The Whistle Sounded the End to a Great Career

November 20, 2006... Tuscarora Girls Varsity Soccer 2006: began 8/15/06, ended 11/9/06.

Similar to every other senior in the county, we all dread that last day when you know your high school fall sports days are over. For me it ended with a battle against the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Barons on Thursday, November 9. As time got closer and closer to the end all I could remember was literally laying every ounce of energy I had left in me out on the field.

Words cannot describe the feeling that came over me as that final whistle blew ending the game -- and my high school career. I walked off the field with my head held high and remember grabbing teammates and trying to get a smile out of them. I did not want to remember my last game as a bunch of tears, even though inside I was extremely crushed and wanted to cry just as much as the next girl.

As we shook hands and watched the Barons celebrate I tried to think of ways to keep my girls positive, but it was one of those times all that seemed to work were tears. I followed my team off the field that night with coach and took in my final moments on a soccer field with my coach and mentor of four years. The bus ride home started out very quiet as everyone was taking in what had happened. This was a new experience for the Titans, taking the long bus ride home without a victory to celebrate. Slowly, people started moving around and talking and by the time we got back to Tuscarora High School I was laughing and having a good time with my fellow teammates.

My four years in the soccer program were more then just a good memory, but a lifelong lesson and fantastic experience. Looking back on all the years is a rewarding look at the building blocks of a new program and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Some great girls have come through this program and left their cleat prints behind and more player will continue to come along and do the same. This year in particular was more about the adversity and team as a family, rather then winning. I am so proud and hope all the girls had as much fun as I did this year. Through the ups and the downs, the highs and the lows, Titan Pride is forever!

I will not be playing soccer in college because I plan to pursue my dream of becoming a pediatrician. I do plan to play at the club level and could never give up this beautiful game. Call it soccer, futball; whatever it may be it’s the worlds’ greatest game to me. Joga Bonito!

Thanks to The Frederick News-Post for this new opportunity and those of you who took the time to read the weekly blogs.

Take Care,
Leeza Constantoulakis

Editor's Note: Leeza Constantoulakis has been a four-year team captain for the Tuscarora girls soccer program and has played a key role in helping the Titans to back-to-back state championships. She'll be a player to look out for this season, especially coming off a year in which she helped the Titans' defense limit opponents to just five goals in 18 games.