The Visor

Seasons come to an end but memories and friendships last a lifetime

October 21, 2009

Danielle Hale

Since August I have been at every girls’ soccer game and practice. I have spent between 15 and 30 hours a week with them, and during that time I have gotten to know people I otherwise wouldn’t have had the chance to know. I have taped many ankles and have seen all types of injuries, and I have been there for the good moments and the sad ones too. Yes, I, Danielle Hale, am the girls’ soccer trainer along with Makenzie Bell.

I have spent two years being their full-time trainer, and they have become my second family. Last year I didn’t plan to train my senior year, and when Margaret Woods asked me if I was coming back, I told her “no” because I was going to focus on dance. When I saw the look on her face, I knew I had to find a way to train. I realized I wasn’t ready to leave them, so I quit dance. Deciding to train this year was one of the best decisions I could have made.

One of the great parts of being a trainer is seeing an injury from the beginning to the end. Last season, Gabby Corwin hurt her knee. I was there when she hurt it and throughout the whole recovery process, even when she wanted to kill me for not letting her play. Because of her injury, we got to know each other, and I got to see her as a great person on and off the field. One of the greatest moments for us both was when she was able to play again.

She has had other injures and so have other players on the team, and being able to help them has been incredible. Because of my role as the person who fixes them, the girls often referred to me as mom.

The players have shown me that it is possible to create a family in sports by the way they all support and encourage each other. Their captains, Jules, Jess, Gabby and Marg have been the best examples of encouragement.

All of the seniors played an important role this year. Mackenzie Kaser showed great leadership in stepping up to play goal, which took a lot of courage. Meyo showed the team that even an injury can’t stop true dedication. Shannon Davey also showed dedication by continuing to support her team. Megan Norris helped the team to have fun no matter what with her positive attitude.

Like the rest of the team, I was sad when the season came to an end Monday night. The girls came out with heart and played the best they have all season. They fought for every ball, and when Jules stormed past most of the other team to score one of the most incredible goals of her career, I knew that no matter what the final score, I was proud. I wouldn’t take back any moment of this season.

Yes, it would have been nice to win on Monday, but winning isn’t everything. I hope the girls had fun and created memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

To the members of the team: Thank you for playing your heart out in every game. You have represented the school in ways that many hope to do. You have given me many memories, and I have loved being on the sidelines. I couldn’t have asked for a better team to train.

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