One of my all-time favorite camps to attend is Jordan Kappen’s Hottest Hoops Summer Camp! This year marked 3 years in a row for me and 2 years for little G and it was as good as ever, except there was an added perk this year: Cortney’s boyfriend, Aeron, was one of our coaches!

Unfortunately, the MVP award stayed out of my hands this year, but after winning it in 2022 and 2023, I figured it was time to let someone else shine. But no more Mr. Nice Guy after this because I’ll be coming in hot next year to steal back my spotlight. And that’s not a threat; it’s a promise.

Spring 2024 was the best! We took a ton of pictures, and each one has a story… from card games, Easter baskets, and Cortney’s soccer games, to birthdays, golf lessons, and shenanigans with Artemis, it was a season of sunshine and smiles.

I just love nature’s confetti: the trees get their leaves back, the flowers wake up, and everything turns green again. As Robin Williams says, “Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’” So, party we did.

We ended our Spring 2024 soccer season with the Tonka Splash tournament in Minnetonka, Minnesota. It was a trip of many firsts! …Our first time playing in that tournament, it was Artemis’ first trip in the camper, it was my first time playing indoor soccer on the retired Vikings training field, and it was our first time going shopping with the pup (Thanks to Scheels for being a dog friendly store)!

Unfortunately, it was also a trip of lasts. It was my last time playing with some of my teammates (since some decided not to play for Rush next year) and it was my last time being coached by Coach Aimane, who believes I have the potential to play up at U12 or U13 next year.

So, as we packed up and headed home, I couldn’t help but feel a little bittersweet. But I know I’ll carry everything I’ve learned with me into the next season. Mom says my game has really improved and another parent called me her superhero because of my skill and attitude!

Soccer is indeed all about growing, mentally and physically. And while this chapter is closing, I’m excited for what’s next. So here’s to new adventures, new teammates and coaches, and new memories—because if there’s one thing this season taught me, it’s that the game doesn’t stop. It just gets better!

This spring was all about soccer—like, seriously, ALL about soccer! My sister and I basically lived in the car because we had to drive into town for practice four days a week, and then weekends were spent traveling to my games in Madison. Similar to the fall season, Genesee played in the Pre-Academy, and I was on the U11 team.

The days were long, but the weeks flew by quickly. And besides improving our soccer skills, my sister and I found joy in getting outside, moving our body, and making new friends.