These sufferings have seasoned me:

Last game with Seattle United

After my first Surgery

Soccer has always been my outlet and my passion. My commitment to soccer began when I was 5 years old when I joined my first organized team. Since then, I have been playing soccer year around on multiple premier clubs. My summers consisted of tournaments and showcases, and I rarely had breaks from the sport. My much desired break finally came though, but in a way I would not have expected. Soccer ultimately ceased to exist for me during my junior year of soccer, while I was committed to playing a year at Seattle United. The summer before junior year would be my last time competing for a premier club, and my last time actually came before the season even started. Unfortunately, I tore ligaments and my meniscus in my knee after getting into a bad tackle at a pre-season showcase. My season ended right on the spot, and six months later I was in physical therapy recovering from the surgery. My junior year was definitely tainted with this suffering because I had nothing else replace the joy and accomplishment I received from soccer. My collegiate scholarships also were in jeopardy because they are few college coaches who want to fill their roster with players who have already undergone knee surgery. Little did I know that this exact same injury would happen again during my senior year, ending my soccer career completely. It was during a high school match that I was tackled from the side, and the meniscus was torn on the other knee resulting in having to go under the knife once again and shattering all chances for soccer life beyond high school. I had never been so upset and confused why something like this would happen to a player like myself, who actually loved the game unlike some players. The suffering and loss that I went through was completely unexpected and I am still coming to terms with the fact that soccer is no longer a part of my life anymore. Thankfully, I am still able to run and I am planning on involving myself with inter-murals in college.