I am proud to announce that with over 800 kids trying out for the Regional Olympic Development Team, Maya made the team and was chosen to represent the midwest in soccer!
Maya started her journey in rec soccer for Des Moines Soccer Club when she was 6 years old and has become one of the best goal keepers in her age group in all of Iowa. She trains everyday but Fridays, even in the Winter - rain or shine, snow or wind – my girl is out there becoming the best (and her cleats smell like it too, lol)!
Not only does she work hard at soccer, but she is a straight A student in school and is currently the Student of the Month, with her picture in the Des Moines Public Schools newsletter. She even keeps her room clean and makes her bed every day. This girl works hard at being the best, always!
Last year, she was invited to try out for the Olympic Development Team, but I didn’t tell her until tryouts were over because I knew I would not be able to afford the trips and fees that it takes to play at this level. Maya was humbled knowing that I am a single mom, with one income, trying to do everything for my kids. Playing with her home team is expensive alone without being on another team.
When I did tell her last year, I told her that if she gets invited this year, that I would do everything in my power to be able to afford it, IF she made the team.
So here we are! Let’s GO MAYA!!!!!!!!!!
I debated on whether or not to do this page, because I feel there a lot of people in need that use these and my need is not life threatening. I inevitably decided to do this page anyway, well, because Maya deserves it!
You may ask, “What does it take to pull this off?” It takes two and half hour practices each day, technical training, weekends full of games, running all over the city for a training location when her home fields are closed, long road trips, playing in ALL weather, no Winter or Summer breaks, goal keeper training, eight uniforms, more socks than I can count, shin guards sprinkled like glitter in my car, soccer balls all over the house, even washing and storing her keeper gloves after each use. The list goes on and on.
Moreover, accepting the position on the ODP team means lots of travel and lots of expenses. Practices being held in Iowa City and Bettendorf just to name a few. Games in Arizona and Tennessee, Florida. And if her Regional team wins it all – a chance to represent the USA in Manchester, England.
Her first trip is this February in Memphis, Tennessee. We are asking for anyone that would like to help support her journey to donate to this Go Fund Me page.
If you would like to help or even send some words of encouragement – I know that Maya will be humbly overwhelmed with gratitude!
I will definitely be posting pics and updates throughout her journey!
Thank you for reading and for your kindness. We hope everyone has the most fabulous day!