If there is one lesson that I have learned throughout my soccer career, it’s this: Do not go into things with expectations, especially when circumstances are out of your control.
Over time, I feel that I’ve grown and embody the mindset that if I set the lone expectation to be my best self and commit to challenging myself every day, that good things will come. With this mindset, I’ve grown and had more fun playing this sport that I love than ever before. This commitment I’ve made to myself is one of my most essential traits.
That said, I would be lying if I said I don’t dream big. I have lofty goals that I aspire to. You probably have heard me talk about some – getting drafted, being selected to the USWNT Olympic roster, becoming Rookie of the Year, and more. This rookie season has been such a blessing, and I am proud of myself for exemplifying my expectation and living up to my goals.
And I can’t forget to mention what a blessing it has been for you fans to get to know me a little bit, too. I have been, and will continue to be, authentically myself, even if I don’t always outwardly show it. You all embraced me for who I am and for that, I am appreciative.
Now, let’s get to what matters right here, right now: the playoffs. You all are about to witness the first playoff game at Audi Field in three years! Don’t take that for granted. There maybe isn’t a team that I have been a part of that is as talented as this one. It doesn’t hurt that we are such a tight-knit group of good people. With perspective, I can’t emphasize this enough. I lived it on the field everyday, and now I’m getting a new vantage point of it watching from the outside looking in.
We have trusted each other and worked so hard to get to this point. Now is the time for you to put the trust in us – as you have all season long – that we will give you everything we have on the pitch these playoffs.
The Rowdy Audi atmosphere will be key in accomplishing our ultimate mission of lifting a trophy. Fans, you should be proud of the environment you’ve worked to create, but just know that we feed off of every bit of energy you give, so don’t be scared to dial it up even more these last few games. We feel at our best when the crowd is at its best.
I’ll leave you with this: It is no secret that my season ended earlier than myself or anyone else would’ve wished. But with it has come a shift in my point-of-view, especially on gamedays. I have found great value in my perspective shifting and taking in gamedays much like you do as fans.
While I know more about what is going on and the game plan of the team on the pitch, I, like you, hang on to every play, scream for every Aubrey save, and my jaw drops for each Trin Spin.
Even though I don’t have control over my team’s result on the pitch, taking in the action from this point of view has brought me closer to you all and helps me appreciate what we got going on here in DC.
I appreciate you all, and here’s to the Rowdiest Audi that has ever been!
Orlando Pride
