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Ruby Hellstrom's journey to Washington // 9.18.19

By Washington Huskies

September 18^th, 2019

I grew up with family that lived right around the corner from the University of Washington: my parents and I would frequently walk over and admire the beautiful campus. It was love at first sight, the second I set my eyes on Husky Soccer Field I knew from a very young age that I wanted to make Washington my home.

My soccer journey started in the second grade at the YMCA. Eight-year-old me knew in that moment this was going to be my future, and that was when club soccer started. My club soccer journey was anything but perfect: I played for two different clubs and had the same highs and lows that most everyone experiences. However, with those lows came some very exciting highs, like traveling all over the county, but my favorite memory has to be the trip back to my roots, and my father's home country, of Sweden.

I got the incredible opportunity to train and play with Swedish professional teams. I was also very fortunate with some of the coaches I trained with on my journey who supported and understood my dreams of being a Husky.

At the end of the day, I’m so proud of myself and all of the people that helped me come full circle and help me achieve what eight-year-old me dreamed of. Being a Husky has completely exceeded my expectations and I couldn’t be more happy that I get to call this place home for four years. I’m so ready to see what the next three years have in store for me. Proud to call myself a Husky. Go Dawgs!