Killer Whales and Hat Tricks

It has been quite a season for the hot pink Killer Whales. Carter took the Big Girl (who is the smallest and youngest on the team) to her first soccer practice ever back in September and we really thought this whole soccer thing was not going to work out. She had never been under the authority of anyone other than us and her teachers at church, and especially never under a male coach with a booming voice. She was intimidated to say the least, but eventually let go of Carter's leg to join the team, though very timidly. It was touch and go for the first few practices and then something clicked after the first game. She ran her little heart out, never once touching the ball, and was amazed at the roaring of the crowd, many times hearing her name.

It was her 'AHA!' moment.

Then it was practicing "step ups" at home every day. Counting down the days on her new calendar until Thursday practice. Then counting down days until Saturday game days. Always making sure her proper attire was laid out the night before in an orderly manner. Drinking plenty of water starting on Wednesday so as not to be dehydrated Thursday - Saturday because those were critical days.

To date, I've had my proudest parent moment with her on the soccer field. It was about her 6th game. Rarely having ever touched the ball, she somehow found herself wide open with the soccer ball screaming towards her. As if the spirit of Pele was upon her, she owned the ball and dribbled down field with the most serious face I've ever seen. She dribbled straight into the goal and immediately turned around, face red as fire, beaming ear to ear, looking for a reaction from her family.

And boy, did we give it. Screaming, hollering, going nuts on the sidelines and looking at each other saying, "Did that just happen?"

Priceless.

Fast forward to today's game. The last of the season. She came into it with guns drawn and took over, scoring THREE GOALS! Mind you, she'd only scored 1 goal in the previous 9 games. I was attempting to click the digital camera, get some video footage on the camcorder, hold a baby and remain wrapped in a blanket, all the while screaming my head off because, YES, I AM A SOCCER MOM AND PROUD OF IT!!

AND MY GIRL JUST DOMINATED AND WHIPPED OUT A HAT TRICK! (That's 3 consecutive goals for you non soccer folk).

A proud parent moment.

She's already talking about the spring season and how many months she has to wait to start again. We're hoping to have the exact same team with the same coach because he is incredible!

An awesome way to start her soccer career!