Michael Rummel

Soccer has been a ridiculously large part of my life for the past 6 years, probably larger than I'd like to admit. All my good friends from back home were people I played with for years and spent hundreds of hours practicing and playing with, and whenever we'd hang out, it was almost a guarantee that we'd be doing something related to soccer, I followed Chelsea religiously, and in my spare time at home I could often be found playing FIFA and getting way too into it as I fought to keep my unbeaten streak. While many people have a sport that has shaped their life in a significant way, I don't think that makes it any less special. Prior to joining the soccer team, I had entered a new school the year before. I wasn't the most social kid, and I really didn't have many friends. Finding soccer and finding my friends allowed me to join a community, and to playing day in and day out with the same people led to close friendships, although we typically weren't saints to each other.I think that's the real reason why it's so important to me. It's the fact that every time I see a soccer game on TV or some kids outside playing a pickup game, I'm reminded of all the fantastic memories I've made playing the sport and hanging out with my friends. While some would say I could've spent my time doing more productive things, they may be right, but I honestly wouldn't trade anything. Except for the time I tore my knee. I'd take that back in a heartbeat. College though is more than likely going to be a new and different chapter in my life, and soccer has taken more of a back seat to things. I still watch games and will play some pickup here and there, but it's nothing like practicing for hours everyday, striving to become a better player and to not only win for yourself, but to win for your teammates and best friends. And if there's anything I'm going to miss about high school and my "old" life, it's going to be soccer.