Tara’s Takes
Natalie wrapped up another season of soccer for the MHS girls team. Of course, soccer is not done in our house. I get daily updates on the National Women’s Soccer League teams, games, trades, announcements, etc. But as far as traveling twoplus hours for most away games, we’ll put that off until next year.
This was an interesting season for Natalie filled with ups and downs. She started with a knee injury that sidelined her playing time. That was extremely frustrating for her after ending last year’s season with a concussion that kept her out of the final two weeks.
She worked her way back and almost made it a month before a tangle with her own teammate left her with a sprained ankle that sidelined her for a week and then limited playing time as she worked her way back.
As a parent, you never want to see your kid get hurt. But as a sports parent, you know it is constantly a possiblity. However, soccer is a completely different beast.
Soccer can be described as a combination of hockey and football, without padding. The only thing soccer players wear are shin gaurds.
So injuries are part of the game. It’s what comes after the injuries that really counts.
This year when the team ran the 5K during tryouts week, Natalie was stuck timing. After her ankle injury she had to focus more on being the “hype” person than the player on the field. In all honesty, for a girl who loves soccer, that sucks. But it is extremely important to the team and builds life skills you don’t get on the field.
She also moved positions a few weeks into the season. After playing defense forever, her coach moved her to striker. In her first game, she got called offsides three times in the first half. It’s a huge change to switch to offense.
She figured it out and ended the season with eight goals. Not bad for a girl who lives for defense.
Now we unpack the soccer wardrobe from the car — tanks tops, shorts, sandals, blankets, sweatshirts, umbrellas, gloves — they really play in any weather. We take time to reflect on the positives of the season and what she wants to work on for next season. She lets her body heal a little bit.
And maybe, just maybe, I might get the smell of soccer cleats out of my van before next season.
But no promises!
