Ethan Hankinson

The bang of striking a ball and the smell of fresh-cut grass have always been a part of my life. The sport of Soccer is something I've done for as long as I can remember. As I grew up, I played it every year, year-round. I moved from youth leagues to middle school, and then finally to varsity, having played on club teams throughout. For me, it was never just a sport. It was something that gave me memories and friendships that I’ll always have.

In high school, I played on the Varsity team all four years. This was both exciting and challenging. I now have to compete at a higher level, and continue travelling for games and spending long hours practicing after school. Each season brought new goals, and each game new challenges. My senior year was the most meaningful as I was chosen to serve as Captain. Wearing that captain’s band meant more than I had expected. It wasn't about being the best player, but rather leading by example and supporting my team.

Playing soccer taught me a lot more than just winning and losing. It taught me discipline, showing up for practice even if I was tired or sore. It taught me how essential teamwork is, because one person can’t win a game alone. It also taught me how to handle losses, since not every game went our way. Some of the most challenging games taught me more about patience and resilience.

Even though I'm not playing under the lights of a stadium anymore, soccer is still a big part of who I am. It has shaped how I work with other people, how I stay motivated, and how I deal with challenges. The lessons I learned while playing soccer have stuck with me, and they continue to influence how I approach school, work, and life itself.