As this season has progressed, I’ve watched my fellow captain struggle with a nagging injury. A recurring quad pull continues to set her back. She waits out her couple weeks diligently and then jumps back in, eager to get on the field. It pains me to watch it happen over and over again. With the exception of a few tears shed when she realizes what each set back means, Stine remains Stine: a rock for our team.
I admire her remarkable attitude. Regardless of how difficult her injury situation, she comes out each day as our captain for the betterment of our team. Of course she would rather get stuck in and slide tackle like a boss during her senior season, but since she can’t, she assumes a new role to benefit everyone. Stine shows up every day, un-phased by her own predicament, ready to do whatever she possibly can – to make us a better team.
Wanting desperately to get back out on the field, she drove through each phase of the dreaded cycle. Out of the corner of my eye during practice, I’d see Stine running cones off on her own, away from any attention, away from any spotlight. When she wasn’t able to run, she would still be engaged. During practice we came in for water and Stine was there, graciously helping Ally Brahs, an underclassman, learn and grow into her position, a position Stine owned when healthy. In our games, we hear her, commanding orders from the bench as if she were out there with us.
I admire her remarkable attitude. Regardless of how difficult her injury situation, she comes out each day as our captain for the betterment of our team. Of course she would rather get stuck in and slide tackle like a boss during her senior season, but since she can’t, she assumes a new role to benefit everyone. Stine shows up every day, un-phased by her own predicament, ready to do whatever she possibly can – to make us a better team.
Wanting desperately to get back out on the field, she drove through each phase of the dreaded cycle. Out of the corner of my eye during practice, I’d see Stine running cones off on her own, away from any attention, away from any spotlight. When she wasn’t able to run, she would still be engaged. During practice we came in for water and Stine was there, graciously helping Ally Brahs, an underclassman, learn and grow into her position, a position Stine owned when healthy. In our games, we hear her, commanding orders from the bench as if she were out there with us.
Teammates would regularly ask her, “How’s it doing? How are you feeling?” These were genuine attempts at showing that we cared, that we empathized. But most likely, we were making her want to pull her hair out. And wouldn’t ya know it, she’d just respond with a smile on her face, “Feels great. Can’t wait to get back out there with you guys.”
Thinking back to last summer, I remember Stine and I talking about the upcoming season and how we thought it was going to be our year. There was something special in the air. As seniors, we’d leave the legacy we’ve always dreamt of. After injuries, not only Stine’s, but virtually our entire back line and more, I’ve wanted to scream, “Stop, rewind!” This wasn’t how it was supposed to be. How could our team not be undefeated or ranked at this point in the season?
We may not have Stine out on the field with us anymore, but whenever I look at her I know her faith in this team remains the same. She believes in us. And so do I. Like our coach reminds us, it’s not where you start, it’s where you finish.
Attitude is a choice. We are lucky to witness someone bringing the right attitude day in and day out for our team. Stine would give her right arm to be out there with us now. We need to play as if we would give an arm to win. If not for us, for her.
Thinking back to last summer, I remember Stine and I talking about the upcoming season and how we thought it was going to be our year. There was something special in the air. As seniors, we’d leave the legacy we’ve always dreamt of. After injuries, not only Stine’s, but virtually our entire back line and more, I’ve wanted to scream, “Stop, rewind!” This wasn’t how it was supposed to be. How could our team not be undefeated or ranked at this point in the season?
We may not have Stine out on the field with us anymore, but whenever I look at her I know her faith in this team remains the same. She believes in us. And so do I. Like our coach reminds us, it’s not where you start, it’s where you finish.
Attitude is a choice. We are lucky to witness someone bringing the right attitude day in and day out for our team. Stine would give her right arm to be out there with us now. We need to play as if we would give an arm to win. If not for us, for her.
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