Lola Mackie

Growing up my parents did what most parents do: throw their kid into any and every activity to keep them busy. I was by far the worst at soccer and the worst player on the field, but even then, I loved the game more than anything.

I was so terrible at soccer, my dad tried to convince me to go back to ballet, but I refused. Instead of quitting, I took private lessons with a retired MLS player and practiced with the boys’ team before my own practice just so I could get better. Eventually, after all the hard work and discipline, I made the club and high school soccer teams (which was my dream)!

Both teams were tougher than I had ever imagined, and before I knew it, I was playing soccer five days a week. My commitment however, paid off. My freshman year I was the only starting freshman on varsity, and my team went on to be the first women’s soccer team at Fort Lauderdale High School to ever win the district championship! I became the captain of the team my sophomore year and led my team to two more district championships.

During my senior year, I partially tore a ligament in my foot, and the doctor told me to stop playing. I loved the sport too much though and my team needed their captain, so instead of walking away immediately to heal, I chose to go out there and play through it. Every game was painful, and my ligament continued to worsen but I made the most out of my last year. I finished my senior season, and I was forced to step away from soccer and decided not to play in college.

Although I was not able to fulfill my dream of playing soccer in college, my love for the sport will always remain. Soccer helped me become the person I am today and taught me things that will stay with me forever, even off the field.