With two years of NCAA D1 soccer under my belt, there are a couple things that I came to preseason well prepared for. I knew that the weather would hardly ever dip below 85 degrees, and that even after a thunderstorm, I would still feel suffocated by DC's humidity. I knew that my free time would be at a minimum and that without ice baths I'd question my ability to walk correctly. Energy? I've mastered napping to a science so that even in a 30-minute break between showers and a team meal, it could be guaranteed that I would be able to sleep for 20, minimum. I figured there would probably be around nine to twelve two-a-days, a handful of one-a-days, and a couple of games, and that it would seem to go by at a snail's pace. Typical right?
However, even after two years at American and a week into my third, I still find there has been a lot to adjust to. With eight freshmen and a transfer joining our team of 26 players, more than a third of our team is working to see how they fit in to how we play. On top of welcoming new teammates, last spring we welcomed a new Athletic Director, and our Assistant Coach as our new head coach. With a new coach came new expectations, new fitness tests, and a new practice schedule along with new locker room and training room facilities. Finally, the Patriot League will welcome two new schools this year; Loyola University and Boston University, both of which will be challenging competitors.
However, even after two years at American and a week into my third, I still find there has been a lot to adjust to. With eight freshmen and a transfer joining our team of 26 players, more than a third of our team is working to see how they fit in to how we play. On top of welcoming new teammates, last spring we welcomed a new Athletic Director, and our Assistant Coach as our new head coach. With a new coach came new expectations, new fitness tests, and a new practice schedule along with new locker room and training room facilities. Finally, the Patriot League will welcome two new schools this year; Loyola University and Boston University, both of which will be challenging competitors.
Amongst all the old and new, there are a few things I've been able to take away from the grueling work everyone knows preseason is. As the world renowned Nike slogan goes, Just Do It. Suck it up, push yourself, don't shy away from what's "optional," take care of your body, and branch out. It will be worth it. Work hard and the proof will show in the results. But above all, remember why you are there. Remember that you became a collegiate athlete because some time ago you fell in love with the game, and it was that love that propelled you to this level of excellence.
At this stage in preseason, the fitness tests are over, the initial jitters are gone, and we are only a few days away from our exhibition game. On Friday we will take on St. Francis, and begin what I hope will be a long, successful season.
"Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion."
- Muhammad Ali
At this stage in preseason, the fitness tests are over, the initial jitters are gone, and we are only a few days away from our exhibition game. On Friday we will take on St. Francis, and begin what I hope will be a long, successful season.
"Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion."
- Muhammad Ali
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