The moment she stepped on the soccer field, Karen Joo (8) immediately found her passion and talent. Ever since she walked into the halls of elementary school, Karen has never lost her love for soccer. At school, Karen participates in not only the annual “House Games” in middle school, but also the girls’ soccer team to express her love for soccer. Many girls at SIS view Karen as the female athlete, or “the soccer girl”.
“In first grade, I did gymnastics until my mom persuaded me to take soccer practices instead,” Karen said. “Surprisingly, I fell in love right away.”
Karen has proven her skill at the sport throughout her athletic career at SIS. In the House Games this year, she was the only girl in the grade to score three goals in total, leading her team to victory in the championship game just last week.
“I enjoy playing soccer because I admire playing sports that involve activity with the feet,” Karen said. I can relieve myself of stress as I run around on the field. I love it when the game ties and all of the pressure goes to one player during he penalty shot.”
According to Karen, when it comes to playing the game, she always puts her whole self, mind and body, into the action, pouring forth her passion and love for the sport. In the House Games, Karen, who plays in the team Baekjae, was the only person on her team that thought that her team was going to go to the Finals. But she didn’t stop by just reaching the championship game. According to Timmy Kim (8), she simply desired to become the champion, and she did.
“I know that she's really into soccer, and even though House Games soccer games are not as competitive as those between schools, she's really passionate about them,” said Alyssa Shin (8). “She is always determined to win and put her share into bringing about the victory. Her determination and agility is the perfect combination for a great soccer player.”
Even people on other House Games teams also admire her for her passion for soccer. According to Andrew Song (8), anyone can notice the Karen's focused attitude plays by just looking at her eyes.
“Karen is known as one of the most athletic girls in our grade, especially in soccer,” said Irene Lee (8), Karen's friend who plays for the Joseon team. “When you see her play on the field, she looks like she is genuinely enjoying herself. She shows great determination, teamwork, and skills. I have no doubt that she will be on the varsity soccer team in high school,”
However, her passion does not end within the game. Karen takes her passion to a much more serious level, which leads to society’s stereotypes again women today.
“To be honest, I hate it how boys think girls are so inferior in sports and think that they aren’t so skilled at not just soccer, but at any sport,” Karen said. “I hope that I can prove this bias wrong through my love for soccer.”
For Karen, soccer will always be a memorable part of her life. It is what makes up herself, and her character. According to her friends, her love, determination, and passion for the game will truly never disappear.
“In the future, possibly when I get into the varsity girls soccer team in high school, I hope to be able to leave an image of a female athlete that no one has ever seen before,” Karen said.
“In first grade, I did gymnastics until my mom persuaded me to take soccer practices instead,” Karen said. “Surprisingly, I fell in love right away.”
Karen has proven her skill at the sport throughout her athletic career at SIS. In the House Games this year, she was the only girl in the grade to score three goals in total, leading her team to victory in the championship game just last week.
“I enjoy playing soccer because I admire playing sports that involve activity with the feet,” Karen said. I can relieve myself of stress as I run around on the field. I love it when the game ties and all of the pressure goes to one player during he penalty shot.”
According to Karen, when it comes to playing the game, she always puts her whole self, mind and body, into the action, pouring forth her passion and love for the sport. In the House Games, Karen, who plays in the team Baekjae, was the only person on her team that thought that her team was going to go to the Finals. But she didn’t stop by just reaching the championship game. According to Timmy Kim (8), she simply desired to become the champion, and she did.
“I know that she's really into soccer, and even though House Games soccer games are not as competitive as those between schools, she's really passionate about them,” said Alyssa Shin (8). “She is always determined to win and put her share into bringing about the victory. Her determination and agility is the perfect combination for a great soccer player.”
Even people on other House Games teams also admire her for her passion for soccer. According to Andrew Song (8), anyone can notice the Karen's focused attitude plays by just looking at her eyes.
“Karen is known as one of the most athletic girls in our grade, especially in soccer,” said Irene Lee (8), Karen's friend who plays for the Joseon team. “When you see her play on the field, she looks like she is genuinely enjoying herself. She shows great determination, teamwork, and skills. I have no doubt that she will be on the varsity soccer team in high school,”
However, her passion does not end within the game. Karen takes her passion to a much more serious level, which leads to society’s stereotypes again women today.
“To be honest, I hate it how boys think girls are so inferior in sports and think that they aren’t so skilled at not just soccer, but at any sport,” Karen said. “I hope that I can prove this bias wrong through my love for soccer.”
For Karen, soccer will always be a memorable part of her life. It is what makes up herself, and her character. According to her friends, her love, determination, and passion for the game will truly never disappear.
“In the future, possibly when I get into the varsity girls soccer team in high school, I hope to be able to leave an image of a female athlete that no one has ever seen before,” Karen said.