Dallin Vonstrahl

Period.1

Speech
The one regret I have is not playing football all 4 years. After I played freshman

year, I did not play sophomore and junior year because I solely focused on soccer. This

meant that soccer was year round. This meant that half the year I played club and the

other half I played highschool. This meant daily practices, traveling tournaments all

around the country and dedication that required a lot of sacrifice.

I did this because I was advised by well intentioned coaches and those who have

gone before me. My ultimate goal was to play collegiate soccer. This goal took into

account the sacrifices I would make; including time away from family, friends, and

special events. I was dedicated and motivated to reach my goals. So, when I decided

to play football my senior year, it was a decision made after personal wrestling and

internal conflict. However, I wanted to be with both my best friend and my cousin,

together on one team our senior year.

That summer before senior year was the most physically rigorous experience of

my life. Consequently, it bonded our team and bound friendships forever. Through

blood, sweat, pain, and grueling work, we became brothers. I ended up tearing my ACL

on the first game of that senior year season which ended all my sports participation for

this year. It is the decision I made to stop playing club soccer and play football my

senior year that allowed me to have the time and memorable experiences with those I

hold close to my heart. Even though my one dream of playing soccer ended, I realized

it was a tremendous gift to have the time that I did and the experiences we had
together. I wish I had played football all 4 years because it was a good break from

soccer year-round and it was something I could have shared and enjoyed my whole

high school experience. If I had to do it over again, I would play football all four years.