To Skyla Before the City Championship Game 2–25–23
2/25/23
Sky Parris,
I love watching you play soccer.
Have for more than 10 years.
I remember one of your first games with the Grattan Rockets. In Kindergarten. I’d been coaching Julius’ team, so wasn’t following your development as a player. And you wowed me.
During this game at Grattan Playground field, there was a big scrum. Many players all bunched around the ball. Typical for kid soccer. All of a sudden you do a pull-back, stepping on the ball, taking it out of the crowd, turning with it toward the opposite goal. OMG.
You kept surprising and delighting with your play. With your joy and skill and determination.
At West Sunset Field, you wove around six or seven players and scored. Coach John and I screamed in awe and celebration.
You weren’t just about doing it yourself. You are one of the most selfless, effective teammates I’ve known.
There was another Chica Cheetah game against the tough Jamestown team. You were in goal for the first half. And we couldn’t get anything going against the other team–even though they were short one or two players!
You played in the field in the second half. And you changed the game. You passed the ball, and suddenly we started scoring. You passed one time to Audrey, and she kicked one of the strongest blasts in Chica Cheetah history for a score! We won that day. Mostly because of you.
Teri Olle (Roxy’s mom) captured your spirit from the Chica Cheetahs in a photo we used to have near the front windows. You’re leaping, with both cleats off the ground. A big smile on your face.
You kept going in this way on the “Spirit” team. One time you took the ball from near your own goal and dribbled by eight players or so to get right in front of the opposite goal. Just like when you blew Coach John and I away. You didn’t score this time. But Coach Lindsay was amazed.
And here you are today playing against Coach Lindsay and the Wash Eagles for the City Championship.
As a senior on the Lowell Cardinals. One of the top teams in the city.
You belong there, Sky Parris. You’ve had many strong games as starting defender. Stopping shots, making good passes, backing up your teammates. Making the aggressive play.
I can imagine you feeling some nervousness today. Feeling bad you didn’t play your best against Mission.
That is all natural.
And I hope you will turn any nervousness into positive energy.
Put fear to the rear and remember yourself.
As someone who loves soccer.
I hope you will remember your joy.
Play free. Play fast. Play fiercely.
If you do, you’ll have no regrets about today. Win or lose.
Play like you did when you chased down #7 on Wash and took her off the ball. You did that to the best player I’ve seen in San Francisco public school soccer. Damn, Sky Parris.
Play like you did during that Grattan Rockets game when you turned the game around with that pull-back.
I’m rooting so hard for you today. I even prayed that Lowell wins! (As a rule, I don’t pray for game outcomes.)
Yet win or lose, this day already is a victory for me.
Because I get to watch you play soccer, Sky Parris.
I love you sooooo much!
XoDad
EPILOGUE
Lowell and Washington played an epic championship game. Lowell scored. Then Wash scored. It seemed Wash would score again. But it was Lowell that scored the tie-breaker, with under five minutes remaining.
Lowell won!
Here’s Skyla and team as city champs!
