched teams and took myself out of a serious situation. At last, the "fun" that I once had every time I laced my cleats up slowly began to come back and I was smiling. Soccer finally began to feel alive to me again!

Today I’m playing the best soccer I’ve ever played in my life! Each game I look forward to a new experience and more competition. I’m playing the best soccer of my life and I know there is only better play to come. My teammates and coaches, we are strong and supportive of each other. But the most important thing was that I realized who my real family was. Not just my team but the people who surround, love, inspire, cheer, and support me in everything I do…. they were my sounding board and they never judged me for whatever I did.

So, define love? What exactly does it mean?

Since my experience, I have traveled an unbelievable amount. The flight attendants almost know my name…. just kidding! My summers are packed with tournaments and camps to attend. This year I was home a total of a week and a half during the month of July. However, I’ve never had so much fun in the years I’ve played. As I look back on the past four years I am just amazed by the opportunities and experiences God has given me.

Coming off an amazing summer and hitting the ground hard with high school ball, it has been a total high point for me from a soccer perspective and having coaches and players saying I played great and all this positive stuff… I absolutely love playing soccer. As much as people joke around and say that I'm always training and always playing soccer and never have time to do anything or hang out with anybody… I honestly don't care! I'm living my dream and I just pray that I'm living God's dream for my life. I chose long ago that my soccer career would be my mission field. I have never gone on a "mission trip" before and may never, but in my eyes I've gone on over 75 mission trips. God has truly blessed me in my abilities to play soccer and I only hope that I'm making Him proud in the things I'm doing.

Love?

Love is the passion I have to play soccer. Love is the gleam in my eyes when I think or talk about soccer. I love working my hardest and being exhausted afterwards from working so hard. I love the feeling after a hard practice when you're out of breath and the sweat is just running down your face. The taste of cold water after you’ve just run yourself into the ground. The countless songs you sing over and over in your head as you run around that track or through the neighborhood. The dreadful feeling when your coach says, “on the line” after a brutal practice. The hundreds of different types of shoes you go through. The time you beat your rival by one goal and you know those two extra sprints were worth it. The blood, sweat, and tears you experience as a team. The way you lift one another up after a tough loss or a bad game. The coaches you hate but appreciate. The smell of crisp air and freshly cut grass before a game. Every time you hit that snooze button in the hotel room. The countless burgers you’ve passed up for a bowl of pasta and chicken. The laughs, jokes, and memories each team shares. The feeling after a game when you know you've played with all your heart and left it all on the field no matter what the outcome was. That one tackle that sends your adrenaline through the roof. The feeling when your coach says a simple "good job". The feeling when you know you’ve just played the best game of your life. The feeling when you finally crawl into bed that night after a tough battle. The feelings I get are numerous and indescribable.

So, what exactly is love?

Love is a feeling that only you yourself can ever experience.

I'll never be able to explain it to anybody and I don't think anybody will ever understand the feelings I get. All I know is that I am seventeen years old and I love playing soccer with all my heart, mind, and soul. It is part of me—my DNA. The passion and love I have for the game lives within me and burns stronger every time I cross that white line onto the pitch.

END OF PART 1

	Author	Topic: THE PULSE - #75 (Read 806 times)
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