Finding flow

[THE PITCH] Christen Press was the 2010 Soccer America College Women’s Player of the Year at NCAA Division I finalistStanford and won 2011 WPS Rookie of the Year honors at magicJack. When WPS suspended plans for the 2012 season, she signed with Kopparbergs/Gothenburg FC of the Swedish Damallsvenskan. In the firstentry of what will be a regular Soccer America blog feature, the 23-year-old Californian writes about how she is preparing for her new journey …

Garth Stein wrote, “That which we manifest is before us; we are the creators of our own destiny. Be itthrough intention or ignorance, our successes and our failures have been brought on by none other than ourselves.”

It seems that soccer is a microcosm of life. The skills I’ve honed over the 20 years of my soccer career concerning technique, tactics, group dynamics, andtraining have simultaneously taught me about autonomy, confidence, problem solving, perseverance and the pursuit of happiness. Again and again, I am reminded that soccer is, simply-put, “thegame of life.”

The lessons are never ending! So as I begin a great journey away frommy family, friends, and home, I thought I would share some of my revelations. I am very excited to start this new chapter in my life. I will be a rookie once again, and that is just fine withme.  I’d like to always view life through the eyes of a rookie … brand new and full of promise!