Twelve weeks. That’s all. That is the time we’ve had to work on our summer training. Two days. That’s it. That is the moment we have been working for to prove ourselves. Our determination, drive, and efforts all come down to this one time. Now, the fitness tests.
Thursday ends the countdown that everyone has had in the works for the past ten months. The next season of Centre Women’s Soccer and the beginning of a new era amongst CWS with new achievements are within reach. It’s funny how everyone is so ready for this day, and then it finally gets here, and there are just too many emotions to express.
There is excitement: being back together as 30 individuals working for one ultimate purpose. There is curiosity: how will we all mesh as we welcome the new players into our close knit team? There is worry: am I going to be able to make a difference this year? Can I do what is necessary to be a leader for this team? There is happiness: I’m ready to take on this season with my team, my family.
But how should a player enter preseason?
Honestly, there is nothing anyone can say to a player as they mentally prepare for preseason. Why? Because before we think of the season, preseason training sessions, fun activities, or even the opening scrimmage, we think of fitness tests. We are athletes. We know that there are things we must accomplish in order to have the opportunity to play.
Whether it is your first or last time running those 20/40s, even if you have been able to do them all summer, everyone gets antsy around this time. That is normal. Keep this in mind: either be confident or anxious, but don’t be nervous. Confidence shows you are ready and know that you can do what you need to do. Confidence comes because you have complete control over your emotions and know that you are only ten minutes away from the next goal, a great pre season. Being anxious is okay too, because it just means you’re ready to prove you can to yourself and the team and the coaches. Being anxious means you know you can do it, you just want it to be over with. Nervousness is not what you want. Nervousness causes unnecessary worry, stress, and possible negative thoughts. If you have been working out during the summer and following the workout program, don’t be nervous, you can do this.
Instead of being nervous and fearing, trust. Let your optimism be greater than your doubt. My dad has always instilled in me a saying, “Good things happen to good people.” Be optimistic, be confident, be anxious, and trust in yourself that you can do it. Its ten minutes. That’s all. And after, begins a wonderful pre season full of training, skill work, and memories.
The ability to play can be found in many people, but the passion to play can only be found in a few. There are around 30 of us this season. Let’s start it right by being the few.
When you are thinking about the past or worrying about the future, instead focus your energy on the present moment. The now is where your power is the greatest.
Two days, my friends.
CENTER WOMEN ROCK!
Yeah baaaby! CENTRE WOMEN ROCK!
From Aubrey and Chloe!