A Journey Through Concussions

As a college soccer player who has journeyed through club soccer and Olympic development programs, my path has been shaped by both successes and challenges, including navigating through concussions. These injuries, though not uncommon in contact sports, have been significant chapters in my athletic career, each leaving a lasting impression.

One of the most memorable concussions occurred during an Olympic development soccer game when I was 12 years old. It was a super competitive match. Unfortunately, a collision left me with a concussion that became evident during the ride home, where I felt increasingly unwell until I vomited. Up until that point, no one, not even I knew that I had a concussion. In fact I played the entire game after the hit occurred. For days after that I had a headache and didn’t feel very good.

Even earlier, in fifth grade, I experienced another notable concussion, albeit under different circumstances. During a casual game of basketball during my PE class, a stray ball struck me squarely on the head, giving me a concussion. At the time I didn’t realize I had a concussion nor did my PE teacher. Later that day I was supposed to have a piano class but instead I called my mom and scared her. I said “I can’t go to my piano lesson. I don’t feel good and I can’t remember the last half of the school day”. My mom came and picked me up and I had a terrible week after that. I couldn’t sleep because my head hurt so bad. When I stood up I was dizzy. Luckily, it went away after a week.

Now, as a college soccer player, I have seen many of my teammates experience a concussion on the field. I am fortunate to have avoided a concussion in college play but have learned from my teammates the importance of returning to play slowly and following the directions of doctors and athletic trainers. I am grateful for the lessons learned from my early experiences with concussions. They have not only shaped my approach to the game but also inspired me to advocate for player safety and awareness within my team and community. My journey from youth soccer through to collegiate level has been enriched by these experiences, reminding me to take care of myself and my team mates.