Caity Healy | Editor-in-Chief

Hannah Greene, a junior Spanish major, began playing soccer at 3-years-old. Right from the start, she fell in love with it.

“There was no trying to get me to do other things,” said Greene. “They put me in ballet, and I got kicked out … I couldn’t just sit there and move my arms. And gymnastics — I got kicked out of too … I had to have soccer.”

Looking to play for a semi-pro team, she began searching for ones in the area; she found that Capital Fútbol Club Atletica, a team under the Northwest Premier League Soccer, was holding tryouts in March. So, she contacted the one in charge and was invited to try out.

In late April, Greene found out she made the starting team. Although she hasn’t been on the roster long, she already loves it.

“So far on this team, I’ve loved every second and I honestly hate having to leave practice, because I have so much fun out there,” said Greene. “All the girls are so welcoming … but they’re also such good players and want to get better, so it makes the whole atmosphere a prize to be around.”

Making this semi-pro team was another step in the right direction for Greene, as she hopes to continue on with soccer in life.

“I would love to get into the Women’s Premier Soccer League and play there, and obviously my end goal is to go pro,” Greene said.

But as of right now, making the CFC Atletica team not only proved her skill and likeliness to continue on with the sport, but it also proved her abilities to those who have doubted her before. After sustaining an injury while playing at Ventura College, she had an experience that almost ruined soccer for her.

“I was only going to be out for a short time, but I overheard (my coach) basically telling the other coach that I was worthless. And that completely crushed my soul, so I was done for a little bit,” said Greene. After that, it’s been a struggle to just get back into the game. She began playing for Western’s Club Sports team to try and find her passion and have fun with the sport again. She found that being in this environment with no pressure helped tremendously with her skills, preparing her to try out for a semi-pro team.

Greene’s next game with CFC Atletica will be away, against Thurston County United Soccer on May 18.

Contact the author at howleditor@wou.edu

Photos by Caity Healy