So Close and Yet So Far...

The last few months I have been witness to something absolutely MAGNIFICENT, perfection in the making. This group of girls is absolutely amazing. A few years ago they decided they wanted to have a High School Girls Soccer Team. There wasn't one in place so they started one from scratch. Last year they made it to the semi-final game in the state play-offs. This year was the first year I have watched them. I was hooked from the first game, taken in by their smoothness, the "ebb and flow" of a perfectly oiled machine. There was something missing from this team that seems to always penetrate into HS sports....competition fueled envy and negativity. There was none of it! They were so positive with each other, a phenomenon I find hard to describe. They would play their games relaxed, smiling, happy and yet determined with "heads in the game". They refused to badmouth other teams, choosing instead to focus on the job at hand, 1 game at a time. The end result was outstanding: They outscored their opponents with a whopping 165-9!!!!


This year hasn't been without hardship. Partway into the season, the father of one of the seniors was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The have loved and supported her and her parents. In talking to the mom last night she conveyed her gratitude for something wonderful to focus on and cheer for. Also, during last weeks semi-finals playoff game, the lead scorer (in the STATE!) was injured after getting hit in the face with a ball. She had a hole in her retina and we weren't sure if she'd play.

Fridays Semi-final game was AWESOME! Final score: 4-0! We were headed to the state playoff game!!!! Hopes were high and hearts were set! We just knew this would happen! Our injured player played for just 8 minutes, she was extremely dizzy and had limited focus, but she was able to score a goal for us!


Saturday was a stark contrast to the day prior, instead of sun and blue skies, we were faced with fresh snow, pouring rain and freezing winds. Both teams were evenly matched. At the end of regulation play the score displayed 0-0. Two "Sudden death" rounds resulted in only more frayed nerves and higher blood pressures! We were headed for kick-off's. Each team was given 5 shots, the one with the higher score at the end would be declared the winner. At the end of round 1 the score was tied again 2-2. What came next was confusion and devastation: our girls missed their kick, RH made theirs...score 2-3. Most people thought we were repeating the "5 kicks for each team", but that was not the case. RH had won! Our girls were so devastated and yet, through it all, held their heads up and acted with grace and class. We were so proud of them.


So here's to the MHS Girls Soccer Team! You may not hold the championship trophy, but you have earned every right to hold your heads up high. You have shown the state that you have earned the right to play in "the big leagues". You played your game, you are the winners in all that matters. A trophy sits on shelves, waiting to be dusted off and polished. But the victors crown you wear, only few have earned. It's worn by those who earn the badge of courage, the ribbon of respect, the merits of leadership, teamwork and sportsmanship and the crown of kindness. You girls will take with you, all of these victors spoils as you go forward in your lives. You have more than an earthly statue of pride, you have so much more. You are the Eagles, the mighty mighty Eagles! Soar High!