Life is a journey, filled with highs and lows, triumphs and tribulations. The most profound of these experiences can shape us in unexpected ways. Losing my dad was a heart-wrenching low point in my life. During this challenging time, my soccer coach emerged as a guiding light. The loss of my dad was an experience that no one can ever be fully prepared for. His sudden departure left a void in my heart that seemed impossible to fill. Amid sorrow and confusion, I was grappling with emotions I had never encountered before. As a teenager, I found it challenging to express my grief, struggling to understand how to cope. In the chaos of emotions and despair, soccer became my refuge. It was the one constant in my life that remained unchanged. My soccer team was my second family, and the pitch became a sanctuary where I could temporarily escape from the harsh reality. The camaraderie, the shared purpose, and the rush of the game provided me with a sense of normalcy that I desperately needed. My soccer coach played an integral role in pushing me forward. Beyond the tactical and technical aspects of the game, he recognized the emotional turmoil I was experiencing. His empathetic and caring nature shone through as he provided guidance, encouragement, and a shoulder to lean on. My coach was always willing to listen. He encouraged me to talk about my feelings, and this simple act of lending an empathetic ear made me feel less alone. During training and matches, my coach motivated me to give my best. He reminded me that while I might be dealing with personal challenges, I had the power to channel my emotions into the game and make something positive come out of what I felt. My coach became a mentor, offering life advice beyond the soccer field. He shared his own experiences of overcoming adversity and the importance of grit and resilience. My coach emphasized the importance of unity within the team, and supporting one another. The camaraderie and support from my teammates created a sense of belonging and solidarity that was crucial for my emotional healing. While the pain of my father's absence remained, I discovered the power of resilience and inner strength. Soccer, once merely a game, transformed into a therapeutic outlet for my emotions and a means of personal growth with my coach at the helm steering me through the waves. In the darkest period of my life, my soccer coach emerged as a beacon of light. The lessons I learned during this time extended far beyond the soccer field. I learned the importance of compassion, resilience, and the invaluable support that mentors can provide during life's most trying moments. Losing my dad will forever be a part of my story, but so will the role my soccer coach played in helping me find my way back to living fully. His guidance, empathy, and unwavering support gave me the strength to face my challenges head-on and emerge from the darkness a stronger and more resilient individual. In the end, my coach showed me that even in the face of loss, we can find strength and the courage to move forward.

From the moment I lace up my cleats, I am entering so much more than a game. It is my guide through life. What some may call a game has become my healing and my hope for the future. From infancy, watching soccer was as reflexive as breathing. I remember being a toddler sitting on my father’s lap, hanging on his every word. He explained stats and strategy. My father was at every one of my games, cheering me on from the sidelines, practicing with me, and encouraging my success on and off the field. Soccer was an indelible bond between us. When my mom was diagnosed with cancer, there were so many unknowns…life had changed. I watched my dad’s playful personality turn stoic. Practice became an outlet. From pink socks and fundraisers, to dinner delivered, everyone was there to lend a hand. Though at eleven years old I didn’t truly understand her fight, I knew my teammates and their families were there to support all of us in all ways. That was my first glimpse of the bonds created through the game I love. While my mom’s cancer battle was challenging, the passing of my father was an unimaginable blow during my fall travel season in 2019. The soccer field was my only relief, where for a brief moment, my pain was overshadowed by the intricacies of strategy and the exhilaration found in every goal. It was an outlet for my anger and grief. Even though it was fleeting, with my teammates surrounding me, I felt joy again. Soccer also taught me the power of human connection. My teammates and my coach were my strength, holding me up on the days where I struggled. I realized that giving myself permission to lean on them in my darkest moments was not weakness, but rather a sign of strength. To know that alone I was only one, but when placed together with my teammates, we all became one - driven to succeed and to work together for a common goal. They became the family I chose in the months and years that followed. Moreover, the idea of grit is pervasive through both the sport and through life. Working through injuries and slumps paralleled my journey with successes and setbacks, but always the perseverance to just keep going. This never give up mentality is what propels me forward both on and off the field, and will continue to move me in the direction of my dreams. As I think about next steps, and moving forward to college, I am reminded of how much I have overcome. My connection to soccer has set in motion resiliency and ability to see my way through darkness. I have learned that it’s not so much what life throws at me, but how I choose to respond. I know that future challenges will continue to help me grow. I aspire to continue to stay connected to the game, but also approach my studies with the mindset that together we accomplish more and every setback leads to a sweeter victory. Through soccer, I found the strength to move forward through grief. Through grief I have found the power to prevail. I am eager to begin my next chapter, where I can continue to develop both on and off the field and positively impact those around me. I will continue to be goal driven in the face of adversity, and as I am, I can hear my dad ‘s voice cheering me on from the sidelines.

