Throughout everyone’s life journey, change is inevitable. Change is fated in soccer as well. Even Messi changes clubs. Change can happen at any time, in any scenario, and with any group of people. Change is almost always hard, it can be desired or it can be feared. Good or bad can come from it. That is scary, but what isn’t scary is knowing that you can make a change to redirect your life’s path. What I am trying to say is that change may be inevitable, but growth is a choice.
I started playing soccer when I was young and made the transition to travel soccer at a younger age than most players. I skipped two years of U8 at my community club. I was offered a spot on a U10 team at the age of six but I decided to go with a year below and play U9 for the Stamford Bridge Wauconda (SBW) travel club that later became FC Alliance. At that time, SBW was the club that my brother had played at his entire life. I thought I would end up following him down an identical path. Boy, was I wrong. Joining a travel team was something that every young player has to go through if they want to continue playing at a high level. Because of this, I didn’t see the transition as a huge change, even if it happened a little early.
To start my U11 season, my best friend Ava and I decided it was time to join a more competitive team. I was scared about the change, but at least I had my friend alongside me to experience it with me. We tried out for and made FC1974 elite who we played for a number of years until we outgrew that club. We then both tried out for and made the Girls Developmental Academy team at Chicago FC United which eventually became their team in the Girls Academy League. At that time, it was the right move. I was leaving some of my best friends behind at FC 1974 and I really hated that. At first, I felt a bit out of place and scared moving to a new club with new girls, but I knew it would be worth it because I love the game of soccer and I knew I wanted to get better. My passion for the game helped me get over all of the change and I soon realized that growth happens when you are out of your comfort zone.
Things started out very promising. I was a captain from my very first game with the team up until my last game with the team. I had the honor to act as the Girls Academy team representative for two years and then the club representative in my third year. I was chosen to attend the Girls Academy talent ID. I got an assist on a game winning goal in my very last moments as a member of FC United. I gave the club everything I had. But, change – here’s the word again – happened, but this time within the club.
Without going too deep into it, Chicago FC United had turned into a place that was not the right fit for me. I am proud of my time there, including two playoff appearances and a Champions Cup appearance. I worked super hard and my game got better. I made some of my best friends there and still, I had to leave. Again, I use the word “had” in the previous sentence, not because I was forced to. In fact, it was my decision. The reason I “had” to, was because it was right for me. My growth and my development as a player and ultimately as a person demanded I move on.
This year, I have joined SC Wave. It’s a bit far away, although my family is planning a move to Wisconsin which will help. I am playing for an amazingly supportive, energetic, and positive coach, Ian Bennett. I’ve already attended some preseason workouts, a week of practice, and an inter-squad scrimmage and have enjoyed it. I admit the transition to SC Wave is still intimidating for me but I am determined to make it work. I think it will because the girls there are friendly, talented, and they share my love of soccer and I am dedicated to doing whatever it takes to get better. The difference between the transition into my first year of travel soccer and my transition to what will likely be my final youth club before hopefully pursuing my dream of playing in college, is that this time, I know change is a normal part of growth. I may not like it, especially without Ava who transferred from FCU to Rockford Raptors, because it is not easy but I need it. I need it to get better. I’m not sure it is common to switch clubs at 15 years old. However, I realize that I must dare to be different and to set my own path, whether that be in soccer or life.
I had to choose to take the risk or lose the chance. I think I have an amazing opportunity to get better and to showcase my talent. I am excited to play with so many amazing Wave players. I gave up a lot of comfort and security to leave my old club. It would have been easy to play it safe, stay a captain, advance as a GA rep, and keep my starting lineup spot. I gave all that and more up in favor of risking the change I need – to find a better fit for me and to get the coaching I need to take my game to the next level. Sometimes, taking no risk is the biggest risk. I am grateful for where I am in my soccer journey, but I am more excited about where I am headed.
