As the first year as a Sooner, I got to sit next to in the locker room, play with, and enjoy time and words of advice from Rasha Roberts. She is leaving an impact on this program in so many ways. Check out this senior spotlight on the incredible R2, Rasha. If you grew up in Orlando playing soccer, you knew who Rasha Roberts was. After becoming an Oklahoma Sooner she continued on to be great! In her freshman year was Big 12 Newcomer of the Week (November 3rd), and was one of two collegiate players to be called up to the Women’s Jamaican National Team. Rasha was also part of the team that led this program to their greatest year in program history in 2016, achieving a run in the NCAA tournament and making it to the second round. Rasha has recorded 9 goals as her time as a Sooner, one of which being the equalizer in the Texas in 2016, and another as the equalizer in the 2017 season game against Kansas State. She was also named to the Second-Team Academic All-Big 12 in her senior year. While Rasha can score incredible goals and leave her imprint on the field, she is much more than a soccer player. Rasha will leave much more than her stats here. She says to future soccer players, “Enjoy your time wherever you are because a time comes when you will forever be done with the sport.” This year I sat next to Rasha in the locker room, and I can 100% say she helped me so much with everything, but that comes with knowledge and time. This specifically was one of the biggest lessons she imprinted on me, and for others I advice you take this lesson as well. No matter what you are doing, take the time to enjoy it because it will eventually come to an end. Sure there are ups and downs to playing at such a high level, you are held to so much of a higher standard than that of club, but if you take the time to enjoy it while it lasts you will succeed so much more. Rasha says that college soccer has changed her. She says that it has influenced her to now be able to “multitask incredibly well and handle different ideas, voices, and people.” Like I said earlier, college soccer is a whole other level. This doesn't just apply physically but mentally as well. Rasha has shown this quality as a player here at the University, and it is one that not just athletes, but everyone should learn to handle. In life we are handed situations and we have to deal with them, Rasha’s advice from what she has learned as her time as a Sooner is one we all can learn from too. For those who come after Rasha, she would like to be remembered “as someone who, despite what obstacles came in her way and gave her all. But [someone] who overcame them contributed to a significant manner to a program.” There is no doubt in my mind that she will be remembered in such a manner. Rasha has left a mark on this program like very few others could. While she is unsure whether she will be returning to a lot of games in the future due to where her future takes her, Rasha has some favorite memories out on John Crain Field for sure. For this season in particular, her favorite moment is “scoring in the Kansas State game in front of my parents.” (Which we all thank you for Rasha). For those who don’t know the backstory behind this game, it was a must win to qualify for the Big 12 Tournament this year. And Rasha stepped up to score the equalizer, which would then lead us on to win the game 3-2. She says that her favorite part of this program and on the team would be “competing with other college players.” It’s a very cool atmosphere to see those who you once played aside you now competing against you, but even more so the new teammates you have competing beside you! Rasha says that she is going to miss “putting on a jersey and stepping on the field to play.” Being able to wear that jersey is something very special. Only a select few get to do it. And that number that you wear means something too. “You want to leave it in a better place than you found it,” to quote our coach. And Rasha will be doing just so. Rasha is a burst of energy. From dancing in the locker room all of the time to out on the field coming in clutch with important goals. You’re going to be missed so greatly, both on and off the field! Thank you for everything Rasha!
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
GoalTo keep girls involved in sports for longer Archives
October 2021
|