My heart seemed as if it was about to pound out of my chest. It was louder than the roar of the crowd. The referee pointed to the golden spot–a penalty kick. I knew this was my chance. It was now or never; it felt like life or death. It was my chance to score my one hundredth goal in my high school career, on my home field. I knew as the game came to an end, this was my one shot, my one moment, and even my legacy. 

 

Four years earlier, I was just a nervous freshman stepping onto the field for the first time. I remember butterflies in my stomach, the fear of making mistakes, and the awe of watching the older players who seemed so confident. Back then, I never imagined I would one day be chasing records. My goals were simple: earn playing time, prove myself, and learn from those around me. Every practice felt like a test and every game was a chance to grow.

 

By sophomore year, I had begun to find my rhythm. I scored goals that gave me confidence, but I also faced setbacks. I missed shots, had tough losses, and moments of doubt. Those experiences taught me resilience. I started to understand that soccer wasn’t just about talent; it was about discipline, sacrifice, and the willingness to push through failure. 

 

Junior year was when everything began to click. I became a leader on the field, not just through goals but through encouragement and determination. I spent countless mornings running drills before school, weekends travelling for tournaments, and nights replaying games in my head. My teammates became a second family and together we built something special. That year, I realized that soccer wasn’t just a sport, it was shaping my identity. 

 

Now, as a senior and team captain, I carried the weight of four years on my shoulders. Every practice, every sprint, every goal has led me to this moment. Without looking, I could feel every eye locked onto me. I could hear my teammates and the crowd go wild, but as I prepared for the shot, their voices began to blur. At this point, all I could focus on was myself and the goalkeeper.  

 

I had always dreamed of this moment, not knowing that someday it would become reality. I never imagined it would be so breathtaking. A hundred goals may seem like a number to you, but to me, it was so much more. It showed everything I'd dedicated my life to: the early mornings, busy weekends, and long nights—but most of all, the drive and dedication it took to be better. I worked my way up the totem pole from a nervous freshman to team captain, and now I stand within the top 25 ranked girls'  soccer scorers in the state of Missouri. 

 

I wasn’t just trying to score the penalty kick; I was trying not to fail. Every “what if” went through my head: What if I missed? What if this perfect moment fell apart in front of everyone? I breathed in and then out. I replayed every goal in my mind that got me to this moment—ranging from the cheap tap-ins, the toe balls, and the headers that always left me dizzy. I thought about the teammates and coaches along the way, specifically the ones that pushed me harder than I thought I could go. I too thought about my mom, who always drove me to and from practices,  games, and even private sessions. I realized this moment wouldn’t have been possible without them. This wasn’t just my moment; it was ours. 

 

I ran up and shot the ball. It felt as if time was in slow motion. The ball went to the upper left-hand corner, and the keeper dove right. The ball flew into the back of the net, just barely missing the crossbar. There was a split moment of silence, then the stadium exploded with excitement. My teammates swarmed around me to congratulate me. The pressure finally turned into joy and  I realized I just scored my one hundredth goal. 

 

It may not have been the best shot of my career, but it was the most meaningful, and it sure enough taught me composure. Most of all, it taught me that being under pressure and in this situation was a privilege. As I look back, I realize that my high school career was more than a highlight reel. It was a journey and a gift from God. My one hundredth  goal will forever be a story that I will carry and cherish after that game—a story I will tell my children and even my grandchildren. The second I took off my cleats after that game was the moment I realized the soccer field meant more to me than a patch of grass. It was and will forever be home.