Helen Pajeski '20 Recruiting Profile

It was a sunny, warm day, perfect for soccer. Our team gathered together for the first time to face our opponents, the eagles. As the coach sent us scared fourth graders to our positions, we realized we had no one who wanted to play the role of keeper. “Helen, hop in there” he said without even asking me first. Terrified, I followed and went to stand in the net. As the game progressed, I found myself making save after save, suddenly unafraid of the ball and the players coming towards me. I let the game take hold of me, and let me fly and dive effortlessly after the ball. That was the moment I fell in love with the game. Soccer has helped me to gain confidence in myself. When I step on the field, I don’t think about anything else, just that moment. Playing the position of keeper has taught me to deal with unbearable pressures, wins, losses and injury. As I continue throughout my high school career I strive to give back to the game as it has given to me.