RUSH Soccer

We spent our Tuesdays and Saturdays this fall once again at the soccer fields. It was Olivia's first season on her own soccer team and Ben dusted off his coaching hat to lead the Blue Zoo to victory. I think Olivia liked the idea of being on a team more than she actually liked playing soccer, but every once in a while she really felt the passion and went for it. She loved going to practice with her "Daddy Coach" and was proud when it was her turn to bring the snack. She scored her first goal while I was out of town and sadly missed it, but Ben promises it was awesome and she was very pleased. By the end of the season we were all glad to hang up Livi's tiny cleats and cheered when she received her first medal. I think we are going to take the Spring season off from soccer but predict more soccer in Olivia's future.





Ben and I made a tough parenting decision regarding Belle and her soccer team this season. She was invited to play in the U9 league (a level up) with an advanced team who happened to be coached by a good friend of ours. We worried that she would not be able to keep up or would get too discouraged and get turned off from the sport. This team would practice for 2 hours a week and would attend a mandatory hour long professional practice as well. We decided to leave the choice to play on The Dream Team up to Isabelle and ultimately she chose to accept the challenge.


Belle put on her tough face (does she have one?) and pushed herself harder and harder each week. Ben and I were shocked at her progress and she just seemed to get better and better. She loved her two hour long soccer practice each week and was excited for the games on Saturday. She had a great time playing with Abby and Karly and made some other good friends on the team over the weeks. Coach Jason and Coach Chris took a special interest in her and by the end of the season she was one of their go-to defensive players. She understands all of the positions and you can see her quick mind always thinking as she rushes around the field getting into the correct spot for each situation. We were so proud of her season, her bravery, her commitment and her attitude and she definitely rose to the challenge. Belle always wishes to be more athletic, and maybe her wish just might come true. She is already registered with the same team for the Spring.


Go Olivia! Go Isabelle!