SBS STORY: SHREYA PARIKH

Hi, my name is Shreya Parikh and I am a rising junior at John P Stevens High School in Edison, New Jersey. I have been playing soccer for about twelve years, during which I played as a defender and midfielder for my club team and high school team. I am currently dealing with the loss of my junior year season. Before quarantine, I was playing regular games part of my winter season. I was starting to get used to my old habits and routines of going to school, practice/games, then studying. As a Junior, I was looking forward to my season since last year I was injured during my fall soccer season that made me perform less than my best. My junior year season was supposed to be my “comeback season,” and I am sad to say that I won’t be able to participate due to the circumstances. Although I was still able to do alone running and ab workouts, it didn’t feel the same. I wasn’t able to play the sport that I loved with my team. This was frustrating for me because I wasn’t able to practice with other teammates, coaches, and I didn't even feel like practicing. My mental health was affected by this change and I have been trying to practice more. I have been asking my family to play with me, running countless miles with scenery, and I even put up my soccer net to practice my shots. After hours of workouts and, of course listening to Drake, it's safe to say that I am finally, after many months, coping with my new routine. I hope we can have a season next year and I am looking forward to playing together with my teammates for the last time.