Fall Down 7 times, get up 8.
My story is one of passion, setbacks, and a determination to redefine success.
Born in Somalia, soccer was it. The sport was around me at all times. My dad played, my uncles played, everyone I knew, so that’s all I ever thought about wanting to be growing up. So, I began playing when I was 3 years old. I even remember times when I would skip school to go play with my friends, which got me in a lot of trouble growing up. But it was just life for us back home in Somalia.
At the age of eight, I joined my first soccer club in the United States. I saw the potential in myself, and so did my teammates, coaches, and parents. My passion for the game continued to burn bright, and by 13, I was recruited to the prestigious Columbus Crew Academy, a two-and-a-half-hour drive from my home in Toledo, Ohio.
The sacrifices were real – late-night drives, homework in the car – but the dream of playing at the highest level propelled me forward.
Fast forward to my sophomore year of high school, I committed early to play for Bowling Green University. It wasn’t just a personal choice; it was a decision made with my family in mind, ensuring they could continue to be a part of my soccer journey. Division I, a strong team, and proximity to home made it the perfect fit.
This is where things transformed for me. I was always used to starting, or getting lots of playing time, and being a big factor for my high school team. Coming to college was like starting all over again. I played a good amount my freshman year and I thought I was going to build on that and get that starting spot my sophomore year. Bowling Green had a stellar season, winning the conference and reaching the NCAA tournament after a 21-year hiatus. But despite being on the field, I had yet to earn a starting spot.
The frustration of not being a starter ate at me for a while.
I always saw myself in that role and it was difficult to understand that I wasn’t needed in the same way.
Junior year became a pivotal moment. I had to face the reality that my soccer career wasn’t unfolding as I had always dreamed. I had no choice, but to really accept it.
I became a leader from the bench – a mentor for younger players, helping them navigate the challenges I had faced over my four-year journey.
Allowing myself to transition to this new role wasn’t easy. I’ve realized now, especially coming into adult life, that it all comes down to your mentality. As a player, you’re going to deal with injuries, you’re going to deal with times when you’re not getting the play time that you want, you’re going to have times where you’re in a dispute with your coach, you even might have times where you feel like you’re not getting what you deserve. I could have quit, or transferred, but there is no guarantee my career would have ended up differently.
While my collegiate career didn’t mirror the dream I initially had, I found a different way to contribute. Now that chapter of my life is over, I’m still figuring it out.
To all the players out there facing setbacks, work on your mental toughness to get up and go out every day to perfect your craft and focus on yourself.
Keep going. Always. Get yourself up, dust yourself up, and figure out new ways to be successful.
Peace and Passion,
Abdi
