Soccer girls

Just the girls are playing soccer this year.  Surprisingly, Mariah was hesitant to play.  She had a lackluster season last year; she didn't connect with her coach; she wasn't feeling the fun in it anymore.  I encouraged her to continue (why stop now?) and to our relief she is really enjoying her team and her coach this season.  A new coach has made a world of difference in her experience, for which I am grateful.

No, she hasn't grown extra legs.... yet.

Mariah has also started working as a soccer referee for our local league.  She took the certification class this summer and now has her first official job!  Her first game was working with the kids Karina's age.  She was nervous but she did a great job.  Since then she's ref'd several games and loves the pay that comes with it.  I love experiences like this for my kids, which help them gain confidence in themselves and their abilities.  I'm proud of her and her willingness to do something different and to overcome her inhibitions to do so.  

Mariah as a referee getting the kids to line up for an equipment check

Most days, Karina is on fire on the field.  Does that surprise anyone?  Her energy and confidence are evident and, even though she is one of the younger players on the team, she holds her own just fine.  She's a chatterbox while she's playing--sometimes bossy, sometimes just voicing the plays, sometimes laughing and giggling.  A few games ago, she and another player were having a dance party on the sidelines as they watched their teammates.  Yes, she is my constant entertainment.

She likes to play the goalie position and does a pretty good job.  She's taken a few hits in the stomach with the ball, which isn't fun.  She's pretty tough about it though and doesn't complain much.