The Miller Memoirs: What a journey

HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER

High school soccer tryouts has been somewhat of a journey. This journey inspires me to trust in the Lord and remember He is overall... Sometimes when our desires do not line up with His plan for us, if we trust in Him--His plan is better. Years ago Hailey was invited to play on the competitive soccer team; however, the competitive team played on Sundays, and in the process of seeking exemption from Sunday play we were told that "every good little Mormon kid eventually played on Sundays". When this statement was made, we felt it was a confirmation to our prayers as to whether or not we should continue. Hailey was heartbroken, but she determined that God was more important than her love for soccer. When she informed the competitive coaches of her decision, they again tried to change her mind by saying that if she did not play competitive, she would saying "goodbye" to any type of continuing soccer--there would be no way for her to make her high school team without playing for a competitive team. Hailey held to her decision to continue playing soccer on the select level with her dad as her coach. Bryan and Hailey were determined to create quality soccer without Sunday play. Fortunately we were blessed with a team with similar thoughts and passions, and we grew together.

This past summer Hailey began her journey of trying-out for her high school team. In year's past, there have only been very few Freshman selected to play for the high school team, of those Freshman selected--all of them came from a competitive team. This year--Hailey and her "select soccer teammates" were about to change history. Throughout the summer, Hailey was noticed by the coaches. It seemed so miraculously that out of 86 girls, Hailey kept receiving attention, and in July she was invited to a tournament where only upperclassmen were "supposed" to be invited to play. Despite this attention, she Hailey continued to work hard. Three days a week Hailey would attend Off the Field workouts (a program designed to help teams build strength). The rest of the week, we woke up early, and ran miles for conditioning (with two other select teammates)--we ran hills, we ran poles, we ran distance, and we ran 800's. At the time, we were simply trying to condition the girls for tryouts--we had no idea what kinds of fitness drills would be ran at tryouts. On top of this training, Hailey also spent hours upon hours working on her juggling. I believe that Heavenly Father blessed her efforts.

For tryouts there were three days of fitness. Every single fitness drill coincided with a drill we had trained for during the summer. Hailey passed every single fitness drill--the only Freshman to do so. In fact, she not only passed, but she did better than most of the Varsity girls. This was a direct answer to our prayers. We had no idea how to train, but we were definitely guided in that training. Our summer workouts were perfect for tryouts--I have no doubt that God guided us.

Not only was God's hand in our training this summer, but throughout her soccer experience up to this point. Hailey was prepared for soccer tryouts. She truly is a standout player. She did not spend years in competitive play to prepare for high school like many other girls did, but she spent years preparing nonetheless, and God helped her in this endeavor. Sometimes we desire things that may seem out of our reach, but I truly believe that when we put God first in our lives, He will open doors for us. Throughout the whole tryout experience, many of the upperclassman were shocked that Hailey had not played for a competitive team. One of the girls asked, "How did you get so good without playing competitive?" I have to believe it wasn't Hailey alone in this process, but it was a partnership between her and God. I also have to believe that as Hailey continues to put God first in her life, He will continue to open doors. When she chose not to play for competitive soccer so many years ago, there was a moment when she felt that her dream of playing for her high school soccer team was out of reach; however, with hope, faith and trust--she worked hard to accomplish her dream despite the general consensus, and God created a miracle in her life.

Hailey and one other select teammate made the JV Team. Two other teammates made the JV2 Team.

There is an EFY song that entitled, "Here Am I". I believe that Hailey exemplifies this song, and because she strives to do so--I believe that God will continue to create miracles in her life. I have no doubt that soccer journey has been one of those miracles.

Here Am I
Ready and Willing
Here Am I
I'll Go Wherever He Needs
Here to Love, Here to Serve, To the Ends of the Earth
I surrender my Heart and my Life, So the World Can See His Light
Here Am I

I am blessed to see His Light through my daughter's devotion to God. I am so grateful.