“I can’t, I have practice.” Story of Senior, Hayden Leslie’s life. For those of us who have known Hayden since elementary school, Hayden’s soccer schedule was busy long before many of us even knew what the word meant. Hayden and soccer have been inseparable ever since we can remember. Practice, games and showcases have dominated his life. Traveling down the hill twice a week for two hour practices and every weekend for games is something that he has grown accustomed to. Soccer has woven itself into Hayden’s life, and honestly, he can’t really imagine (or remember, for that matter) his life without it.
Was it worth it? While we got groups together and went to the movies and bowling, and youth group Hayden went to practice. While his buddy had a sleepover party for his twelfth birthday, Hayden had a game. Did he miss out or did we? As far as Hayden is concerned soccer has given him so much more than what appears on the surface. He has made lasting friends, honed a skill that will serve him well, and most importantly gained scholarship offers to pay for his education. While most of us hadn’t started to think about college until freshman year, college was the plan for Hayden the entire time. He practiced, and played and tried out for club teams for one purpose. That purpose has finally been fulfilled.
In the fall, Hayden will be attending UC Riverside on a soccer scholarship. He will finally reap the benefits of year upon year of hard work and travel. He will be playing the sport that he loves as well as living out his dream of attending a major university. Although his schedule has always been busy, it has finally paid off. When Hayden steps on that field this August, every petty thing he has “given up” for soccer will mean little compared to the excitement that he will feel. His childhood hobby had a purpose that enabled him to accomplish his dreams. Although it was hard and grueling, he proved to himself and others that a person can accomplish anything if they set their mind to it and dedicate their lives. Although there were plenty of things that he couldn’t do as a child because of practice, there are now so many things that he can.
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