Summer Case

I had been dreading that day all summer because of the sweat, pain, and exhaustion of the previous three years. No one was looking forward to pre-season. Nothing would feel better than getting through that first day in one piece and knowing I wouldn't give up. Besides having to run four miles, I was excited to see my friends and begin senior year as a varsity field hockey player. That day marked a new beginning and a chance to accomplish something that I had dreamed of ever since freshmen year - becoming a varsity captain.

The seniors on the team could be intimidating. Many of them played for travel teams and participated in nationally known skill programs, opportunities prohibited to me due to my work schedule. Doubling the effort was required to show I was able to lead our team to victory, be a positive role model for the younger girls and emulate the kind of captains I looked up to freshmen year. I wanted to pass down Mount Pleasant traditions in being a part of an elite program, and stress the importance of treasuring the memories and everlasting friendships made along the way. My work was cut out for me.

As the days of practice went by I knew the coach was watching to see how dedicated we were to the team and the sport. Never missing a practice or being late and taking initiative by leading stretches and going on runs through the local park, I worked hard to gain the position. By giving advice and guidance to freshmen who seemed to lack confidence, by demonstrating teamwork on and off the field, by hosting team dinners, and by organizing the stick sister program perhaps the coach would see my potential.

I was nervous. I knew my fate would be determined on the end-of-day announcements. Had all of the hard work paid off? Did the coach find me suitable? I could hardly contain myself. Finally it was time. Would I even hear the news over the din of the classroom? At 2:15, with elation, I heard my name announced as co-captain. After accomplishing what I set out to do, I felt truly blessed.

The real hard work was just beginning. We had to overcome obstacles and disappointments while trying to keep up the team's reputation of consistently making it to the state tournament. At times the pressure to succeed was overwhelming. But in the end, we won our last seven games, played in the tournament, and became Flight B Conference Champions.

Before embarking on this journey there