pitch_perf
BRONZE
A couple months ago, I posted here and on another thread (asking advice) about my GK dd who expressed that she was done with soccer. It was a traumatic time for us as a family and her as a player. Her whole life had been soccer - and until that point, her future too. At 15 1/2 (summer of her Freshman HS year) she verbally committed to a D1 school with a 4 year full ride scholarship. Right after HS season (a really bad one raked with injuries and many other negative things), she said she was done. Long story short, the expectations she set for herself, the mental and physical exhaustion and anxiety that had been building up took a toll. We re-grouped, got her the help she wanted and needed - both physical and mental - and most importantly, acknowledged her need for a complete break and rest. She took the spring off soccer completely, with full support and knowledge of her club and college coaches.
It worked. In late July, she initiated her re-entry into soccer on her own terms. She started by training others at a camp - her joy for the sport was reignited by helping young keepers. She also rejoined her team as the new season kicked off and played her first tournament last weekend (Silverlakes) and had an awesome time. She has been working out and re-enters the pitch the strongest and happiest she has been for months. Last night she came to me after practice and said "Mom, thank you for giving me the time and support I needed. I didn't realize how much I missed and loved soccer". And get this - she thanked me for making her work through it. She understands that working through adversity made her stronger and she appreciates even more what she almost gave up. My heart and hers melted together into a tearful puddle of love
I've got my keeper back.
I share this update because if you are the parent of a keeper, either you have been there, are there, or maybe will be there at some point and in some form or another. My advice is this...if your player needs a break, give it to them. If they say they are done and want to quit, don't panic. Listen and acknowledge it. Take a breath, give them space, get them help, and know that their perspective is 'in the moment' and yours is bigger and broader. Maybe my keeper will reach that point again. If that happens, we will take it as it comes. One day at a time.
Lastly, thank you to those of you on this site that were so positive, reassuring, and gave me the support I needed. It was one of the only outlets I had with people that understood the unique challenges of being the parent of a goalkeeper.
It worked. In late July, she initiated her re-entry into soccer on her own terms. She started by training others at a camp - her joy for the sport was reignited by helping young keepers. She also rejoined her team as the new season kicked off and played her first tournament last weekend (Silverlakes) and had an awesome time. She has been working out and re-enters the pitch the strongest and happiest she has been for months. Last night she came to me after practice and said "Mom, thank you for giving me the time and support I needed. I didn't realize how much I missed and loved soccer". And get this - she thanked me for making her work through it. She understands that working through adversity made her stronger and she appreciates even more what she almost gave up. My heart and hers melted together into a tearful puddle of love
I've got my keeper back.I share this update because if you are the parent of a keeper, either you have been there, are there, or maybe will be there at some point and in some form or another. My advice is this...if your player needs a break, give it to them. If they say they are done and want to quit, don't panic. Listen and acknowledge it. Take a breath, give them space, get them help, and know that their perspective is 'in the moment' and yours is bigger and broader. Maybe my keeper will reach that point again. If that happens, we will take it as it comes. One day at a time.
Lastly, thank you to those of you on this site that were so positive, reassuring, and gave me the support I needed. It was one of the only outlets I had with people that understood the unique challenges of being the parent of a goalkeeper.
