I have been playing soccer for as long as I can remember. I started off as a defender and really loved it. As high school came, I made varsity as a freshman and earned a starting spot from the beginning. I continued to learn and better myself as the seasons and years went by. By my junior year I had a difficult trial to face. Although being diagnosed with sever scoliosis from an early age, that summer, it had gotten worse. My degree was constantly climbing upward toward surgery, which would mean no soccer or sports that year. It would also take away my ability to bend much, a lot of skill I had and make it difficult to run. All of which are very important in soccer. Planning in case of this possibility was rough. However, as I stopped growing, it put a halt on the curvature of my spine. They told me I would be perfectly fine to play sports and it would not affect my skill, endurance and everything else. This was a relief and that year, I was so grateful to be able to play, so I worked as hard as I could. It turned out to be one of the best years. During a practice, my coach switched me to an offensive mid to see how it would go. I picked it up quickly and was making plays, moving the ball around the field and even scoring. He decided that I had a new position, and I did well in it.This new position opened my eyes even more to how complex but beautiful in its simplicity this game is. Before this senior year started, I was also given the opportunity to play club with a fantastic coach and work a lot with technique and skill. It definitely affected my high school season in a great way and improved how I play today.  Now, this year, as one of our defenders got hurt, I went back to fill her spot and renewed my love for defense. I love the intensity of it with having to make quick and smart decisions to help protect your goal, but then being on offense is thrilling as well, when you're moving with the ball, making plays and scoring. I love it. In both positions I have learned to work hard, and I enjoy playing either. I would love to continue on to the next level with soccer and play as much as I can. I am grateful ;though, for having been able to play as long as I have.