Keepin' It Real With Alba: "The Spark"
A Diary by Alba Garcia, Toros Soccer Player
October 13, 2003

We as college soccer players obviously have a passion for the game. Why else would we bother with a full-time class load at school, practice or games everyday of the week, achy bodies, and for some of us work? The passion to play at this level is no problem and is usually what drives us to want to compete day in and day out. The problem is, besides our passion, what motivates us daily to come out and play when we're tired or stressed out?

This motivation is what I call "the spark." In an athlete, spark is a combination of heart, concentration, and passion. It's that extra little thing that pushes you to play even if you're tired and kicks in even when you think you can't possibly give anymore. It's also probably one of the most obvious things to notice when you lack it on a particular day. It's like when your coach says, "you didn't show up to play today." It means that your spark was missing.

For example, on our road trip this past weekend we had two completely opposite games. When we played Sonoma State this past Friday, we lacked "the spark." Of course everyone on that field wanted to win the game, there is no question about that. I mean who wants to lose? It just seemed that our concentration was elsewhere for the first seventy minutes of the game. At the end of the game, it was a mad rush for a goal, but unfortunately it didn't happen and we ended up tying.

On the other hand, when we played San Francisco State on Sunday "the spark" was there. Everyone was on the same page and our concentration was there from the beginning. Even at the end of the game when everyone was exhausted, we finished strong. It was a great feeling and I know all the other girls felt the satisfaction of that victory. It was a hard fought game, and it felt incredible.

Sometimes it seems as though soccer should be the last thing on your mind and yet it's always the first thing on your mind. That is why keeping your "spark" is a daily battle. For me, playing soccer is a gift from God, but I make it a point everyday to remind myself why I'm there.

My passion for the game and the thrill of competing are my main motivations, but on the days when I'm tired or have other things on my mind, I find a way to ignite my "spark."

Everyone has their own motivations to play and everyone has off days, but what separates you from the pack is being able to find your "spark" on those days when passion for soccer just isn't enough. So find it dangit!!! : )

Alba