Fall soccer - Keagan #23

After Keagan's 7th grade middle school season of soccer, he had about called it quits on the sport. That was really sad for our family because it wasn't about his love of the game, it was about the experiences he had. Luckily, he was encouraged by a soccer coach for the high school travel team to continue, was invited to play with the JV team in a club game and was given atta boys throughout that experience. You can read about it here rather than me re-hashing it. 

Keagan tried out and made the JV high school team despite having to sit out two of the tryout days due to concussion precautions from a nasty header with another player's forehead. He didn't have a concussion, but the trainer was concerned. Keagan made it thru "Hell week" which is actually 10 days of twice-daily practices in the middle of July (while also practicing basketball in between) and, long-story-short, played in every single JV game. He never started, but that is OK. (actually he did - he started during a game that the coach knew would be a blow out)  He didn't play the entirety of the game, but that is OK too. Keagan got stronger, more confident, and was considered a teammate by his same age players as well as the Varsity players. The experience was wonderful, the coaching was wonderful, and Keagan has a renewed love for the sport. We are incredibly proud of him for sticking with soccer and now being a part of the Marshall County High School soccer team. 

(If the action pictures are crisp and clear - they aren't mine. CapturedByTenia took them!)

The MCHS soccer team (JV and V) at a Meet the Marshalls Sports event. I think Keagan is in the back of the pack.

SMMS 8th graders

Keags scored a goal during this game! I was super proud of my kids as you can imagine (he is typically a defensive player so this was awesome!)

Finn is thrilled to have Thatcher recognize him...🤣

Thatcher, Keagan, Levi - soccer buds since they were tiny

The boys lined up at the soccer Meet the Marshalls event where they scrimmage each other - notice that Keagan (#23) and Thatcher (#19) are goofing over something and Nick (goalie #26) and Levi (#6) are getting into the conversation too. These 4 have been soccer pals for their whole life. 

Meet the Marshalls scrimmage time - Keagan's team is wearing the green pennies

Keagan, Levi, and Thatcher all starting!

hot soccer Saturday morning

JV team before a match

He believe he can fly!! (trying to bring the ball down)

Ivy says: LOOK! I see Bub! (Fun to see Keagan on the MCHS sign by the soccer stadium) Varsity players are in the darker orange and JV players in the lighter orange. 

When you show up twinning with your sideline bestie you get a picture! 

Addleigh came to watch Keagan - unfortunately for them, they broke up the next day.

another twinning moment!!

Keagan's best friend Thatcher with his mama and my sideline best friend Reagan!

I love a good sportsmanship picture