Creative Writing

As we strutted into the stadium, my team and I were watched by both supportive and leery glares. We all had a sort of confidence about us that could be seen by the firm, yet excited facial expressions. Our warm-ups swished as the trash-bag material would rub against each other as we took each step. I looked around seeing all the welcoming signs and banners reading, "Welcome Batesville High School Soccer Team!"

Amongst the happiness however, there were also the threatening looks of the opposing teams. Hands were firmly planted on their hips like they were posing for a Sports Illustrated magazine. But these glances were soon ignored after the blinding flash of Kodak cameras held by supportive parents brought me back to reality. The appetizing smells of concession stand corn dogs and nachos loomed in the air during that muggy day. Beads of sweat could be found trickling down every player's head, and small children complained and whined. Although I, myself, was focused. I could barely even communicate with my parents as they passed, much less my own teammates. Finally, I paid attention to the actual words being spoken from my coach, "C'mon ladies! Let's get warmed up, and pick up the pace!" This sent me into a ball-kicking, aggressive-playing, and an overly ecstatic spiral.

My passes were straight-on and accurate like an arrow hitting a target. Even my shots on goal had enough power to go through a brick wall. But before I knew it, the first round of the Arkansas State Soccer Tournament, had begun.

Teammates and parents alike were cheering me on. The wind rushed through my hair as I flew down the field to score a goal. I scored with ease. My team and I had faced much more fearsome, and gruesome goalies before so this was almost a "no-brainer." The game continued on in a back-and-forth game of kicking the ball until the other team scored as well. The expressions of my teammates faces painted a canvas of disappointment and distress. Then, the situation grew much worse. Right as we got possession of the ball once again, our opponents changed their tactic and switched goalies! This girl could quite possibly have just come out of the book Jack and the Beanstalk. She was a giant! The goalie also looked as though she could possibly murder me. I had not felt nervous-ness bit me until she stomped out on the field and took the place of the once non-threatening opponent.

I couldn't let her stop me, not now, not after my team and I had made it this far. I called for the ball and threw my hand up to get my teammate's attention. Quicker than the blink of an eye she passed the ball and I took off down the field towards the goal and the waiting beast. It was just me and her, so I kicked the ball with all my might. I heard my coaches cheer, the crowd exploded, and the announcer yelled, "Batesville Wins!"