This capstone is a representation of how something so important in my life, that I have spent well over 100 hours working on in the past four years. It has shaped me into the person I am today. Not only is this to show how soccer will shape my future, but also how playing a sport or joining any sort of team can shape you as well. I started playing soccer when I was five years old, my dad was my coach and all the other kids at my school were starting to play soccer as well. I played because it was fun and because my dad was my rec league coach. When I was ten I decided I wanted to take soccer more seriously so I tried out for the comp team. I have now been playing for that same team since fourth grade. Through all of the different coaches and different teammates, my passion for the game only grew. I realized how important soccer was to me. Throughout these past thirteen years of soccer, I’ve had several injuries but thankfully only one severe injury. There have been times when it has been hard and times when people have asked me why I don't quit. But I have never even thought of quitting as an option. Soccer has taught me to persevere and to be courageous in some of the most difficult challenges, both internally and externally. I take what I have learned on the field as a tool to help me in real life. The perseverance and mental toughness it has taught me will forever be a defining factor in my day-to-day life. It has taught me how to work with others towards a common goal even though you don't always see eye to eye. Soccer has taught me the importance of teamwork and collaboration. It has taught me to always speak up for myself and to be able to effectively communicate with and listen to others. And above all, it has taught me leadership and unity. I am certain that I will use the skills I have learned from playing soccer in my future career as a teacher, firefighter or first responder. I have learned to always be an effective communicator, to always persevere, and not give up. Even in the most mentally and physically difficult situations. I will transfer that same grit and mental toughness into whatever career path I choose to pursue.