It’s the final game of the playoffs, we’re tied 1-1 at the 90th minute as I look down the field and see an opposing player break through our midfield.  I yell at my defense,  “get ready, move left, cover your man, don’t let him through!”  The defensive line, the last line, breaks.  I try to get set, try to guess his next move, try to get my body in the right position to make a crazy save (be a hero or a villain right?)…I sprint towards him and dive, throwing my head towards his cleated feet.  I miss by inches and he drives the ball over my head and into the back of the net.  

 

Failure, goalkeepers constantly operate at the edge of failure…one slip and the ultimate price is paid.  “He should have done better, been quicker”, the goalkeeper is always the first to blame.  To have mental toughness in the face of failure and learn to LOVE that pressure, that’s what makes us unique.  I am more than just a crazy shot-stopper, I have worked and trained to be a natural leader, a good communicator, and the backbone of my team.  It’s been said that goalkeeping is 10% physical and 90% mental, we have certain skills that we have honed that will translate from the field to the classroom and into my future aspirations as a business leader.

 

Goalkeepers are born leaders. We communicate, we set the tone, we keep the team organized and inspired.  In a game, I can shout instructions, while also offering words of encouragement.  I need to be a decision-maker and take responsibility for the team's performance as a whole.  I know what it means to have accountability and to own my mistakes and that requires a lot of mental toughness.  Being a leader takes confidence, to make mistakes and still get out on that field each day and continue to play.

  

Goalkeepers thrive under pressure.  We LOVE the singular responsibility and pressure of being in the goal…hey, there’s a reason we chose that position in the first place.  You must thrive on the pressure and see it as motivation and a challenge.  “I let a goal in, now pick your head up and rise to the occasion and prevent another one!”  Failure is always going to exist, I’ve had to learn to own my decisions and manage the pressure that comes my way as I will continue to do in college and beyond.

 

Goalkeepers have unwavering self-discipline.  I’ve been a goalkeeper for most of my life at the highest level and it requires rigorous training, self-discipline, and a strong work ethic.  I have been willing to give up other things (ex: sophomore homecoming, junior prom, family vacations) because I am committed to the position and the game that I love.  This carries over to all aspects of life.  Not taking the easy route, having AP classes and school activities while also training every night, all require discipline and a tremendous amount of time management.

Some say it takes a special breed of crazy to be willing to dive head-first at an opponent's foot or have the ball smashed at you from five yards away. While it’s definitely not for everyone, I have practiced and honed my skills over many years to become a confident, disciplined leader ready to take on life’s challenges and make tough decisions.  So whether on the field, in school, or as a future business leader…I like to think that maybe it’s a good thing to be both a disciplined leader and just a little bit crazy.