Turning a Losing Season into a Learning Experience

This year's soccer season didn't turn out the way that I would have expected. And I really didn't expect to lose every match.

But it didn't stop me from learning a lot about being a team as a member of the Clover Park soccer team.

I've learned as a captain that it takes time to earn my teammates' trust and for the Warriors to bring a more serious attitude to soccer. Little things like having athletes come up from junior varsity and unhealthy eating throughout the season makes me want to get all my teammates more focused and committed to soccer on and off the field next year.

I experienced every position on the pitch, which was the most interesting part of the season, and I made new friends that I will hopefully see again in my senior year as a Warrior. I've also learned more about what it takes to be a team. It requires that you trust, pass, support and take risks while competing.

I saw this during our final match of the season with Eatonville. We improved working more as a team and supported each other, never giving up to the last minute, despite a 1-0 loss on senior night this past Friday.

In order for us to be more competitive next year, every individual needs to get better by training. I plan on continuing to workout until next spring so I'm prepared and stronger than the this year.

But that doesn't mean just me.

My goal will be to contact the soccer players who played this year and others who are interested in playing, so the Clover Park Warriors will be in better shape, faster and stronger and understand the meaning of winning.