Competing at the highest level isn’t just about skill and athleticism—it’s about confidence. As a defender and long-stick midfielder (LSM), I’ve faced some of the best offensive players in the country, from national tournaments with Red Hots and West Coast Starz Gold to stepping onto the field as a freshman playing varsity for Corner Canyon High School. Every game, I’m up against top-tier talent. And every game, I choose confidence. Here’s how I do it—and how you can, too.
1. Preparation Builds Confidence
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that confidence doesn’t just appear—it’s built through preparation. When I step onto the field, I know I’ve put in the work. Whether it’s extra reps in the gym, film study, or refining my footwork and stick skills, every moment of preparation gives me an edge.
Playing for teams like Red Hots National and West Coast Starz Gold has taught me that at the elite level, everyone is skilled. What separates players is how much they prepare. If you know you’ve done everything possible to be ready, there’s no reason to doubt yourself.
2. Focus on What You Can Control
There are always going to be elite players on the other side of the ball—attackmen who can dodge, shoot, and make plays. But I’ve learned that I can’t control how good my opponent is. What I can control is my effort, my mindset, and my response to adversity.
There have been times I’ve been beaten. Times I’ve made mistakes. But what matters is what happens next. Do I dwell on it, or do I reset and make the next play? The best defenders, the best athletes, and the best leaders are the ones who stay locked in no matter what.
3. Trust Your Training and Instincts
When the lights are bright and the competition is fierce, that’s when you have to trust yourself. There have been moments in big games—whether with West Coast Starz, Red Hots, or Corner Canyon—where I’ve had to react instantly, rely on my training, and just play.
Overthinking is the enemy of confidence. If you hesitate, you lose. Instead, trust the work you’ve put in. Trust your ability to communicate with teammates, slide when needed, and throw a perfect check. When you play with confidence, you don’t second-guess—you execute.
4. Learn from Every Challenge
Some of my biggest lessons have come from playing against top competition. Facing elite players isn’t something to fear—it’s an opportunity to grow. Every time I’ve stepped onto the field against a five-star recruit or a nationally ranked team, I’ve learned something that made me better.
Instead of being intimidated, I embrace the challenge. I ask myself: What can I take from this game? How can I improve? That growth mindset is what keeps me evolving as a player and as a competitor.
5. Confidence is a Choice
At the end of the day, confidence is a decision. It’s a choice to believe in yourself when the pressure is on. It’s knowing that no matter who you’re facing, you belong on the field. I remind myself of this every time I line up against an elite attackman.
I’ve been blessed to play with some of the best programs in the country, and I’ve realized that the difference between good and great is often mental. If you believe in your ability and refuse to back down, you can compete with anyone.
Final Thoughts
Playing for Red Hots National, West Coast Starz Gold, and Corner Canyon High School has put me in some of the toughest matchups imaginable. But each experience has only strengthened my confidence and drive to compete at the highest level.
So, to every young athlete out there: Put in the work. Control what you can. Trust yourself. Embrace every challenge. And most importantly—choose confidence. Because when you believe in yourself, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.
From the backyard to Division 1—watch the journey unfold.
MG