FROM PLAYER TO COACH: RETURNING HOME TO INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION

By Alayna MarroquinGirls Soccer - Terrell High School

As I step onto the soccer field each day, I’m struck by how surreal it feels to be back home-not as a student or player, but as a teacher and coach. This is my first year teaching and coaching, and it’s happening right where my journey began. Coaching in my hometown is more than just a professional milestone; it’s a deeply personal mission to give back to the sport and community that shaped me.

Soccer has been my constant companion through the ups and downs of life. Growing up, it was more than just a game; it was my anchor. On the field, I found focus, resilience, and a sense of belonging. No matter what challenges I faced, soccer taught me how to push forward, rely on my team, and find strength within myself. Now, I have the privilege of passing those lessons on to the next generation of athletes.

Teaching and coaching young players is an experience unlike any other. It’s not just about improving their technical skills or winning games-though those are certainly part of it. It’s about showing them how to harness the discipline, perseverance, and teamwork that soccer demands and apply those qualities in life. Watching my players develop confidence on and off the field reminds me why I fell in love with this sport in the first place.

This season, I’m also focused on building our program, creating a legacy that inspires pride in both the players and the community. Growing our program means investing in the students, fostering a sense of camaraderie, and encouraging more young athletes to see the value of being part of something bigger than themselves.

Returning to my hometown as a coach is not without its challenges. I see reflections of myself in my players-the struggles, the dreams, the determination-and it motivates me to be the mentor I once needed. I hope that, through this work, I can help; not only my athletes, but also others in the community to recognize the power sports can have in changing and shaping young lives. As a young female coach, I’m acutely aware of the importance of representation. Seeing someone who looks like them in a leadership role can spark the belief in young girls that they, too, can lead. I want my presence on the sidelines to remind them that their dreams are valid and achievable.

This year marks the beginning of what I hope will be a long and meaningful journey as a coach. Soccer has given me so much, and now it’s time to give back-to help my players discover the transformative power of the game and, perhaps, to inspire a few of them to carry that torch forward. After all, the beauty of soccer and life-is that it’s not just about where you’re going, but about who you take along for the journey.

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