Determined to Perservere

When I started blogging a few months ago, the intention of my blog was to work on my photography skills.  It was not to brag about myself or my children.  However, today I have to do a proud momma post.  Please bear with me as I explain!

Kelsey loves to play sports.  She has played sports since she started kindergarten six years ago...since then she has played or participated in some type of sport.  She started off in soccer and then gave T-Ball a try.  Then she thought she'd give cheerleading a try.  She even squeezed in a season of swimming.  Yes she loves sports!  She gave up cheerleading last fall in order to revisit soccer. 

Not having played in a few seasons she was a little rusty but quickly got the hang of it.  She decided she wanted to try out the position of goalie.  oui vey!  I was always nervous when she was defending the goal!  She mastered that position and only allowed a few balls to go in.  Her team didn't win any games that season but they learned to play as a team and all became better soccer players.  

Fast forward to last spring when twelve girls took the field for the first time under Coach Mike.  Coach Mike and his girlfriend took the girls from a group of individuals to a Team.  We all know there is no I in Team and Together Everyone Achieves More!

Kelsey started out in the goal but quickly decided she wanted to learn a new position and turned the net over to two of her teammates.  She started out as a defender, (guarding the net) and then played the front line a few times.  Kelsey was determined to score a goal.  I promised her I would buy her french fries if she scored a goal.  Sadly the season ended with no goals or french fries, but wasn't for a lack of trying!  Kelsey had a few assists and one near miss.  In her near miss, the ball hit the side of the net and bounced out...I mean that kinda counts right?

 However, remember when I said Coach Mike taught the girls to play as a team and not individuals?  Well his strategy paid off big time as the team went on to become undefeated.  They only allowed two goals to be scored all season.  They were the only team to be undefeated in their division.  

Move ahead one more time.  Spring soccer 2012.  Same coach and almost same group of girls.  When they practiced for the first time two weeks ago it was almost as if they never stopped playing.  

Today was their first game.  Of course, today it had to be 60 degrees and pouring down rain.  It's been so nice all week why did it have to rain today?  The girls however were super excited to play in the rain and prayed the game wouldn't be cancelled.  Kelsey was a little more excited because she was playing her cousin's team.  

Kelsey took the field and was playing the front line.  She had many good blocks and kicks and even an assist or two but no goal at the end of the first half.  I reminded her she could score a goal if she put her mind to it.  I also reminded her she had to tell herself she was going to score.  

The second half was just as intense as the first half with Kelsey stopping the ball, turning it in the other direction and passing it to her players.  Then it happened...

a shot on goal...and guess what it missed but she got it back and tried again and the ball when in!  I have never been so proud of her in my life.  She was determined to score and she did!  The joy in her eyes and smile on her face was so bright I am sure everyone in York saw it.  

After the goal, she was determined to try again!  I have never seen her play harder or more determined.  She stopped a ball with her stomach, which I am sure hurt as I heard the hit from the sideline, and then dribbled the ball to the goal to take another shot as soon as the ball hit the ground.  It almost went in but just missed!  

The funny thing is right before she scored her goal, I turned to my friend and said, "You watch today is the day she is going to score a goal since I don't have my camera."  And wouldn't you know it, a few minutes later she scored.  For the record I did have my camera but it was raining too hard to take it out and try to shoot while holding the umbrella at the same time!

Kelsey, 

I am so proud of your perseverance and determination to score a goal.  Never let anyone tell you that you can't do something because the girl I saw on the field today proved to me that you can do anything you want.  I love you and am so proud to call you my daughter. 

And in case you are wondering if we got 

Glacier Flakes...technically we did not.  We went out for dinner instead.  However, her assistant coach stopped by a little while ago with a cherry Glacier Flakes just for Kelsey.  Thanks Coach Frank! 

Let this be a lesson to all of us who are ready to give up...persevere and never give up...Keep your eye on the goal and you will score.

Focusing on Him,

~W~