From the moment I lace up my cleats, I am entering so much more than a game. It is my guide through life. What some may call a game has become my healing and my hope for the future. From infancy, watching soccer was as reflexive as breathing. I remember being a toddler sitting on my father’s lap, hanging on his every word. He explained stats and strategy. My father was at every one of my games, cheering me on from the sidelines, practicing with me, and encouraging my success on and off the field. Soccer was an indelible bond between us. When my mom was diagnosed with cancer, there were so many unknowns…life had changed. I watched my dad’s playful personality turn stoic. Practice became an outlet. From pink socks and fundraisers, to dinner delivered, everyone was there to lend a hand. Though at eleven years old I didn’t truly understand her fight, I knew my teammates and their families were there to support all of us in all ways. That was my first glimpse of the bonds created through the game I love. While my mom’s cancer battle was challenging, the sudden passing of my father was an unimaginable blow during my fall travel season in 2019. The soccer field was my only relief. My pain was overshadowed by the intricacies of strategy and the exhilaration found in every goal. Even though it was fleeting, with my teammates surrounding me, I felt joy again. Soccer also taught me the power of human connection. My teammates and my coach were my strength, holding me up on the days where I struggled. I realized that giving myself permission to lean on them in my darkest moments was not weakness, but rather a sign of strength. To know that alone I was only one, but when placed together with my teammates, we all became a single force - driven to succeed and to work together for a common goal. Moreover, the idea of grit is pervasive through both the sport and through life. Working through injuries and slumps paralleled my journey with successes and setbacks, but always the perseverance to just keep going. This never give up mentality is what propels me forward both on and off the field, and will continue to move me in the direction of my dreams. As I think about next steps, and moving forward to college, I am reminded of how much I have overcome. My connection to soccer has set in motion resiliency and ability to see my way through darkness. I have learned that it’s not so much what life throws at me, but how I choose to respond. I know that future challenges will continue to help me grow. I aspire to continue to stay connected to the game, but also approach my studies with the mindset that together we accomplish more and every setback leads to a sweeter victory. I am eager to begin my next chapter, where I can continue to develop both on and off the field and positively impact those around me. I will continue to be goal driven in the face of adversity, and as I am, I can hear my dad ‘s voice cheering me on from the sidelines.

From the moment I lace up my cleats, I am entering so much more than a game. It is my guide through life. What some may call a game has become my healing and my hope for the future. From infancy, watching soccer was as reflexive as breathing. I remember being a toddler sitting on my father’s lap, hanging on his every word. He explained stats and strategy. My father was at every one of my games, cheering me on from the sidelines, practicing with me, and encouraging my success on and off the field. Soccer was an indelible bond between us. When my mom was diagnosed with cancer, there were so many unknowns…life had changed. I watched my dad’s playful personality turn stoic. Practice became an outlet. From pink socks and fundraisers, to dinner delivered, everyone was there to lend a hand. Though at eleven years old I didn’t truly understand her fight, I knew my teammates and their families were there to support all of us in all ways. That was my first glimpse of the bonds created through the game I love. While my mom’s cancer battle was challenging, the passing of my father was an unimaginable blow during my fall travel season in 2019. The soccer field was my only relief, where for a brief moment, my pain was overshadowed by the intricacies of strategy and the exhilaration found in every goal. It was an outlet for my anger and grief. Even though it was fleeting, with my teammates surrounding me, I felt joy again. Soccer also taught me the power of human connection. My teammates and my coach were my strength, holding me up on the days where I struggled. I realized that giving myself permission to lean on them in my darkest moments was not weakness, but rather a sign of strength. To know that alone I was only one, but when placed together with my teammates, we all became one - driven to succeed and to work together for a common goal. They became the family I chose in the months and years that followed. Moreover, the idea of grit is pervasive through both the sport and through life. Working through injuries and slumps paralleled my journey with successes and setbacks, but always the perseverance to just keep going. This never give up mentality is what propels me forward both on and off the field, and will continue to move me in the direction of my dreams. As I think about next steps, and moving forward to college, I am reminded of how much I have overcome. My connection to soccer has set in motion resiliency and ability to see my way through darkness. I have learned that it’s not so much what life throws at me, but how I choose to respond. I know that future challenges will continue to help me grow. I aspire to continue to stay connected to the game, but also approach my studies with the mindset that together we accomplish more and every setback leads to a sweeter victory. Through soccer, I found the strength to move forward through grief. Through grief I have found the power to prevail. I am eager to begin my next chapter, where I can continue to develop both on and off the field and positively impact those around me. I will continue to be goal driven in the face of adversity, and as I am, I can almost hear my father ‘s voice cheering me on from the sidelines.

