pitch_perf
BRONZE
2 weeks ago, DD dropped the bombshell that she is miserable, no longer loves soccer, and wants to quit. I'm seeking advise from the 'been there done that' folks on this board.
A few contributing factors...
She is a GK. She plays highest level soccer. She is 16. She has nagging injuries common to keepers, the current issue is 'playable' but can't recover or repair without rest. She has anxiety about games, which is a direct result of recent HS season and a team/coach that destroyed her confidence (team was much lower caliber and coach expected unrealistic things of her due to her high level of play/experience). Anxiety has caused physical and mental decline, which now is the filter through which she sees soccer. She is seeing a counselor (CBT therapy) and all her doctors (physical and mental) tell her she must take 2+ months off to get her body and mind in a better place before she make a permanent and life changing decision. She feels torn by her previous love and dedication to her sport, her team, her family, and the countless $ that have been invested in her, but is overwhelmed with her own feelings/fears/hurts/etc. Oh, and she has a verbal commitment with full ride scholarship to a D1 program in 2 years. She says her body won't last for 6 more years of soccer (2 club then college). There is truth in that - her current, injured, exhausted body can't. 5+ years of year round soccer with no break (1-2 weeks in summer maybe) have taken a toll. But 2 years can change a lot, right?
Any advise or experience in this type of situation? Is it possible, with therapy, rest, physical and mental recovery, time, and tremendous support, for her to get through this and get back in the net? I know the response is 'it depends on your kid'. Her happiness is our goal and if this ends up a permanent decision, we fully support it. But it is so hard stepping back while season continues and life changing course changes loom.
BTW, whatever happens, her college selection won't change. It is the perfect school for her - soccer or not.
Thanks for comments. I know sometimes posters on this forum are not always kind, so I respectfully ask for helpful responses
A few contributing factors...
She is a GK. She plays highest level soccer. She is 16. She has nagging injuries common to keepers, the current issue is 'playable' but can't recover or repair without rest. She has anxiety about games, which is a direct result of recent HS season and a team/coach that destroyed her confidence (team was much lower caliber and coach expected unrealistic things of her due to her high level of play/experience). Anxiety has caused physical and mental decline, which now is the filter through which she sees soccer. She is seeing a counselor (CBT therapy) and all her doctors (physical and mental) tell her she must take 2+ months off to get her body and mind in a better place before she make a permanent and life changing decision. She feels torn by her previous love and dedication to her sport, her team, her family, and the countless $ that have been invested in her, but is overwhelmed with her own feelings/fears/hurts/etc. Oh, and she has a verbal commitment with full ride scholarship to a D1 program in 2 years. She says her body won't last for 6 more years of soccer (2 club then college). There is truth in that - her current, injured, exhausted body can't. 5+ years of year round soccer with no break (1-2 weeks in summer maybe) have taken a toll. But 2 years can change a lot, right?
Any advise or experience in this type of situation? Is it possible, with therapy, rest, physical and mental recovery, time, and tremendous support, for her to get through this and get back in the net? I know the response is 'it depends on your kid'. Her happiness is our goal and if this ends up a permanent decision, we fully support it. But it is so hard stepping back while season continues and life changing course changes loom.
BTW, whatever happens, her college selection won't change. It is the perfect school for her - soccer or not.
Thanks for comments. I know sometimes posters on this forum are not always kind, so I respectfully ask for helpful responses