How I Found The Joy In Soccer Despite The Pressures and Setbacks
Whenever I step onto a grass field, of any kind, my head gets flooded with intense memories. Soccer. It’s always soccer.
The dramatic goals with no time on the clock, celebrating with my teammates at Yogurt Land, or the tired and sore way I felt after a hard fought battle. The best was the year I was captain of my club team and we went undefeated and won the division.
Losing was never fun – even though I learned a lot. Then there were the injuries. I had a wrist sprain, multiple sprained ankles, concussions, a broken nose, bruises, scratches and scrapes from being tossed in the air by girls running at full speed directly into me.
Yep, that’s soccer – it was my whole world, and I loved it.
Navigating a Shift in Pressure
As I grew and advanced as a player, outside forces sometimes tried to take my spark away. The teams became more competitive, and the environment got tougher. Players, coaches, and parents can be brutal. Some had good intentions, and others seemed to thrive on drama and stepping on anyone who got in their way.
Over time, I noticed that the game’s social aspect became more complex, too. Friendships were tested, rivalries intensified, and the stakes grew higher. Social pressures off the field often spilled onto the field, affecting team dynamics and making it even more difficult to focus on just playing soccer.
Confessions of a Club Soccer Player
Sometimes I was able to look past the stress and craziness of it all, but other times, I was consumed by it. I couldn’t stop thinking about what my coach thought about me, what the other players thought, or even the parents screaming at our games, were they yelling at me?
My performance suffered.
I focused on what I could control—staying involved with my team, working on my mindset, and taking better care of my body. I watched a lot of game footage, which gave me valuable insights and rekindled my passion for the sport. This simple act helped me appreciate my progress and reminded me why I fell in love with soccer in the first place. Noticing the small yet significant moments, like the smiles on the field, compliments from peers, and my creative plays, helped redefine my mindset and recognize my worth. Controlling the controllable and challenging myself along the way strengthened me as an athlete and reshaped my mindset, highlighting the connection between sports and personal growth.
The Help from My Parents
I often sought help from my parents as well. Although they wanted to get more involved – I asked them not to. They supported me from the side and believed in me. They could see I was struggling but allowed me to grow and learn from my experiences, the good ones and the bad ones. I’m so grateful they were there for me during those tough times— especially when I wanted to give up, and on the days I felt inadequate. They helped me recognize that my worth comes FROM the effort, the struggle, and the losses, not despite them. They understood that sports were teaching me about life, and for that, I’m forever grateful.
But what makes me the most happy is that I never lost my sparkle. To this day, I still love soccer. Through it all, the highs and the lows, I managed to protect it. Even today, walking onto any field with green grass, I can’t help but smile and think about how grateful I am for all the gifts soccer gave me.
Unlocking the secrets of raising athletes
About The Author
Natalie Thomas is a Public Relations student at the University of Oregon with a double minor in Business Administration and Sports Business. A lifelong athlete who began playing soccer at four, she blends her passion for sports and media into her career aspirations. Committed to continuous learning and growth, Natalie aims to apply her skills to build positive relationships and share knowledge as an athlete.
