The end of preseason has finally arrived. For most student-athletes, this statement brings nothing but pure bliss or possibly tears of joy. This simple statement alone means the end to waking up at 6 a.m. every day for practice; the end to two-or-three intense practices a day in the 100-plus degree heat; and the end to all the blisters, bruises, pulled muscles and fatigue that comes with all that is preseason. This statement does not apply to the Wingate University women’s soccer team. Sure, I think it is great not to get up before the sun rises or practice two times a day in the blazing sun. But for us, it means something different.

As a senior, I have been through my share of pre-seasons. They have definitely been the most physically demanding days of my life. There were times over the years in preseason when I did not think my body could handle much more. This year was different. I felt that this year it all came together.

We all knew the pre-season routine. Get up, eat, practice, eat again, have a meeting, eat once more, practice again, then the most amazing part of the day - sleep! Luckily, we did not have “three-a-days” this year! This schedule may seem to become repetitive after a while to some people. For our team, this was not so. We greeted each day with renewed excitement. Once we entered the locker room, no matter how tired or sore we were…we put it behind us and made sure we were ready to give our best.

The entire team’s intensity and enthusiasm to play is like nothing I have experienced during my three previous years at Wingate. It consumed us. We wanted to learn, improve and push ourselves to the limit each day. Coach Curneen could sense this attitude as well and helped us thrive on it. He developed practices to push us to our best…which gave us confidence and drive for the next practice.

But Coach also knew when we needed a break. He knew that if we gave everything we had for two practices a day for two weeks we would easily become burned out. We had different variations to our schedule and also some team events. One day, to get us away from soccer, we had a team event at the NASCAR Speed Park at Concord Mills. I had the greatest time and I know the rest of the team did, too! We raced go-carts, played laser tag, navigated bumper boats…and so much more. I felt that I really was able to get to know my teammates on a different level than on the soccer field.

Though playing with the girls on the field and through our various team events, I feel that this team has become closer and tighter than any of us could have imagined especially this early in the year. I feel that we all have the same desire and dedication to succeed and Coach continues to help feed this hunger.

This is why I am sad to see preseason end. We have all shared so much over these last few weeks from stories and laughter to hard work, pain and maybe even some tears. It is not all upsetting to see preseason go. Now it is time to go out and show everyone what we have worked so hard to accomplish. Our season is upon us and I am truly excited to see what this season has in store! I have grown close to these ladies. I cannot wait to step out onto the field with them. These girls and their outstanding attitudes and abilities will certainly help this team to succeed…they make me proud to be a part of the Wingate University women’s soccer team. Let’s have a great year, ladies!!