There are games that end with a whistle, and others that stay with you long after the field is empty. For me, this year's ACSC was both.
Before our final game even started, I could already feel myself getting emotional. My designated hair braider, Hannh Blacklock (11) was braiding my hair for the last time. The moment I heard a small sniffle from her, neither of us could hold it together anymore. It’s strange how such a simple action hit me harder than I expected. We had done this so many times before that it felt normal, but this time it was different because we both knew it was the last. Sitting there while she finished my braids, surrounded by my teammates getting ready, I realized how much I was going to miss all of this.
The match was against last year's champions, ICS HK, and from the second the game started, we played like we had nothing left to lose. The Jakarta heat was exhausting, but we kept on pushing harder and harder, remembering how much we had worked for this. From Uncle Keith’s AI practices to the consistent 15-20min runs, we knew how badly we wanted this. Every moment felt important because I knew this would be the last time I would ever play with this team.
When Bella scored, making it 1-1, hopes exploded through our team. We were screaming, hugging, and believing it was possible. We thought maybe the heat would wear them out before it wore us out. But football doesn’t always end the way you want it to, and that is something this sport has taught me over the years.
Right when I heard the final whistle, I completely broke down. At first, I did not even know why I was crying so hard. Was it because we lost? Or because that was my final game wearing the jersey of the school that means so much to me? I remember standing there, looking at my teammates through blurry eyes, hugging them while tears and snot literally ran down my face. But nobody cared, because every single one of us felt the exact same way. We knew how hard we had put in an effort for this team, and how much love we have for one another.
I remember looking over at Uncle Keith, and he was just smiling, which is something so rare, especially after a loss. He said, “Playing the defending champs was a challenge, but we competed hard the entire game. We came up short, but I’m so, so proud of the effort and fight the ladies put up.” He looked proud and happy, and seeing that made me realize football isn’t always just about winning. It is about the connections you make, the people beside you, and the way a group of teammates slowly becomes your family.
During our after-game talk, I could barely speak without crying again, but the only thing I managed to say was, “Spending time with all of you is worth more than placing,” And I meant every word. Somehow, after all the tears and emotions, things slowly felt normal again. Within minutes, we were back to our giggly selves, laughing like we always did, and I think this is what made it even harder to let go.
This team was never just a team to me. They became my home for the past four years. Through every practice, every bus ride, the laughter in hotel rooms, celebrating Anna Chand's (12) birthday, and so much more, they became some of the most important people in my life. And even though that final whistle ended my school football career, I know a part of me will always belong here.
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