Peter Eshemogie

• I spent my formative years in Nigeria, raised by my resilient single mom, and being the only child brought us even closer. Soccer, a passion that ignited during my childhood, became an integral part of my life. This love for the sport was nurtured by my favorite uncle, a semi-professional player, who would take me to the field, imparting his knowledge and enthusiasm.
  
  As the years passed, I celebrated my 7th birthday by joining my first-ever soccer team, the Super Stars, marking the beginning of an exciting chapter in my life. This experience proved to be invaluable in shaping my skills and character. From friendly matches to challenging competitions, each moment on the field contributed to my growth as a player.
  
  The Super Stars team became my second family, and I continued to hone my soccer prowess until the age of 11. At this juncture, a significant transition awaited me as I relocated to Canada to reunite with my father, who had been living there for an extended period. This move marked a new phase in my life, presenting fresh opportunities and challenges that would further mold my identity and soccer journey. Embracing this change, I carried with me the lessons learned on the fields of Nigeria, ready to embark on the next chapter of my soccer adventure in Canada.

After I moved to Canada in 2018, I was eager to continue my soccer journey. I asked my parents if I could join a team, and they enrolled me in tryouts for the Oakridge Blast, a team that was a year above my age and happened to be the team my older brother played for. Surprisingly, I made the cut, and I found myself on the same team as my half brother, adding a family connection to my soccer experience.

In my first season, I played as a striker and proudly wore the number 8 jersey. It was a thrilling experience scoring goals and contributing to the team's success. However, after that season, my coach approached me with a suggestion—he believed I had great potential as a goalie. Embracing the idea, I made the switch to the goalkeeper position, a decision that not only changed my role on the team but also introduced me to a new aspect of my skills.

Playing as a goalie opened up new challenges and opportunities for improvement. I discovered a passion for defending the goal and honed my skills in that position. Despite the initial shift, I found immense satisfaction in my new role, becoming a reliable part of the team's defense.

Unfortunately, as time passed, the Oakridge Blast team disbanded. Many of my teammates moved on to university, leading to the team's natural conclusion. Faced with this situation, I had a choice to make. Instead of seeking another team within my age group, I decided to continue my soccer journey as a goalie for fun, focusing on growth and enjoyment. This decision reflects my commitment to the sport and my desire to keep evolving as a player.

Entering high school, my passion for sports shifted towards basketball, driven by my height and athleticism. In my junior year, during grade 10, I decided to try out for the basketball team. After three intense tryout sessions, I made the cut, marking the beginning of a rewarding experience. This opportunity not only allowed me to enhance my fundamental basketball skills but also provided a refreshing exploration of a different sport, diversifying my athletic pursuits beyond soccer.

As my high school journey progressed into my senior year, grade 11 presented a pivotal moment when I decided to try out for the school soccer team. Unfortunately, during the final tryout, I faced a setback as I broke my shoulder, sidelining me for a challenging 1 and a half months. However, determination fueled my recovery, and I eventually worked my way back onto the field, securing the starting goalie position for the team. This journey of overcoming adversity showcased resilience and a deepened commitment to the sport.

Playing through all the playoff games, I relished every moment, recognizing that my senior year would be my last season playing soccer. The significance of this final chapter adds a profound meaning to my soccer journey, as I aim to make it a memorable and impactful culmination of years of dedication to the sport.