The Soccer Girls of All Saints
By: Marissa Golesh
Friendships grow stronger as years go on. I have four friends that I have known since I was six. Lauren, Erika, Ciarra, Marlayna, and I all went to the same elementary school, but a sport strengthened our friendship. Soccer brought all of us together. This friendship continued into high school, but the real test will be next year when we are all in different states for college. We have known each other for most of our lives. These girls are more than friends; they are like sisters.
All Saints School was the beginning of our friendship. The big thing that the five of us had in common was we were athletic. We played for our school's basketball team, but soccer was the main sport for us. Soccer takes time, especially if you play in a select league. Ciarra, Marlayna, Lauren, Erika, and I made the Norpoint soccer team in fourth grade. We practiced twice a week and had a game every weekend. We developed the name, the "Soccer Girls at All Saints," because we were inseparable. However, when it came time for high school, another chapter of our lives was beginning.
Soccer no longer kept us together because one of us decided that she could succeed in another sport. Marlayna wanted to play volleyball. She tried to do both but it was too overbearing. I understood her decision, and I am glad that she chose volleyball. The three of us supported her, and now she is one of the best high school volleyball players. I am so proud of her and what she has accomplished. Lauren, Erika, Ciarra, and I continue to play together both at high school and Norpoint. So of course I am closer to Lauren, Erika, and Ciarra than Marlayna because I see them more, but I still support Marlayna. I was actually her sponsor for Confirmation. The soccer girls' friendship had been built up through years of support and love. Thirteen years of being friends will be put to the test this next year when we will be on our own.
College is an exciting time, but we have to leave the people we love to become independent. Marlayna is off to Western Washington to be a volleyball star. Lauren will be at Gonzaga to become a math teacher. Erika is going down to Portland to be a nurse. Ciarra and I are flying down to Embry-Riddle in Arizona. I do not know how I am going to part from three of my best friends. They are sisters to me, and I love them so much.
The one good thing about my journey to college is that Ciarra is coming with me. We will be playing soccer together at Embry-Riddle. I truly hope that we all stay in touch because I do care what happens in their lives. I have known these girls since I was six, and I plan on continuing to be there for them throughout their lives.