1% BETTER EVERY DAY
Maci Barlow plays for Soccer Chance Academy Portland 09B, NW Elite FC 06G, and Rose City Futsal 09B. She resides in Portland, Oregon.
“People only see like the hills and valleys, or the Instagram posts. But there are tons of highs and lows. And so I think every single day doing it. Putting in the work to get 1% better every day.”
When I think about soccer, happiness comes to mind.
The joy of celebrating a goal with my teammates.
Getting to feel the grass of the pitch.
Scoring a goal.
Practicing drills.
The hard work day in and day out.
The list is endless.
Not only do I love the feeling of playing soccer, but I love the work that goes into getting better.
Nothing can prepare you for the moment that you realize that you’ve found the place you’re meant to be. When I was younger I had more energy than my parents knew how to deal with so sports it was. Something about soccer felt right from the moment I stepped foot onto the field for my first practice.
Growing up right near the Portland Thorns made the idea of becoming a pro feel like it could actually become a reality. I love going to games because the environment is always something that adds a little more fuel to the fire of how can I be the one on that field. Seeing world-class professionals play on this huge stage is an incredible experience.
Those games only cement that I wanted to continue to give my all to the game by putting in the effort. Just 1% better every day.
Unconventional – That is how I would describe my journey so far. Sometimes the easiest path is not the best way to reach your goal.
When I was six years old, I began to play on a boys' team. At the same time I also played for a girls’ team three years up. Both teams provided a unique set of challenges but allowed me to tap into my technique on a deeper level.
I have a lot to be thankful for, but the boys' team welcoming me in to play with them is probably toward the top of the list. Through playing with boys, I got to tap into futsal which is still one of my favorite activities.
Futsal is credit to a lot of the technique I have. The ability to move the ball in the ways I do, maneuvering through tight spaces, and the speed at which I play.
At the end of the day, being a good player involves hard work. You have to be willing to work on the drills that may not be as fun. You have to be willing to train in situations where you are being challenged.
When the opportunity to play in the USL came about, there was no reason not to try it. The girls were supportive and at the end of the day, it was fun. I loved that I got to go out on the field alongside collegiate players who I could learn from.
Going into a new environment where everyone is older does bring along a set of nerves. But something I learned throughout this experience is that new doesn’t mean bad. Finding your rhythm to get comfortable and build connections is key at the end of the day.
Everyone makes mistakes, understanding that will grow your game because you can’t be scared to make mistakes. Mistakes happen, that’s just life, especially in sports, which makes it crucial to have a place that supports you and cheers you on to the fullest.
Sometimes the best moments of growth come from moments that are uncomfortable. Moments that force you to put yourself out there. In my case, it actually meant scoring a goal at 13 which made me the youngest to score in the USL.
After my USL goal, I got the opportunity to train with the Houston Dash for a week. Working out the logistics of all of that fell to my parents but one thing I knew was that this was a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
The speed at which the pros play is at a different level. It made me realize that the mentality of pushing better every day to up my game was essential. As a pro, you can’t just go through the motions. You really need to give it everything you have. In that enviroment you have to be striving for 1% better every day.
Getting that opportunity only reconfirmed that I want to be the one vying to make a roster. I want to be challenged by my teammates at that elite level day in and day out.
As cool as scoring in the USL and getting called up for a national team camp has been, at the end of the day I want to be a leader for other girls playing soccer in Oregon. Even with a team like the Thorns, people still don’t take soccer seriously and I want to prove them wrong.
I want girls to see what I am doing and be inspired to try to play on a boys' team, to try out futsal, or to simply start playing soccer.
It’s not easy. It takes self-discipline, motivation, navigating challenges, and at the end of the day loving what you do. But, it is so worth it.
To any parents out there unsure if you should put your child into a sport, DO IT.
Soccer has changed my life for the better. It's worth it. You learn to overcome hard things, to work through challenges, to dig deep.
I come alive on the field.
I find joy on the field.
I have passion on the field.
I put in the work to get 1% better every day.
Sincerely,
