Letting Go, One Game at a Time: A Soccer Mom’s Reflection on the Final Stretch

It’s hard to believe we’re here—one final league game left before playoffs. One last time to watch these boys, our boys, take the field as the Stayton Eagles Varsity Boys Soccer Team—undefeated and unstoppable, their cleats carving out history one pass, one goal, one victory at a time.

For months now, Tuesday and Thursday nights and chilly evenings under the lights have been our rhythm. The sideline chatter, the clatter of folding chairs, concession stand food and drink, the game swag and social media posts to help cheer on the young men in our lives, and the occasional tear wiped away behind sunglasses—they’ve all been part of this journey. But as we prepare for Senior Night and the playoffs beyond, I can’t help but feel that this isn’t just about soccer anymore. It’s about letting go.

Five Weeks of Pride

It’s been such a special season. For five consecutive weeks, different players from Stayton were nominated—and voted—as the “Athlete of the Week” by MAPS Credit Union (as covered by the Statesman Journal). One article even notes: “Stayton soccer player wins Maps Credit Union boys Athlete of the Week.” (see link) BVM Sports

Week after week, our community rallied to celebrate not just the wins, but the heart, grit, and teamwork that this group of young men embodies. It wasn’t about one star; it was about the whole team. That’s who they are. That’s who they’ve become.

Each nomination felt like a collective victory—a nod to the work ethic and unity that has made this season something extraordinary. These boys have built something that goes beyond stats or standings. They’ve built legacy.

From the Stands: The Mom Crew

There’s something sacred about the friendships that form in the stands. We call ourselves the “ da mom crew,” though we laugh that we’re really more of a family now. We’ve weathered more than just rain and cold this season—we’ve weathered the emotions of watching our sons grow up right before our eyes.

We’ve shared team meals and heartache, cheers and tears. We’ve learned to read each other’s faces—the nervous smiles before kickoff, the proud grins after a perfect goal, the deep breaths during penalty kicks. We’ve hugged through the wins and the close calls, knowing that every game could be the one we’ll never forget.

And as Senior Night approaches, we’re all a little quieter in our group chats. The jokes are still there, but beneath them lies that shared ache—the realization that this is the last season we’ll do this together.

For the Seniors

Ten seniors. Ten stories. Ten boys who have grown into young men before our eyes.

We’ve watched them since they were little—chasing soccer balls down muddy fields, jerseys too big, dreams even bigger. We’ve driven them to early practices, packed post-game snacks, and sat through endless tournaments, rain or shine. We’ve watched them build confidence, learn leadership, and show resilience.

And now, as they take the field for the final league game of their high school careers, we see not just players—but the culmination of years of dedication, friendship, and heart.

Undefeated, Unbreakable, Unforgettable

An undefeated season is something to celebrate. According to an article on the Oregon School Activities Association site, the Stayton boys soccer team “are 12-0-1 overall and 8-0-1 in the tough Oregon West Conference… and are No. 1 in the OSAA power rankings and co-No.1 in the OSAAtoday 4A coaches poll.” OSAA 

But what makes this team truly special isn’t the record—it’s the way they play for each other. The unspoken trust. The shared laughter during warm-ups. The way the younger players look up to the seniors. #wegotogether is the hashtag used throughout the season because this team is truly family. Statesman Journal also identified that in their article titled, "Stayton boys soccer 'family' marching forward toward a 4th straight conference title." SJournal

As a mom, I know I’ll be cheering louder than ever in these last few games. Not just for the goals scored or the wins earned, but for the moments—the high fives, the hugs, the memories being sealed forever in their hearts and ours.

Because when the final whistle blows and the season ends, what remains is love—for the game, for the teammates, and for the journey that’s brought us here.

So here’s to the boys of Stayton High School Varsity Soccer. Here’s to the undefeated season. Here’s to the moms in the stands who’ve cheered every step of the way. And here’s to letting go—with full hearts, tearful smiles, and endless pride.

Links & Resources

1. OSAA Team page for Stayton Boys Soccer: OSAA – Stayton Boys Soccer OSAA
2. OSAA “Soccer notebook: Once again Stayton a Force in 4A” article: OSAA Today 
3. Stayton High School athletics history: Stayton High School Athletics History Stayton High School
4. Article mentioning Maps Credit Union Athlete of the Week nomination: Stayton Eagles Athletics (BVM Sports) BVM Sports+1
5. Statesman Journal "Stayton boys soccer 'family' marching forward towards 4th straight conference" SJournal