Last fall, anyone who asked me what sports I played would have gotten the answer, “Soccer
and cross country.” And in that very order.

Soccer has always been a top priority in my life. Earlier this year I was given the opportunity to play for a team I’ve only dreamt of playing for. Considering the higher level of commitment this team would entail, I wasn’t the least surprised to learn that my new coach didn’t like the idea of me running cross country during the same season.

By no means did I want to give up cross country and everything that came with it: the feeling of accomplishment after every race, the coaching staff I learned so much from, and the girls who eventually became my best friends.

Regardless, the idea of quitting slowly grew on me. I told myself over and over that it was for the best – soccer is what I’ve always wanted to do, and this sacrifice was deemed necessary… so I didn’t sign up for cross country. I didn’t turn in a physical. I didn’t even buy new running shoes.

Now that school has started, I walk home from school everyday and pass the team as they warm-up. If it was up to me, I would run home, slip on my old mud-stained Adidas, and join the girls. I would ask, “How many miles today, Coach Roe?” And the moment she leaves, I would turn to the girls and we’d plan our schemes for the day.

But I can’t.
As much as I miss cross country, I love my new soccer team. I don’t think I would be satisfied playing anywhere else. Soccer has taken on a new role in my life, and I’m not about to mess it up. At North’s next cross country meet, you won’t see me sporting the uniform… you’ll see me three feet away screaming for the girls I’ve grown to love.