Simpson

I believe in always taking the shot when I have the chance. That is the only way to win a game – shooting. I have been playing soccer for eight years and no matter what position I am in or where I am on the field I am always thinking about how to score. This is ironic, because I usually play defensive midfield, so many people think my only job is to keep others from scoring. During the game I do not get that many chances to score. In fact, in a typical game I am lucky to get even one chance to score. Winning means that my main job is to pass the ball forward. However, in soccer defenders can sometimes get a run. When I get the chance to make a run and take a shot, I always will. The Wayne Gretzky quote “ You miss 100 percent of the shots you do not take” certainly applies to the way I play soccer, but more importantly it applies to the way I approach life.

I never know what could happen when I shoot the ball. I could completely miss the goal or could score the best goal of my life. The worst thing that could happen is that I miss and then hope for another chance later in the game. This is how I try to approach decisions in life. No matter how difficult something is or how uncomfortable it might make me, I am willing to give it my best shot. I always sign up for the toughest classes, the ones that are rigorous and will surely be a challenge. I have even tried scuba diving even though I was a bit unsure about it. At my high school I am willing to sign up for anything if I think I can learn something. This year, my senior year, I signed up for the swim team. Most of my teammates have been swimming competitively for a long time. I decided to take a shot and give it a try. The worst thing that could happen is that I would fail and learn something new about myself. I think that the reward outweighs the risk by far.

Not too long ago, I was in a championship game for my club team and the score was 0-0. There were only 2 minutes left in the game. Everyone on the field was fatigued and there was little hope for my team. My goalie got the ball and my team started a counter attack. I started sprinting. I got the ball 25 yards away from the goal and the shot was open. The chances of me scoring were not great, but I took the shot anyway. I watched the ball spin and soar through the sky towards the goal. I saw it hit the back of the net and then ran to the corner of the field to celebrate with my team. That was one of the best feelings ever. Ever since that moment, I have applied the idea of always taking the shot to everything. It never leaves me wondering “What if?”. Now no matter the chance, small or big, I take the shot.