I picked up my first piece of sporting equipment before I could even walk. Having an older brother, I quickly thought that I could be better than him at anything, even though he had two more years of experience. On the sidelines of his little league baseball games I was always throwing a much softer, and smaller ball with my dad. 

By the time I walked the halls of HSMSE I had identified myself as a soccer and softball player, and even more so as a sports fan. I watched the Yankees get robbed by the Houston Astros, later making sure that everyone around me knew, and I watched women athletes fight for equal pay behind the scenes of the game, passionately writing about it every chance I got. Despite my own skill levels in the sports I played, being an athlete and a sports fan was my heart and identity. 

Little did I know how much HSMSE could change my life.  

The unique part about being a Dragon is the family you join. HSMSE’s athletes are students first, with passions for neuroscience or astrology, and HSMSE’s coaches are teachers first, with a passion for your success both in the classroom and on the field. Dragons are united by their love for their sports and their desire to get stronger, whether it’s their first time playing or coaching. 

I am incredibly grateful that the coaches at HSMSE allowed me to continue my athletic career. Not only have I learned how to be a better team player, but I feel as though they taught me how to be a better person. Ms. Downey kept the girls soccer program alive my freshman year, despite softball being her number one sport. And, of course, Mr. Tirado loved the game of soccer without ever calling himself a soccer player, but never failed to educate himself for us. To both of them I owe the 2024 2A Girls Soccer Championship title.

For four years I was a three sport and three season athlete, and for three of those years I had the privilege of telling my stories and using my voice through The Echo. I rotated between morning practice and afternoon games or even early weekend meets. Despite all the days I spent running off of five hours of sleep or the ones where I cancelled plans to go to practice, I wouldn’t have traded it for the world. Sports gave me connections to amazing people, including my best friends, and it taught me a million lessons about discipline, respect, dedication, love and valuing your teammates’ successes more than your own.

To all of the underclassmen finding their way and their identities, you’ve got this. The path you chose is perfect for you as long as you never give up on it. Follow your dreams and goals all the way till the end, and try a sport—it is never too late. To all the young women, stand up for yourselves and stand next to your peers, you deserve to be uplifted. 

Thank you Dragons for making me who I am today.