"When someone pushes you, you push them back its basic physics."

Dagoberto Campano Cortes, the smallest man I know, who has one of the loudest personalities that I've ever seen. He has been more to a coach to me for the last 5 years, he has been a grandpa. When someone asks who my coach is my response is always, "Dago, who else?" A short Chilean who wears Crocs, and that's all. He has never told me how old he actually is, some days he is 40, some 20, other days 99. He means more to me than just another coach. Soccer has given me a heck of a ride since I was 5. My first soccer practice was in a dress, cleats, and shin guards up to my knees. Like most people- my parents figured it would just be something that would come and go. But, 12 years later, 8 rec seasons, 12 club seasons, 3 high school seasons, 9 indoor seasons, I only have one left. One season as a high school senior. But- all in all club soccer has always been where my heart is. Its the travel for 3 hours to go play a dirty team that pushes you and swears at you just to beat them 1-0. Its waking up at 7 a.m. on Saturday to play a game in 30 degree weather and rain. My last club season came to an end, yesterday. And this is how it went.

It was Friday at noon and we had finally packed up the car and me and my dad were headed to Indy for the weekend, my last soccer tournament. The whole drive there I was listening to music and my dad was talking my ear off about whatever landmark was coming up next. As we got closer he started talking about the exciting games tomorrow, but not pushing me or coaching me. Just encouraging me. My dad has always been that guy. He never yells, never pushes me beyond my limits. He stands away from all the crazy soccer moms and just watches. Every once in a while he will look at me during a corner kick or goal kick and point me to move one direction or another, and he is always right. He's my biggest fan, my biggest cheerleader through wins and loses. We got to the hotel and right away my dad wanted to go downtown and spend tonight together. We decided to go to the Hard Rock Cafe, because the last time we went I was 4 years old. We shared memories and he told me stories about when I was little and my exuberant personality. After, we went to the Pacers game. We bought 10 dollar tickets and sat in the nosebleed seats. Something I will never forget. The next morning we got up and the games came and went. Win or lose, I was just trying to soak in the moment. That night, my fellow captain and I held a mini awards ceremony for our team. It was one of the best nights I have ever had with a team, ever. The next morning we woke up early and went to the game. My dad was so excited for me, and my whole team knew it was my last game with them, and it meant a lot. After warm-ups I told them my story. About how frustrating this game has been to me, since I could walk. How some games I win, some games I lose, but effort. Effort is something that cannot be measured by anyne but yourself, that's what counts. Before the game started everyone gave me a hug and instead of yelling Costa they all surprised me and yelled "Shelby." I almost started crying. I played the best game I ever played, I was yelling the whole game encouraging my teammates, I don't think I had ever run so fast in my life. My dad was standing the whole time taking pictures and encouraging me. I asked the ref, "Sir how much time?" He responded with "3 minutes." I felt the tears already starting. I looked at my dad and he just smiled. The final whistle blew, and I started crying. My whole team jumped on top of me and hugged me, and then they all walked back to the bench to shake the other teams' hands. I sprinted over to the sideline to hug my dad. He hugged my so tight and told me how proud he was of me for being such a leader, and amazing captain this year. The 5 hour drive home went fast, my phone was blowing up with lengthy text messages from my teammates who were thanking me for being such a leader this year and how much of an impact I have had on them. That meant more than anything. That team means more to me than anything. They have made me felt a part of something so much bigger than myself. It was the best season I have ever had, with my coach, "When someone pushes you, you push them back its basic physics," Dagoberto Campano Cortes.