023 | MORE THAN A GAME

IF YOU CHOOSE TO FALL DEEPLY FOR THIS SPORT THEN YOU MUST CHAMPION IT, EVEN WHEN YOUR TIME HAS PASSED.

Soccer in the United States is growing at a fantastic rate. It is becoming more accessible, more visible, and more competitive. What once was the average American's starter sport is now becoming a way to make a living and even play overseas on the biggest stage. While this has every young kid in a Pulisic or Pugh jersey, the harsh reality is only 1.7% of those playing at a college level will make it professionally.

I didn't put that statistic here to deter you from chasing a dream or push you to work harder. I am simply giving you the fact. For many, like myself, there will be life after soccer even though you don't want to stop playing competitively. So, knowing this and seeing that harsh percentage, I still encourage everyone to kick that round ball like your life depends on it. I just want you to open your mind and start taking life lessons from the game we all love.

Ever since a young age, you learn some fundamental principles when playing a sport, especially one as team-oriented as soccer. You are taught discipline in showing up to multiple practices early and staying late. You learn how to be coachable and implement that into the game plan with your teammates. You work tirelessly learning to track back and cover or make an unselfish run to create an opportunity for someone else. I could go on and on, but if you realize early on that everything you do in this sport translates directly to a successful life after soccer, you have played the game right the way.

Just because you aren't fortunate enough to be playing professionally and have it as a career doesn't mean you failed. No matter what path you go on after to pay the bills, you still take everything that made you love the game with you. Plus, you still have the chance to do it in a fun and relaxed setting, whether that is semi-pro, indoor, pick up, coaching, or just watching the beautiful game on tv over a couple of beers with your friends.

I will finish with one thing, one crucial thing, a thing that is the reason why I am coaching and playing still. The first is because my knees haven't completely given out. The second is to help others fall in love with the game just like I did and to set an example that lasts. Instead of pointing the finger or making excuses as to why I am not playing in a sold-out stadium, I choose to take my losses and hand them out as lessons for those who choose to listen. If this is the least that we can do, then it is the best way to pay back the sport that gave us more than just happiness, a sport that gave us a purpose.