Day One: She's a Soccer Player Again Because Age is Just a Number

Four score and ten years ago...I did not lead a Country, pass numerous Bills and Laws, or ride into war on horseback. BUT I did play soccer.

Ten years might sound like a lifetime, and in some ways, it feels like it. It's like half my life to this point, literally. But this experience is so much more than just a physical challenge—it's a journey of mental growth, self-discovery, and the realization that sometimes, a break is exactly what you need to come back stronger than ever.

I am back on the field and may goodness, am I out of shape...So let's be real. Any professional knows that mastering the foundational skills is what's most important. So I have not even been back on a field or touched a soccer ball...And I won't for a few more weeks. I need to get my body, movements, and mind back into a grounded state.

The Decision to Return: A Leap of Faith

The thought of coming back to soccer after a decade away had honestly been simmering in the back of my mind for a while. I’d been missing that rush of adrenaline, the camaraderie of a team, and the thrill of competition. I LOVE TO WIN. But I was also filled with a bit of doubt—after ten years, could I really still cut it at a collegiate level? It seemed like a huge leap...And still does.

But here’s what I’ve realized: life doesn’t wait around for you to feel perfectly ready. Sometimes, you just have to take a leap of faith and trust that your body and mind will figure things out along the way. I’d trained, competed, and pushed myself to the limit before—and I knew that if I could channel even a fraction of that energy, I could make it happen again, but better.

Courage comes before confidence. And it always does. But the craziest part, you must choose to be brave.

The First Training Session: More Than Just Physical Skills

I won’t lie, I'm scared. No wait, I AM SO FREAKIN' AFRAID. I’ve spent the last decade focusing on different things, like building my career, focusing on self-improvement, and learning new skills outside of sports...Seriously, I am a nerdy, theory intellectual at heart. But stepping into soccer for the first time was like riding a bike—it was different, but also incredibly familiar. But I also don't ride actual bikes outside of the stationary bike at the gym, soooooo...

What I didn’t expect, though, was how much the mental game had evolved for me. As much as soccer is about physicality, it’s just as much about the way you think, the way you handle pressure, and the way you push yourself mentally. Ten years away from the game gave me a new perspective on how to approach setbacks. When I missed a pass or didn’t time a sprint perfectly, I didn’t feel the same level of frustration or disappointment I might have felt at 15. Instead, I approached those moments with curiosity: “Okay, that didn’t work. What can I do differently next time?”

And competition. I LOVE TO WIN. But I realize, it's always me versus me. That is where you really learn how to play at your next highest potential.

Day one.

This mental shift is one of the most valuable takeaways from my time away. I feel more in control of my thoughts, and I can actually use failure as fuel rather than something to fear.

Belief in self is one of the most overstated, yet underrated pieces of mental strength and daily practice. THIS is what will matter in the long run.

What’s Next? Now I'm In It

So, what’s next for me in this journey? Well, today was day one. HA when I put it into writing it makes me laugh at how exciting and brave we really can be. I’m going to take things one step at a time, staying consistent with my training, listening to my body, and focusing on improvement. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about progress. And honestly? That’s what feels most exciting.

It’s never too late to come back to something you love. Whether it’s sports, a hobby, or a dream you’ve put on the back burner, sometimes the time away gives you the clarity and strength to come back even better than before. Age is just a number, and the mind-body connection we cultivate over time can unlock untapped potential.

So, stay curious, take those leaps, and embrace the process. I’m ready to see how this next chapter unfolds—and I hope you’ll join me for the ride (and it's not a stationary bike this time).

With care,

xx Nani