I nervously waited with the other hopeful players as Coach blew his whistle, signaling the start of soccer tryouts. My cleats felt heavy on my feet as I jogged onto the field. As one of only a few girls trying out, I knew my skills would be closely watched.
The drills began with simple passing and dribbling. I focused on keeping control of the ball, making clean passes to my teammates. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Coach eyeing me skeptically. Had he already made up his mind without giving me a fair chance? I pushed down my doubts and played with everything I had.
Next was scrimmaging. I rushed down the field, intercepting a pass and taking a shot on goal. The ball sailed perfectly into the back of the net. My teammates cheered but Coach's expression remained unchanged. "Good shot, but keep your long hair tied back - I don't want any distractions out there," he said gruffly.
The scrimmage continued and I was playing the best soccer of my life. Yet each play I made, it seemed Coach had another criticism - the way I dressed, how loudly I celebrated a goal. The criticism wasn't about my skills at all. It was almost as if he didn't want a girl on the team, regardless of talent.
Finally, tryouts ended and Coach began announcing the players selected. Heart in my throat, I waited to hear my name. But it never came. As I walked off the field in disappointment, my friend Jennifer caught up to me. "Don't worry, you played amazing. Coach is just old-fashioned - he doesn't think girls belong in soccer."
Her words confirmed what I'd feared - I wasn't judged based on my character or abilities, but simply for being a girl. It wasn't fair. All I ever wanted was to be seen for who I am, not what I am. From that day on, I vowed to keep following my dreams and never let narrow judgments determine my path.