What lights up a soccer stadium? A soccer match! Smay Rai a.k.a Summer, has been a part of the RIHS Girls Soccer program for a majority of her high school career. Soccer has been a big part of Smay’s high school life. The people within the team and the sport itself has made a big impact on her. Relationships with teammates and coaches has made her experience even more enjoyable. Throughout the years of playing the sport, Smay has grown to love the beautiful game of football.
With Smay Rai’s first time playing soccer being her Sophomore year of high school, there was a lot to learn. After playing soccer for one year, Smay Rai made it to Varsity her Junior year. Now, in her senior year Smay has experience and more knowledge of the game of soccer. “I learned a lot, like communication is key, and we each need to trust our teammates and not be embarrassed when you mess up, but learn from it,” states Smay. One teammate that has learned a lot from Smay Rai is none other than, her close friend, Ka Paw. “From her I’ve learned that you shouldn’t be scared of the ball. And instead when the ball comes to you, don’t wait for the ball, go for the ball.” As her years in soccer grow, Smay Rai has found a family in the soccer teams.
Summer has made multiple cherished memories with her teammates. They are part of the reason why she loves being on the team. Her first year playing soccer, she joined with her friends and was also able to make news ones, as well. As she continued to play, she also continued to make even more friends. She grew close to the girls on her team. “My favorite part is when we are cheering for each other, and having fun and see the smile on our faces,” says Smay. Her teammate, Kayot Paw also says, “Even if we lose games we’re still happy. We don’t really care about the score, as long as we’re happy and have fun.” Whenever playing, the girls are always positive. It’s ok to lose games, to the girls, everything is ok as long as they’re happy, they have fun, and they make sure to give it their all.
Smay Rai is not only on one team, but both JV and Varsity, which makes the feeling of leaving even more sentimental, especially for the upcoming Senior Night. “I feel excited, but also nervous and sad at the same time. I’m not ready to leave,” comments Smay. As excited as she is to be moving on into the bigger world, Smay is sad about leaving behind the memories and the family she’s made.
