I began playing soccer at the age of 9. While that is kind of old compared to most kids, I still think it was just the right age for me. I was actually kind of better then the other kids who had been playing for almost 4 years longer than myself. I was one of the smallest girls out there and I had to play with a broken arm my second season. Throughout the years I continued playing on rec teams until finally 3 years later, I made a travel team. I was really nervous to play because I am older then all my other friends who play with me, so I would have to play with girls a whole grade level ahead of me. Not to mention I knew none of these girls going into my first practice. But I eventually made it all the way through middle school and my last year of elementary school, which equals 8 seasons of travel. I finally made it to the big shots now, high school. Showing up as a freshman the first day of summer workouts was even more nerve racking then the first day I began travel. I was by far one of the smallest and every girl seemed like she had been playing on very good travel teams their whole lives. I made the JV team of course and I eventually made it onto the varsity roster for sectionals. Even though I did not get to play, it was exciting just to know I came that far and the coach believed i could play with the older girls. Throughout the next 3 years of my high school career I was a starting varsity player. My sophomore year I was shocked to know that I was starting over mostly juniors, but even a couple of seniors. That year and the year following I was chosen to kick a penalty kick in the sectional finals due to the tie us and our rivals, West Lafayette, could not break. I made mine each year, even though we lost both titles. While ending a season like that is heartbreaking, losing it the same way two years in a row is almost enough to make you sick. My senior year we were not able to even make it to the sectional finals but I loved being a vital part to my team. Now being in college I had my first club soccer practice two days ago. It was like my first travel and first high school practice all over again. I'm still one of the smallest ones, and some of these girls look like they could receive a scholarship through the school to play on the team. But I now realize like all my other tough times I've gone through in my soccer career, this one will be no different and I will have the time of my life.