During our 2012 high school soccer season, our team was ranked 15th in the State of Iowa. Being one of the smaller schools in our class, we were excited. It had been several years since we had been recognized as one of the top teams. We were young (only three starting seniors), but excited. We knew we could make an impact, if we played as a team. We had potential and we wanted victory.

I was a team captain. I played defensive midfielder and was required not only to play my position but also to help direct traffic on the pitch (otherwise known as the soccer field). I called out open players or spots to help my teammates. I was just coming off a concussion, so was required to wear a concussion band. It felt awkward and cumbersome, but I did not care. If I could play as long as I wore it, that is what I was going to do. I just wanted to be on the pitch with my team.

Not long after season started I became ill and my doctor tested me for mono. Luckily, it came back negative, but I missed 2 weeks of season. Soon after recovering, I suffered with kidney stones. It took 3 weeks for me to pass the stone. During my first game back, I suffered a severe toe sprain and bone bruise to my foot. I was put in a walking boot; again, another 2 weeks off.

Through the entire ordeal, I continued to support my teammates from the sidelines. Even when I felt ill, I was at the game, cheering and directing traffic from the bench. However, I was frustrated, out of shape, and disappointed. I really just wanted to play.

Toward the end of season, our regular keeper had some issues. My coach approached me and asked if I would like to work on some keeper skills. He told me he knew I could do it and how much I wanted to play; no matter what position.

I jumped at the opportunity. I had not played keeper for a couple of years, but I was willing to do anything to get into the game. I worked hard, coming in early and staying late to work on drills. Some of my teammates as stayed. They would shoot one-on-one goals at me to test me in the position and provided their support and confidence in me in my new position.

With the help of my teammates, I became the starting keeper for our team in the State Championship game and voted “Ironman of the Game”, by MediaCom 22 (the station televising the match).

I did not give up and neither did my teammates. Together, as one, we played with our hearts. We relied and had confidence in each other. Through the ups and the downs, we stayed as one and played as a team; it proved to be successful. We made history at our high school, as being the first women’s soccer team to play in a state championship match. We did not win the match, but we have raised the bar for next year.