I'm having a really hard time making an important decision: should I play school soccer in the spring or not?
I received a Letter of Assurance to the Naval Academy back in October, a nomination from my senator in late November, and my official appointment this past Monday. I am extremely excited as this has been my dream for my entire life.
Now I need to make an important decision on whether to play soccer in the spring or not. I have played soccer for my entire life and have yet to incur any serious injuries (*knock on wood*). However, as I face the beginning of my senior year soccer season, I know that I absolutely cannot get injured as it may revoke my appointment.
My mom (she is known as USNA02 on the forums) is leaving the decision up to me, as she should, and I am grateful for that. The fact of the matter is, I can argue for both sides of the situation. I can say that it is not worth risking my lifetime dream to play a few months of soccer as I could get injured. All it takes is one little accident in practice or a game and I could be medically disqualified. But on the other hand, I can say that I could get hurt doing anything else (twisting an ankle on the sidewalk, participating in PT in JROTC, or even training for I-Day). There is just no telling what will happen. Playing soccer will keep me in shape, keep me active, and keep me doing something I love to do for the last few months I have before I head off to Annapolis.
My coach promises me that he will "take care" of me and that I should have no worries of getting injured. Of course, his advice is biased and I know that. My mom has made her opinion known that she doesn't want me to play, but, like I said, she is not going to make the decision for me.
I have read through the other threads on this type of subject, but I am still struggling to make a decision. All I am looking for is advice from other candidates, appointees, midshipmen, BGOs, or parents on what to do. Thank you.
I received a Letter of Assurance to the Naval Academy back in October, a nomination from my senator in late November, and my official appointment this past Monday. I am extremely excited as this has been my dream for my entire life.
Now I need to make an important decision on whether to play soccer in the spring or not. I have played soccer for my entire life and have yet to incur any serious injuries (*knock on wood*). However, as I face the beginning of my senior year soccer season, I know that I absolutely cannot get injured as it may revoke my appointment.
My mom (she is known as USNA02 on the forums) is leaving the decision up to me, as she should, and I am grateful for that. The fact of the matter is, I can argue for both sides of the situation. I can say that it is not worth risking my lifetime dream to play a few months of soccer as I could get injured. All it takes is one little accident in practice or a game and I could be medically disqualified. But on the other hand, I can say that I could get hurt doing anything else (twisting an ankle on the sidewalk, participating in PT in JROTC, or even training for I-Day). There is just no telling what will happen. Playing soccer will keep me in shape, keep me active, and keep me doing something I love to do for the last few months I have before I head off to Annapolis.
My coach promises me that he will "take care" of me and that I should have no worries of getting injured. Of course, his advice is biased and I know that. My mom has made her opinion known that she doesn't want me to play, but, like I said, she is not going to make the decision for me.
I have read through the other threads on this type of subject, but I am still struggling to make a decision. All I am looking for is advice from other candidates, appointees, midshipmen, BGOs, or parents on what to do. Thank you.