Daniela Valdez

Soccer is more than kicking a ball around and facing your opponent to score a goal. Soccer, to me, is a passion, a tradition, a sacrifice, and a stress reliever because when I step onto a field, all my problems seem to disappear.

As I would watch my brothers play soccer, I would think to myself all: "is all that running worth it?" Nevertheless, it is. Before I knew it, I too was carrying a tradition that ran in my family. The soccer field is my sanctuary because there I face my fears with tactics and strategies.

However, soccer not only introduced me to new skills, it also introduced me to friends and coaches, who become family. A family who keeps their head high whether we win or lose. A family who is not afraid to criticize my abilities.

This sport has also brought me closer to my family. I remember getting home late from my soccer games, and I would be soaking wet from the rain. Nonetheless, my mom would be there waiting for me on the couch asking me how the game went and if I needed anything. I also remember my siblings sitting in freezing weather cheering me on. It did not matter if we won or lost, they were always there no matter what.

Needless to say, soccer is more than a sport. It has left me with so many memories. Memories that will stick with me forever. I have stopped playing, but I plan on continuing this tradition.