From the moment I lace up my cleats, I am entering so much more than a game. It is my guide through life. What some may call a game has become my healing and my hope for the future. From infancy, watching soccer was as reflexive as breathing. I remember being a toddler sitting on my father’s lap, hanging on his every word. He explained stats and strategy. My father was at every one of my games, cheering me on from the sidelines, practicing with me, and encouraging my success on and off the field. Soccer was an indelible bond between us. When my mom was diagnosed with cancer, there were so many unknowns…life had changed. I watched my dad’s playful personality turn stoic. Practice became an outlet. From pink socks and fundraisers, to dinner delivered, everyone was there to lend a hand. Though at eleven years old I didn’t truly understand her fight, I knew my teammates and their families were there to support all of us in all ways. That was my first glimpse of the bonds created through the game I love. While my mom’s cancer battle was challenging, the passing of my father was an unimaginable blow during my fall travel season in 2019. The soccer field was my only relief, where for a brief moment, my pain was overshadowed by the intricacies of strategy and the exhilaration found in every goal. It was an outlet for my anger and grief. Even though it was fleeting, with my teammates surrounding me, I felt joy again. Soccer also taught me the power of human connection. My teammates and my coach were my strength, holding me up on the days where I struggled. I realized that giving myself permission to lean on them in my darkest moments was not weakness, but rather a sign of strength. To know that alone I was only one, but when placed together with my teammates, we all became one - driven to succeed and to work together for a common goal. They became the family I chose in the months and years that followed. Moreover, the idea of grit is pervasive through both the sport and through life. Working through injuries and slumps paralleled my journey with successes and setbacks, but always the perseverance to just keep going. This never give up mentality is what propels me forward both on and off the field, and will continue to move me in the direction of my dreams. As I think about next steps, and moving forward to college, I am reminded of how much I have overcome. My connection to soccer has set in motion resiliency and ability to see my way through darkness. I have learned that it’s not so much what life throws at me, but how I choose to respond. I know that future challenges will continue to help me grow. I aspire to continue to stay connected to the game, but also approach my studies with the mindset that together we accomplish more and every setback leads to a sweeter victory. Through soccer, I found the strength to move forward through grief. Through grief I have found the power to prevail. I am eager to begin my next chapter, where I can continue to develop both on and off the field and positively impact those around me. I will continue to be goal driven in the face of adversity, and as I am, I can hear my dad ‘s voice cheering me on from the sidelines.

