From Bench to The Wall

2025 was the year I went from bench warmer to shot stopper legend. Every dive became

a statement, every save a declaration that mediocrity wasn't my language anymore.

I studied strikers like they were textbooks, memorized their tells, their favorite corners.

My teammates started calling me The Wall because nothing got past me. Then came the championship

game, penalty kicks, everything on the line. Their best striker

stepped up, I read his eyes, dove left, fingertips kissed leather,

and suddenly I was flying through the air on my teammates' shoulders, tasting victory

like it was always meant to be mine.