Who doesn’t want a free tee-shirt? That’s all the kid was thinking. That the fruit was especially low-hanging - she only had to juggle a soccer ball 100 times to win one – made it a no-brainer. This was a dozen years ago, at the Super Y League North American Finals at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. The kid was down there with her club team, the New Jersey Stallions. In between games, the National Guard, the presenting sponsors of the event, had various activities going on at its tent, one of which was the juggling contest. The kid – a 4-foot, 10-inch, 92-pound midfielder – waited on line for her turn. A procession of other players, mostly boys, took the challenge. Some won shirts, some didn’t. Now it was her turn.
Thanks very much, Lee. It's been a family journey that Samantha has taken us on . . sweet and wonderful for all of us who can't juggle a soccer ball for more than three seconds. Thanks so much for reading, and subscribing.
I was one of the co-founders of the NJ Stallions BEC team that Sam was a part of “way back when! Uyyy”. I heard about Sam thru the close knit grapevine of youth soccer in NY/NJ. Found out she played for a local club at U10 up in Westchester County NY.. I think it was the Yorktown Yankees. (I’m getting the name wrong) anyway. In that game I saw Sam chest the ball off a corner kick and then volley it in for a goal! That’s the first time I saw her. After that I walked right up to Wayne and introduced myself. And so began an effort to get her to join us after telling him about the team we were building. She didn’t come over to us right away but she eventually did, and what a pleasure it was to be a part of watching that kid for 2 seasons with our team! We won state cup with Sam back in the day, and that photo of Sam juggling at Super Y was one of our groups most cherished memories! All the kids on that team found their way to play D1 and some beyond that, but everyone knew Sam was going to find her way to the top of mountain! Well done to Sam, keep racking up those “caps”! And Kudos to Wayne and Denise and their family 😉🍀🍀
You were a stellar recruiter, Dom. Persistent and passionate, but not overbearing about it. Sam's NY team was actually the Eastchester Patriots, though the Eastchester was later dropped and the club became Patriots FC.
Beautiful writing, and beautiful child. Thank you for sharing your daughter's story. Hard work, blended with talent and perseverance, truly do pay off. :-)
I first learned of her affinity for soccer when she grabbed a children’s biography of Mia Hamm off my bookshelf and told me she would have a certain author she knew autograph it for me. The first time I saw her play, she was at Joe Palumbo’s. She was probably seven or eight. I knew right away she was going to be special. I’ve really enjoyed watching her grow and mature as a person and a player. She absolutely belongs on the USWNT.!!
I remember that you came to one of her Patriots FC games in the former Marymount field (and a godawful field it was). Your loyalty and longstanding fandom are inspiring.:)
Love this story….and it’s not surprising to anyone who has known Sam. So proud of her and so happy for you and your family. Best to all. Lee
Thanks very much, Lee. It's been a family journey that Samantha has taken us on . . sweet and wonderful for all of us who can't juggle a soccer ball for more than three seconds. Thanks so much for reading, and subscribing.
She knew then .
She's got the guts & desire.
She did it.
Congratulations Sam .
Thanks, Doug. Happy birthday, cuz.
I was one of the co-founders of the NJ Stallions BEC team that Sam was a part of “way back when! Uyyy”. I heard about Sam thru the close knit grapevine of youth soccer in NY/NJ. Found out she played for a local club at U10 up in Westchester County NY.. I think it was the Yorktown Yankees. (I’m getting the name wrong) anyway. In that game I saw Sam chest the ball off a corner kick and then volley it in for a goal! That’s the first time I saw her. After that I walked right up to Wayne and introduced myself. And so began an effort to get her to join us after telling him about the team we were building. She didn’t come over to us right away but she eventually did, and what a pleasure it was to be a part of watching that kid for 2 seasons with our team! We won state cup with Sam back in the day, and that photo of Sam juggling at Super Y was one of our groups most cherished memories! All the kids on that team found their way to play D1 and some beyond that, but everyone knew Sam was going to find her way to the top of mountain! Well done to Sam, keep racking up those “caps”! And Kudos to Wayne and Denise and their family 😉🍀🍀
You were a stellar recruiter, Dom. Persistent and passionate, but not overbearing about it. Sam's NY team was actually the Eastchester Patriots, though the Eastchester was later dropped and the club became Patriots FC.
Ahhh it was the Yorktown Patriots! That’s right ..
Beautiful writing, and beautiful child. Thank you for sharing your daughter's story. Hard work, blended with talent and perseverance, truly do pay off. :-)
Thanks so much, Chris.
Great column, Wayne. I hope your daughter has a fantastic time in Paris!
Thank you, Debbie. I appreciate your reading - and writing.:)
Go Sammy!
Way to go, Sam! I can feel your very justified pride, Wayne!!
❤️ ❤️ ❤️
Hi Wayne - I'm a friend of Frank's and he sent this to me. Such a proud uncle! Loved this - such a great read.
Thank you so much, Annie . . . for reading and writing. As for your friend, he is the very definition or proud uncle.:)
I loved absolutely every word of this. What a fabulous tribute to your amazing, talented, intelligent, kind, and charming daughter!!
Thank you, Terry. I had great material to work with.
I first learned of her affinity for soccer when she grabbed a children’s biography of Mia Hamm off my bookshelf and told me she would have a certain author she knew autograph it for me. The first time I saw her play, she was at Joe Palumbo’s. She was probably seven or eight. I knew right away she was going to be special. I’ve really enjoyed watching her grow and mature as a person and a player. She absolutely belongs on the USWNT.!!
I remember that you came to one of her Patriots FC games in the former Marymount field (and a godawful field it was). Your loyalty and longstanding fandom are inspiring.:)
Love this Wayne
Congratulations, you must be so proud ⚽️
Thanks, Jackie. Way, way proud.