Through playing high-level soccer for ten years of my life I have learned about the importance of making connections with those around me and the true meaning of dedication. Throughout my years of playing soccer, I have met many different teammates, coaches, and parents. Many think that the only aspect required for the success of a player is that they are good at the sport, but that is wrong. I quickly learned about the respect that people hold for players who make connections with individuals as they go on their journeys. Being a good person is valued over how good you may be. The ability to make connections with others shows willingness, care, and respect for those you are working with and around. It makes everyone feel a sense of belonging and unites everyone. Despite growing up being a shy kid I was able to foster this ability and now pride myself on being able to make a connection with any individual I come across during my life as well as adapt to various different personalities to help make the collective feel comfortable and in unison.
As I was shaped into the soccer player I am today I learned the meaning of dedication in countless ways. After years of soccer, I now understand that an end goal is based on many different components and that even the smallest things which we may not think are directly relevant actually hold significant meaning in the end result. Although all aspects will simply never be perfect, as a result of this lesson that soccer brought me I have learned to be mindful of every minor detail and make sure that I feel my best about how I have executed things I am doing in my everyday life.
