Marion Girl Soccer Application Essay

For me, soccer is all I know. I started soccer in May 2008. I was three years old. Some people might think that soccer is just another sport, but soccer can be so much more than that. Soccer can be something so great when the team relationships are strong. So, it wasn't until I started playing soccer at the high school that I really was able to understand that people can have more than one “family”. I have never been a part of any kind of environment like the soccer team. At Marion, the girls soccer program started in 2000, making this year the 24th team. Being a part of the girl soccer team is important to not only me, but all those on the team because it has taught us many things such as work ethic, being a part of a community, and being

However, that doesn’t mean the team is inclusive. I have been a part of many teams, and I can be the first to tell you, just because anyone can join the team, they don’t always make sure everyone is included. However, the foundation of Marion Girls Soccer is inclusion, togetherness, and family. We have open arms to all players, players who have played for years, players who are wanting to try out a new sport, or even players who haven't played in years trying to see if they still love the sport like they did when they were younger. There is no initiation process, all are welcome to join this team. When players meet a certain skill level then they are able to join the varsity team. Although, other than games, we spend all of our time together. “JV” and “Varsity” don't really exist to us, we are all one team. We all practice together, we have the same schedule, we go to the same games, and we have team dinners together. There are not too many ways anyone could be excluded from this culture other than being a male. Marion has our own extremely successful boy team. It is required through the school that you are passing all your classes, otherwise no pass no play. On the other hand, not required through the school, but something our program requires is a good character. Always doing what is best for the team, being selfless before selfish, having a good work ethic, being KIND, and having your teammates

High School sports teaches a lifetime of important characteristics. The girls soccer team was a huge part of my high school career and I have learned so many things, more than just soccer related. I have learned how it feels to be a part of a community, a family. I have learned how to be a good leader, how to be someone that younger athletes can look up to, how to work hard, have integrity, and many other things that my teammates and coach have taught me over the years. My advice for everyone, not just those interested in soccer, is to try new things. My freshman year I was unsure about doing soccer at the high school level. I had amazing upperclassmen that persuaded me into going out, which easily turned out to be the best decision I ever made. I will never be able to put a price on the friendships, memories, or life lessons that this sport and family have taught