November 17th, 2019- a day that is burned into my memory. I had just gotten home from a disappointing soccer game where nothing felt right. Feeling defeated, I walked into a house and environment that was heavy. I hopped in the shower and changed into my pajamas when the piercing ring of the phone shattered the silence. All I could hear was "Should we keep trying to save him?" My father had been suffering since September 26th from an infection that ravaged his body and mind. Things had taken a dire turn that night. We rushed to the hospital to spend as much time with him as we could, knowing the end was looming. On November 19th, my sister and I got ready for school. We proceeded with our normal morning schedule...until it wasn’t normal. We were called out of class before homeroom ended. Our parents' friend was there to pick us up. We rushed to get back to the hospital. That two mile ride felt like an eternity. At a red light, our parents' friend gets a text and throws his phone. At that moment I knew... he was gone. I was now a 13-year-old boy who didn’t have a dad to look up to for the rest of his life. He was my everything. He took me to practice all the time; we always watched TV together. I created so many core memories with him that I will never forget. Yet this darkness has shaped me. I had to adjust to what my life was going to be like without him. I have become more independent and have developed into my own advocate. I have taken responsibility for all things revolving around soccer and improving my game. I’ve had to learn to tie a tie by myself, learn to fix things around the house, and learn to fill the shoes that he’s left behind. He was so much more than just a father figure to me, he was my role model, my best friend, and my overall inspiration. In the years without him, I have grown as a person and found out who I am. In the hardest years of a boy's life, I was able to flourish, using the lessons my father taught me. He won’t physically be here to see me graduate high school or college. He won’t see me become a dad just like him. Yet I know he’s looking down on me, and every day, my goal is to make him proud. He impacted so many people in so many ways, and each person has handled the loss differently. When talking about my father with others, I've grown to understand that we all loved him and miss him differently. In everyday life you can be so closed off from what’s going on around you and how people feel, but in these moments, it opened my eyes to alternative views. Empathy is now as natural to me as breathing, and I use it to have an impact on those around me. At first, I shut everything out and stayed in solitude, but I've grown from this journey. Now I’ve found that the thing that makes me happiest is doing things that we always used to do together. My journey is far from over, and I continue to draw strength from the lessons I've learned along the way. The pain of loss may never fully fade, but it has given rise to an inner strength that guides me through life's challenges, reminding me that even in the darkest of times, there is a flicker of hope. I know this strength will carry me through college and beyond…and in the quiet moments, if I listen carefully, I can hear my father’s voice, with his thick Celtic brogue, cheering me on.

November 17th, 2019, is a day that I will always remember. I had just gotten home from a soccer game that went way below my expectations. My grandparents were home with my sister at the time and I came home to a house and environment that felt heavy. I hop in the shower and change into my pajamas to start getting ready for bed and then my grandma gets a call from my mom. She asked if they should try to save my dad or if we should let him go. He had been suffering since September 26th and was constantly in the hospital. Things got really bad that night and we all went to the hospital to spend as much time with him as we could. We stayed the night and the whole day of the 18th with him. On November 19th, my sister and I got ready for school. We went on with our normal morning schedule there until it wasn’t so normal. We are called out of class before homeroom even ends and our parents' friend is there to pick us up. We are rushing to get back to the hospital because we know what was happening. At a red light, our parents' friend gets a text and after reading it he throws his phone. At that moment I knew he was gone. I was now a 13-year-old boy who didn’t have a dad to look up to for the rest of his life. He was my everything, he took me to practice all the time, we always watched TV together, I created so many core memories with him that I will never forget. I had to adjust to what my life was going to be like without him there. I had to become more independent and start doing more for myself. I had to take responsibility for all things revolving around soccer. I’ve had to learn to tie a tie by myself, learn to fix things around the house, and learn to fill in his shoes that he’s left behind. You never quite know how much someone means until they are gone. He was so much more than just a father figure to me, he was my role model, my best friend, and my overall inspiration. In the years without him, I have grown as a person and found out who I am. In the hardest years of a kid's life, I was able to come out on the other side of it using lessons I've learned from him. He won’t be able to see me graduate high school, he won’t see me graduate college, he won’t see me become a dad just like him, but he’s watching down on me, and every day my goal is to make him proud. He impacted so many people in so many different ways, and all these people were affected differently and dealt with his loss differently as well. When talking about him with others it was nice to see that we all loved him but in different ways. In everyday life you can be so closed off from what’s going on around you and how people feel but in these moments it opened my eyes to their thoughts, emotions as well as how they deal with his loss as well as other things. At first, I shut everything out and just wanted to be alone but now I’ve found that the thing that makes me happiest is doing things that we always used to do together.

