When my name was announced for the United States (U.S.) Youth Olympic Development Program’s (ODP) International roster, I could not have been happier. The hours and years devoted to soccer had finally paid off. I had earned a position on Region I’s U16 team. U.S. Youth Soccer is the largest youth sports organization in America and divides the U.S. into four regions. Region I is made up of fifteen states in the northeastern United States, Region II is Midwestern, Region III is southeastern and Region IV is western. The regional teams competed against one another in Boca Raton, Florida this November. These teams then traveled to San Jose, Costa Rica, Feb. 13 through the 20.
Costa Rica is a Hispanic Central American country known for rainforests and volcanoes. As my plane landed, I realized it was beautifully different than anywhere I had ever been. My teammates and I, in our blue travel gear, were greeted as if we were famous. The privilege overwhelmed me. That evening and twice the following day we, Region I, trained under the summer sun at Ernesto Rohrmoser Stadium.
Wednesday morning’s training was followed by a community service trip to an orphanage. Those children touched my life in a way that words cannot begin to express. They were happy, playful and loving despite their situation. The orphans hugged anyone who would hug them. Their eyes were beautiful as they locked onto mine while I played games with them. This was much more than community service for me. How can they be so happy with so little? Or, should I ask, how can we be so sad with so much?
Opening ceremonies were held at our hotel’s banquet room. I was selected to hold one corner of the FIFA flag while both countries’ national anthems were played. The regional teams and the opposing home teams, Saprissa, Moravia and Dimas Escazu, celebrated a cultural night with food and dancing.
Futbol, or soccer in the U.S., united us but divided us on the pitch as competitors. Game one was against Saprissa. I represented my team as captain for the coin toss and lead them in the International Walkout. I hit the crossbar on a direct kick and later was stopped by the 6’1 goalie. We lost the match 2-1. My team hated to lose, but we soon realized that we were playing national players who are older and more experienced. To ease the pressure of the competition, we went to Punta Leona Beach and zip-lined over some of the most rugged trees I have ever seen.
Prior to game two, we were honored at the U.S. Men’s National U20 against Panama City match. The U.S. lost 1-0. Costa Rican soccer is a good challenge. Our opponent, Moravia, had won their first game against Region III. They beat us 1-0. I was awarded the Most Valuable Player of the Game and interviewed for the daily video. My interview and video highlights can be seen at www.costaricasoccer.com.
A city tour followed by a trip to the flea market and farmer’s market allowed us to further embrace the culture. My team won our final game 1-0 against Dimas Escazu. That evening, we gathered for our final team session. At previous sessions we discussed soccer positioning and tactics. The final session was more of a reflection.
Region 1 Coach Sue Ryan said, “I want you to remember what playing in this environment is like. I want you to realize how challenging it is to play against women at such a high level. This is a glimpse into a new beginning you are all going to see soon.” Ryan taught us of “Gamesmanship.” She said to think of “failure as fertilizer” and “to be comfortable being uncomfortable.”
This trip was much more than soccer. The lessons were far more complex. Not often do we realize the vastness of the world, nor do we realize the opportunity of the United States. It’s not often do we realize an influence, or a moment in your life, that is absolutely life changing and unforgettable.