Member-only story
A Volleyball Made Me the Most Improved Soccer Player
When I’d never played either sport before
On the first day of soccer practice, the entire team regretted my presence — but no one regretted it more than me.
I never played soccer in my life before that day. I didn’t know how to dribble, pass, or kick the ball. Our coach pulled me aside, explained technique, and gave me drills. I continually missed the goal or shot with bad form, and after the first part of practice, the other players basically ignored me.
By the end of practice, I wished I hadn’t gone.
I spent the entire week before our first game hoping that I might get sick or something, but the morning of the game, I was healthy and terrified.
Standing against the cinderblock wall of the gym, watching the game, I mentally begged the coach not to put me in. My palms were sweaty, my stomach churned, and my heart raced. Every minute that ticked off the clock was a relief.
But the coach was a good coach, and he cared about letting all of his players play. So with a few minutes left on the clock, he put me in on defense. The other team scored a few goals past me.
It was a silent ride home.
