The Fireballs Squad

Don't let the humble smiles, sensitive eyes and cute cleats fool ya!!! These girls are full of character and talents (also swift feet). I learned the hard way on this one... I'm hoping to come back next season as this was an awesome experience. Trust me, they'll test you when least expect it thus leave you no choice but to be fast on your feet showing no mercy. That makes it about 19 VS 1… can you see where I'm coming from!!!

When I first came on board to the Tigard Youth U12 League, I didn't know what to expect or prep for this assignment. Those who know my story coming to Oregon, it's more bout saying 'yes' then 'no'. So when the head coach asked to join him in assisting with the squad, I considered it an awesome opportunity: “I'm in”. Little did my mind fathom the craziness yet fun relationships I acquired with these wonderful girls.

One challenge was addressing them by their nicknames. Having no knowledge behind their actual names, I tried putting a face to every player—'Monkey', 'Sunshine', 'Pretzel' or 'Lefty'. It later dawned on me, there's more to the story which carries outside of the soccer walls too. After a few practices, they warmed up to me and I opened up to them. Guess they had a plethora of questions on their minds because that's what was mostly said during practices. Questions such as: “why are you short?” Or “how old are you cause you have many gray hairs?”, “Do you have any kids?”, “Are you good at soccer?” Oh and my personal favorite “Can we dye your hair purple? Well, doesn't matter cause it's happening.”

Futbol (soccer), being my #1 sport, I was playing twice (sometimes three) a week. This brought me to a place when my old man and I used to train back in CA. Ha!!! as I reflect on this... I recall aggravating him due to the constant laziness. Took a while to get me out of that phase, but he never gave up on me. Now that I'm somewhat in his shoes, I knew the yelling and pushing stemmed from love (more so since I was his son). Witnessing parents on the sidelines standing up with arms raised and cheering their kids on, I'm content this was the same gratitude my old man felt for me. Can't wait when he see's all that hard work put into his son didn't go to waste (love ya dad). 

I'm grateful for the invitation from Brent Mills (head coach) to join him in helping out the Fireballs team. Together they're an inspiration and joy. Arriving to the park, changing into my Adidas cleats and stepping on that field, I became a kid again. Embracing their laughters or the sound of the ball being kicked, I'm miles away from the office and in a world of limitless fun. A place that is outside of time and in a worry free environment.

I give it up for Mr. Brent Mills in leading these girls into a healthy and fun team. In one of our corresponding emails, I share my thoughts about the great job he's done. I'll append it here because it holds truth.

"Without a doubt, you're impacting such a positive messages to these girls. Standing on the sidelines with you, it’s inevitable the much caring heart being portrayed towards their hard work and efforts (not overlooking anyone). It is the unity that proves this. Players are involved with each other not leaving anyone ostracized. It's as you treat everyone as your own blood which I cannot say enough how much of an example you've demonstrated being an amazing mentor."

Go Fireballs ⚽️.