WSOC: STOPPAGE TIME

Ameera Hussen's journey with soccer // 8.28.19

By Washington Huskies

August 28^th, 2019

Every since I was a little girl, my life has revolved around soccer. My brothers and I grew up going to each other’s games and supporting one another. My siblings are a huge inspiration to me because they are unbelievably talented. My older brother plays in the MLS and he has started and been scoring goals one after another. My younger brother is traveling around the world playing and hands down going to play professional. My baby sister is just starting to love soccer and works so hard to be better. My family is one huge soccer family and we all strive to push one another to become better.

It wasn’t until I was in middle school when I truly wanted to pursue a career in soccer. This sport was something that I was good at and that I loved. It has helped in many ways outside of the sport through dicispline, hard work, and working with others.

It takes more than just talent to be not just a soccer player, but a great athlete in general. The amount of hours outside of practice and games is what made me achieve my goals. There were days that I was too tired or lazy, in the end I was improving not only myself but my team.

Being on a team is an amazing feeling because it makes you feel a part of something bigger then yourself. It’s another family, outside of my own, that I can call home. Being on the soccer field with your sisters (or brothers) has this joy that is unexplainable.

The college process was scary because it meant going somewhere new that was unfamiliar and intimidating. I had talked to other schools and even committed to another college. I had to rethink what was better for me and when Lesle had reached out, something felt right. When I got to campus, it felt like home. UW was the perfect place for me because the support of my family is a huge part of my life.

Getting on campus and on the team was frightening, not because of the team or coaches, but because of how awesome it was to be called a Husky. This place has been a dream and has challenged me in many ways that will help me after college. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be here and wear "Washington" across my chest.