My Life as a College Cheerleader

        Okay, I'm sure most of you and read this title and laughed. I am not , nor will ever be a college cheerleader. I just can't do all those flips and be that peppy all the time. I do, however, speak for the injured athletes out there who feel as though, they spend their seasons cheering their team on. This is a very familiar feeling for me.
        If you're an athlete, or ever have been an athlete, you know that the time you spend on the field is where the magic happens. The great plays are made, the tackles are made, the goals are scored. It's rare that people who are on the bench or out for injury are recognized.
      When I got to college, my mindset was the same as it was during high school, I wanted to play as much as possible. I wanted to make a difference and leave college knowing that I had done something with my athletic career. The more I got into playing college soccer and the more injuries I got, I realized my role was a lot different.
       I've gone through all the emotions of an injured athlete: bitter, sad, angry, grateful, bored and even the feeling of happy when you know your time to play is close. This season, my last ( or so I thought), I was excited to come back from two knee surgeries and finally have a full year on the field. God's plans were different. Four weeks into this season ( pre season included), I found out I had a stress fracture in my femur. I mean really, who does that? Apparently, me.
      After both my surgeries, I knew I had a new appreciation for small things like walking or biking. I also had a new appretiation for the game. This year I told myself I wasn't going to take anything for granted. I battled with playing time in the beginning and was becoming frustrated. I had a bit of a mind-set change when I realized that maybe being an all-star wasn't my role. I had a bit of a realization that it's really not about my plan at all but what God has in store for me. I may want the glory, but I need to give it to Him and realize that I don't need to be on the field to be a leader.
     I've definitely been through some of those stages this injury. I'm only out for a month this time, if my injury heals properly. A month though, to an athlete, can feel like a year. I am blessed enough to still travel with my team and be able to cheer them on during the games. I have realized that my journey as an athlete has not been about how many plays I can make but about perseverance and not giving up my dream.
      I now have about 2 months left of this season and I'm trying my hardest to be fully positive about the situation I've been put it.  I know that His plans are so much bigger than mine will ever be and  I'm  excited to be able to help my team in any way I can. After all, once my sports career is over, there is so much more life to live for. I do know this:  When I can play again, I will make the most of stepping on the field any time I can. After all, soccer is about 90% of who I am. I live for the days of playing and the teammates I won't forget. If anything, I hope to make a difference in one of my younger teammates life. I want to show people that it's not all about the glory on the field but about His glory and how you can make a difference off the field. Until then, I'll be the worlds best cheerleader. Hip Hip Horay!