Rheannan lund '19 Recruiting Profile

I am a Native American, born in Japan who has the passion to play soccer. My mom being a Native American, and both my mom and dad being in the military helps with a lot. I’ve learned about change, having an open mind, and respecting others and their opinions. Being a part of a team means being a part of something more important than yourself. It means bettering yourself for others.

I grew up in a military family, where there was change all the time. I was born in Japan and moved to Texas where I learned how to play soccer. My family and I then moved to Colorado where I found the interest in playing goalie. I love the idea of putting myself on the line, and the risk that is involved. When people say that goalies are a different breed, they’re right. We love the excitement. It’s a feeling of empowerment, and it’s an amazing feeling holding the ball after making an incredible save. Having the bruises and turf burns is like a trophy to me, because it means I’m working hard.

After six years in Colorado we moved back to Texas where I started middle school. Moving to Texas was probably the best thing that has ever happened to me, it’s where I found the desire to take it to the next level. I started out with a team named Fusion. I learned fast that I wasn’t the best on the team, but I liked the challenge. The next year the team completely changed its name and players. The name turned into Liberty and we had tryouts. I was so nervous, because it was me against the girl I played with on the team before. I worked my butt off to the get the main goalie position, so hard I ran into the goal post (I saved the ball). This just boosted my confidence, and my love for the sport just kept growing. The beginning of my freshman year we moved back to Colorado and I joined Rush. While playing for Rush I learned how to play field since we were down a few players. I enjoyed that experience because I loved being out on the field running and sprinting after the ball, and shooting it into the goal.

This year, my junior year, is probably the most important yet. I was so excited because I joined Storm. I absolutely love the team because I got back into playing goalie. I still play field every now and then, because of the speed I have. All around, this team has just helped me out, and now I feel back on track. I’m focusing on academics and bettering skills in soccer. I’m working hard to find a college that has a passionate soccer team and my major. All I can say is that I’m in love with soccer and I want to keep playing and pushing myself to be better than what people expect of me.

Another passion I have is art. It’s soothing to the mind and body. One moment there’s a problem and then once I start drawing or painting the problem disappears . This which leads me into the interest of sports psychology. Understanding how the brain works in different in situations, finding out why an athlete is an athlete, and how an Olympian is an Olympian-it’s exciting and strange. I would love to major in either art or sports psychology because of the different possibilities and each one’s uniqueness. I want to do something I love, not something I’m forced to do.

Although life can be rough sometimes, it’s what you take from it that builds you. All the experiences that I’ve had just make me want this more. I’m willing to put in the time and effort. I don’t give up easily, and I’m up for the challenge.