Personal Narrative: My Goalie

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For as long as I can remember, lacrosse has been a necessity in my family. I began playing goalie in fifth grade. Naturally, my ability increased and my skills improved. I received compliments on and off the field. A few houses down from me lives my neighbor, who happened to be head coach of boys lacrosse team for my age group. At some point in the winter of sixth grade, he asked if would be I willing to attempt playing as a goalie for his team. Graciously accepting his offer, my family and I were excited, as I would be the only girl playing in an all boys league. On the other hand, I was slightly nervous due to the higher level of aggression and more powerful shots I would have to block. Nevertheless, I was happy to begin and began training …show more content…

As more of my teammates began to show up, I recognized most of them. However, I learned later that if I went on to play in the Spring, this would not be the same exact team I would play with. With only twenty minutes until we began,I put on all of my gear and my dad gave me a thorough warm up. Time seemed to fly by, and before I knew it, everyone was gathered together as positions were being assigned. I was originally overwhelmed with excitement, but as the game drew closer, the joy I had felt was replaced with anxiety. The lacrosse game taking place before ours ended and we entered and took our place on our bench. I recognized the opposing team’s jerseys quickly and identified them as a travel team from our area. Taking one final breath, I rushed into the lacrosse net enjoying my bird’s eye view, unsure of what was to …show more content…

We began the customary after game handshake, with the goalie at the front, and coaches bringing up the rear. As we worked our way down the line, the other team’s eyes widened when they realized I had been a girl. I walked off the field to meet up with my family, who informed me I had an exceptional performance. My mom, who always tracked my progress, said I had saved sixty four percent of the shots they had took. I was extremely proud of myself,not only for the way I had played, but because I was able to show people that despite my gender, I am just as good of a goalie as any boy. If I could ever go back and do anything different, I would not. After I began playing for boys, I developed a new style that made me a much better goalie for my girls team. Becoming the outsider helped me learn to overcome labels and that even if people doubt you, every situation is what you make it. This Spring, I will be playing my third and final year with the boys, and the experience will never leave

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