Life's Greatest Lessons
Second season playing soccer at Coe, second season losing a playoff game in penalty kicks, and second season having to dig deep and use this heart ache to learn and grow as not only an athlete, but an individual, too.
Losing any game is tough, but losing a crucial playoff game against your rival in PK's is not the most ideal way to conclude a season. With each year that passes, I find myself more and more aware of the fact that in two short years, the only life I have ever known will be over, which makes each end to a season more crushing than the last.
For me, soccer has been my life since I could walk. Although I am involved in other activities and do not completely revolve my life around the sport, or so I'd like to think, soccer has been deeply rooted and weaved in my soul, heart, and entire being for the past 15 years.
Let me be the first to say that I am beyond bummed in the outcome of yesterday’s game. I am bummed we lost in PK’s. I am bummed we came so far, played so well, and fought so hard, only to be defeated in the most heart-breaking of tie breakers. I am bummed to have to wait nine long months to step foot on the soccer field and compete again. I am bummed I cannot continue doing what I love every day for just a few more sweet moments, hear that whistle one more time, or stand in silence (and with loads of pre-game nerves) as the National Anthem cuts through the air.
Although I am sad, I am also extremely grateful to have the family, alumni, coaches, teammates, and friends who, last year and this year, have helped me recognize the good in this gut-wrenching situation, ultimately pushing me to grow as an individual on, and off, the field. Thanks to these individuals, I have learned to keep my head held high and evolve to be better for next time. Wins and losses do not define a player or a team, but grit, heart, character, work ethic, passion, and resilience do. I have, slowly but surely, come to understand that although I am an emotional wreck and probably take losses harder than I should, I should also be happy…and proud, despite the outcome of our game. "Life's greatest lessons can be learned on the athletic field, " according to my parents, and it's safe to say that they are right.
With that being said, I am happy to even have the opportunity to play the sport I love, with the people I love, every evening in the crisp fall air and under the bright stadium lights. I am happy to be a part of a program filled with so many genuine and sincere souls. I am happy to hear cheers and chants from the sidelines of our fans and parents. I am happy to be yelled at by my coach because of making my tenth mistake in the last five minutes (maybe…). I am happy to have the chance to compete two more years and spend my summer, winter, and spring training for my one beloved season in the fall. I am proud of the team we have already become, and the team we are continuing to strive to be. I am proud of our positive attitude, deep love for each other, and persistence in achieving our program’s goals. I am proud of the athletes on this team, but more than that, the individuals, students, leaders we have and continue to witness develop. I am proud to be a Kohawk women’s soccer player because of our morals, our values, our character, and our drive to be the best we can be, no matter the adversity we face or the challenges being posed.
So yes, I am pretty distraught (okay, really distraught), have shed some tears, and still cannot believe our season has come to an end, BUT, at the end of the day, we are the real winners. After facing such tough losses in back-to-back seasons, we have learned how to come back from defeat stronger than ever. We have gained the true meaning of determination, passion, and grit. We have practiced fighting hard for what we want, time and time again until we achieve those things. We are the team with the heart and passion to excel past those who may have beat us to gain those W’s.
A score board and record does not define a team’s success and although these terms are hard to come to, we are ready to come back next season, more driven, motivated, and hungry than ever, and for that, we are the individuals learning, growing, evolving, and moving towards greater versions of ourselves.
I am sad to see this season come to a close, but with each end comes a new beginning, even brighter and more hopeful than the last. Being a Kohawk gives me so much warmth and pride, and I cannot wait to continue our progress and improvements in the off season, and next year in the fall.
We will come back better than ever, I promise you that.
With much love and admiration for the teammates I play beside, coaches I play under, and school I play for,
Jessy Holen
#11
Losing any game is tough, but losing a crucial playoff game against your rival in PK's is not the most ideal way to conclude a season. With each year that passes, I find myself more and more aware of the fact that in two short years, the only life I have ever known will be over, which makes each end to a season more crushing than the last.
For me, soccer has been my life since I could walk. Although I am involved in other activities and do not completely revolve my life around the sport, or so I'd like to think, soccer has been deeply rooted and weaved in my soul, heart, and entire being for the past 15 years.
Let me be the first to say that I am beyond bummed in the outcome of yesterday’s game. I am bummed we lost in PK’s. I am bummed we came so far, played so well, and fought so hard, only to be defeated in the most heart-breaking of tie breakers. I am bummed to have to wait nine long months to step foot on the soccer field and compete again. I am bummed I cannot continue doing what I love every day for just a few more sweet moments, hear that whistle one more time, or stand in silence (and with loads of pre-game nerves) as the National Anthem cuts through the air.
Although I am sad, I am also extremely grateful to have the family, alumni, coaches, teammates, and friends who, last year and this year, have helped me recognize the good in this gut-wrenching situation, ultimately pushing me to grow as an individual on, and off, the field. Thanks to these individuals, I have learned to keep my head held high and evolve to be better for next time. Wins and losses do not define a player or a team, but grit, heart, character, work ethic, passion, and resilience do. I have, slowly but surely, come to understand that although I am an emotional wreck and probably take losses harder than I should, I should also be happy…and proud, despite the outcome of our game. "Life's greatest lessons can be learned on the athletic field, " according to my parents, and it's safe to say that they are right.
With that being said, I am happy to even have the opportunity to play the sport I love, with the people I love, every evening in the crisp fall air and under the bright stadium lights. I am happy to be a part of a program filled with so many genuine and sincere souls. I am happy to hear cheers and chants from the sidelines of our fans and parents. I am happy to be yelled at by my coach because of making my tenth mistake in the last five minutes (maybe…). I am happy to have the chance to compete two more years and spend my summer, winter, and spring training for my one beloved season in the fall. I am proud of the team we have already become, and the team we are continuing to strive to be. I am proud of our positive attitude, deep love for each other, and persistence in achieving our program’s goals. I am proud of the athletes on this team, but more than that, the individuals, students, leaders we have and continue to witness develop. I am proud to be a Kohawk women’s soccer player because of our morals, our values, our character, and our drive to be the best we can be, no matter the adversity we face or the challenges being posed.
So yes, I am pretty distraught (okay, really distraught), have shed some tears, and still cannot believe our season has come to an end, BUT, at the end of the day, we are the real winners. After facing such tough losses in back-to-back seasons, we have learned how to come back from defeat stronger than ever. We have gained the true meaning of determination, passion, and grit. We have practiced fighting hard for what we want, time and time again until we achieve those things. We are the team with the heart and passion to excel past those who may have beat us to gain those W’s.
A score board and record does not define a team’s success and although these terms are hard to come to, we are ready to come back next season, more driven, motivated, and hungry than ever, and for that, we are the individuals learning, growing, evolving, and moving towards greater versions of ourselves.
I am sad to see this season come to a close, but with each end comes a new beginning, even brighter and more hopeful than the last. Being a Kohawk gives me so much warmth and pride, and I cannot wait to continue our progress and improvements in the off season, and next year in the fall.
We will come back better than ever, I promise you that.
With much love and admiration for the teammates I play beside, coaches I play under, and school I play for,
Jessy Holen
#11