From the moment I was brought into this world, there has been a soccer ball at my feet. In fact, on the day I was born, it was one of my father’s players who drove my mother to the hospital as she was going into labor. Since it was the beginning of July, my father’s annual summer camp was in full swing, and with a name like “Doug Nevins Soccer Camp,” Doug Nevins obviously had to be there.

The day my mother gave birth to me, I visited Lincoln Field at West Orange High School. All swaddled and freshly born, I was brought to the place I would fulfill my last name’s legacy. It was the very same field where my father had won over 300 games throughout his 25-year career as head coach, and the very same field where I would go on to play and make history 14 short years later.  

For as long as I can remember, my second home has been the soccer field, more specifically, Lincoln Field. Being a head coach’s daughter meant endless practices and games, as well as a precedent to strive for greatness and to want to be the best. While other kids were learning how to walk, I was learning how to kick, and I spent countless days with my father perfecting that craft. Together, we have spent the past 17 years of our lives committed to making me the best soccer player I could be. 

But all good things must come to an end, and as of Nov. 6, that good thing was my soccer career. 

Seventeen years and, somehow, it still was not enough time. I fell in love with this beautiful game and never turned back. 

After finally finishing my fifth and final season of soccer as a center midfielder for St. Joe’s, I have officially exhausted all of my eligibility. Eighty-four games started, 86 games played, 12 career goals, 15 career assists and 39 career points. Not many people get to say they played five years of college athletics, but I am one of the lucky ones to have done so at a place I adore with all my heart and with three coaches who have believed in me every step of the way. 

None of this would have been possible without my undying love and the countless hours I have poured into this sport. The days and nights at the field with my dad working my ass off to get better in every facet of the game all paid off.

I am so grateful to my parents for all the hours, miles and energy they have put into making my dreams a reality and for missing only two games in five years, no matter where the game was played. 

I was a junior in high school when St. Joe’s head coach Jess Mannella called and offered me the opportunity to play for her program. I would say yes again every time. St. Joe’s women’s soccer has permanently changed my life for the better.

Soccer has also introduced me to my lifelong friends and sisters who have become an integral part of my world. They are truly worth more than any accolade or championship I could have won within my five years here. 

As I sit here in the 90th minute of my journey, I know soccer will forever be ingrained in who I was and who I will become. 

No. 10 has left the game, but the game will never leave her.