Thank you. Over the past 16 years, you have helped me grow in so many different ways. I stepped onto my first soccer field at 5 years old and wasn’t interested in trying other sports after that point. I found a place where I could be myself, experience joy and the little bit of magic all soccer players know. You were home - I played with the same club for 10 years, growing up with the same girls and forming a second family.

My coaches were with me from teaching me my first moves until it was time to go off to college. At that time, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to play in college and wasn’t sure if I could. The idea of almost letting you go made me value you so much more. To have four years playing the game that no matter how difficult or exhausting it becomes - sparks that joy and feeling of freedom that comes when I remember to just let go.

Thank you for giving me my team, my closest friends, a relationship that is different from any other. For waking up before sunrise and getting a look at the sky changing colors over the ocean every morning. For travelling across the country and feeling at home stepping onto the field. For all the sprints, stadiums, and track runs when I asked myself why I’m doing this. For every repetition and failed play in practice. All for the moment when 11 people move together to create one opportunity and it feels like magic.

Thank you for being a space where women can leave behind whatever we’re expected to be, and simply be an athlete. To teach us that we are leaders, strong and unapologetic. For giving me access to sport when barriers exist for so many others. I cannot wait to pass on the lessons I have learned from you to the next generation. For all of this and more I am grateful.