Life is a journey, filled with highs and lows, triumphs and tribulations. The most profound of these experiences can shape us in unexpected ways. Losing my dad was a heart-wrenching low point in my life. During this challenging time, my soccer coach emerged as a guiding light. The loss of my dad was an experience that no one can ever be fully prepared for. His sudden departure left a void in my heart that seemed impossible to fill. Amid sorrow and confusion, I was grappling with emotions I had never encountered before. As a teenager, I found it challenging to express my grief, struggling to understand how to cope. In the chaos of emotions and despair, soccer became my refuge. It was the one constant in my life that remained unchanged. My soccer team was my second family, and the pitch became a sanctuary where I could temporarily escape from the harsh reality. The camaraderie, the shared purpose, and the rush of the game provided me with a sense of normalcy that I desperately needed. My soccer coach played an integral role in pushing me forward. Beyond the tactical and technical aspects of the game, he recognized the emotional turmoil I was experiencing. His empathetic and caring nature shone through as he provided guidance, encouragement, and a shoulder to lean on. My coach was always willing to listen. He encouraged me to talk about my feelings, and this simple act of lending an empathetic ear made me feel less alone. During training and matches, my coach motivated me to give my best. He reminded me that while I might be dealing with personal challenges, I had the power to channel my emotions into the game and make something positive come out of what I felt. My coach became a mentor, offering life advice beyond the soccer field. He shared his own experiences of overcoming adversity and the importance of grit and resilience. My coach emphasized the importance of unity within the team, and supporting one another. The camaraderie and support from my teammates created a sense of belonging and solidarity that was crucial for my emotional healing. While the pain of my father's absence remained, I discovered the power of resilience and inner strength. Soccer, once merely a game, transformed into a therapeutic outlet for my emotions and a means of personal growth with my coach at the helm steering me through the waves. In the darkest period of my life, my soccer coach emerged as a beacon of light. The lessons I learned during this time extended far beyond the soccer field. I learned the importance of compassion, resilience, and the invaluable support that mentors can provide during life's most trying moments. Losing my dad will forever be a part of my story, but so will the role my soccer coach played in helping me find my way back to living fully. His guidance, empathy, and unwavering support gave me the strength to face my challenges head-on and emerge from the darkness a stronger and more resilient individual. In the end, my coach showed me that even in the face of loss, we can find strength and the courage to move forward.

As I lace up my cleats and step onto the field, I am not just playing a game; I am entering a realm of solace and strength that has guided me through one of the most challenging periods of my life. Soccer, the sport that has been an integral part of my existence, unexpectedly became intertwined with the overwhelming experience of losing my father. Through this connection, I discovered the power of resilience, the importance of teamwork, and the significance of embracing life's unpredictable journey. Growing up, my father was my biggest supporter. He cheered me on from the sidelines during every soccer game, imparting invaluable wisdom and encouragement. Our shared passion created a bond that extended beyond the pitch, connecting us in a way that words alone could not express. My father's unwavering presence nurtured my soccer skills, but it also fostered a sense of security and belonging. Then, life dealt me an unexpected blow. My father's sudden passing shattered my world, leaving me lost and broken. As I faced the abyss of sorrow, it seemed like my connection to soccer might be lost forever, too. How could I possibly find joy in a game that reminded me so strongly of the bond I had lost? Amidst the darkness, I discovered that soccer held a unique power to heal. Stepping back onto the field for the first time without my father was a daunting task, but I soon realized that the game was a sanctuary for me. Playing soccer provided an escape from the pain, allowing me to focus on the present moment and find solace in the rhythm and flow. On the field, I could feel my father's spirit, spurring me to achieve new heights. I learned life lessons from soccer that mirrored the challenges I faced. Just as every match requires strategic thinking and adaptability, so did my journey through grief. I learned to approach obstacles with a determined spirit. Soccer taught me to keep pushing forward, and to never give up, even when the odds seemed insurmountable. Moreover, the importance of teamwork in soccer became a metaphor for the support system that emerged around me during my darkest days. My teammates and coaches stood by me, offering a shoulder to lean on and an ear to listen. Together, we faced wins and losses, just as we navigated the highs and lows of life. The camaraderie I experienced in soccer helped me realize that I didn't have to carry the weight of my grief alone. Through soccer, I found the courage to confront my emotions head-on. The intensity of competition mirrored the intensity of my feelings. I had to express myself openly, seeking guidance from friends and family. Just as a team relies on clear communication to succeed, I learned to communicate my needs during times of vulnerability. Soccer has been my constant companion throughout my life, and it took on a new, profound meaning in the face of loss. It became the thread that connected me to my father's memory and allowed me to grow as an individual despite the pain. My journey through soccer after my father's death has taught me that life is a game of unpredictable twists and turns, but with determination, teamwork, and the courage to confront our emotions, we can find strength in adversity. Every time I step on that field, if I listen carefully, I can hear my father's voice cheering me on.