The younger girls learned to quickly follow their elders around the field, and a sort of team leadership was formed. It was a month or two before any games would be played, and the girls easily fell into the routine a few days a week, practicing on a mediocre field in a little town by the sea. It was then that team Pacifica was born.
The days grew longer and summer ended. School started and practices became 3 days a week, with the first game on a Saturday, and all other games to be played every Saturday through September-October. These girls somehow found a balance between school work and other coinciding sports and their time spent on the grass, running drills and passing, practicing to make perfect. While other teams might have called it quits due to the regular rain of the now fall season, not this team. They didn't know the meaning of "rained out". Practices took place as usual and there were many a mud-soaked girl by the time 6:30pm rolled around.
The first couple of games were blessed with the appearance of sunshine as if it were a reward for their dedication. But the rains came again, and one Saturday game in particular would resonate in the minds of those girls for the rest of the season. It was pouring. So much that kicking the ball would only lend it a few feet. The water beads pelted their faces, and immersed the ground into a lake making the idea of running seem treacherous. There were many injuries that day, one player being hurt enough that she wouldn't play again that season, though she still stood on the sidelines to support her team. They still managed to win that game despite the awful conditions. It would take more than rain to stop these girls. This team was made up of more than players, it was made up of hearts.
They finished the regular season undefeated, earning themselves a place in the Recreational Cup in Vancouver. The city. This was the big time. This is what they had worked for. Practices became daily and the weather turned cold. But they kept their eyes on the prize. The Cup.
The games took place outdoors on the coldest weekend of the season (November 20 & 21) and probably the muddiest field in the area. These girls covered head to toe in dirt by the time the first set of games were completed. These weren't just girls anymore. I think they became warriors.
The next day was the semi-final to determine who would play later for first and second place. The weather became cruel, submerging the team in less than 40 degree weather, followed by.... snow. Yes, snow. As they fought for their place in the final game, they each gave a piece of themselves in sacrifice. All of them in some kind of physical pain, be it from injuries on the field or due to the fact their hands and feet were so cold they became excruciatingly sore. Just thinking about the courage of these young girls as they literally weathered the storm for their place is inspiring.
They won and moved on to the final game...frozen and tired, but loving it and each other enough to try again. While they didn't take home the first place title, these girls were first place champions, playing through the snow once more to finish in second place, and amazing all of us who have watched them from the very first practice.
There are those who are great athletes. You might be the best mid-fielder or the fastest forward, maybe you are the star quarterback of the football team or the designated hitter on the baseball team. Team Pacifica was made up of all of these kinds of talents... but the best part about them was they were a team. They stuck it out together - through it all.
When it comes to what really matters take a lesson from the "little soccer team that could" and you'll realize that being the best has little to do with skill and everything to do with heart.
With much love and dedication to the coaches for their time and effort -
To Team Pacifica for your heart -
To fellow team member and my daughter Abby- I couldn't be more proud of you. You are amazing. I'm inspired by you.♥
Remember what matters, my lovelies
T♥
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