Losing isn't Failing
Losing. What does losing really mean to any athlete who competes to win? Let me tell you one thing, it does not equate to failure. After ending my freshman college soccer season last year with a record of 15-1-3, nationally ranked, and a highly regarded and respected program, losing the first two games of my sophomore season was not something I expected or predicted to occur. Yes, I’m upset, confused, and a little (okay, a lot) bitter. Yes, I’m frustrated, pissed, and irritated. Yes, I’m at a loss for words, hurt, and plain old mad. But you know what else I’ve come to realize? I’m thankful. I’m thankful for beginning a season I’ve been looking forward to for months on end, training intensely for, and dreaming about since the second last season ended with a dose of losses because without these past two games, these past two defeats, and these past two heartbreaks, how could I ever truly appreciate winning the way I didn’t know how to last year? How could I ever expect to appreciate the achievement of working hard for something day in and day out without first not attaining what I set out to do? How could I ever reflect, learn, and grow? Yes, winning almost every game of our season last year was incredible and absolutely amazing, but losing…losing does not come without its purpose and has re-taught me how great the glory of victory truly feels. Nothing worth achieving in life ever comes without its hurdles and learning how to jump those hurdles is one of life’s greatest teaching moments. I cannot take the credit and imply I came to this conclusion myself, trust me, I’ve been quite the distraught and emotional athlete lately, but with the help of great teammates, insightful coaches, and a loving family, I have come to understand the true essence of playing sports, being an athlete, and why losing is necessary for any future success to come.