To Everyone Who Got Me Here
To My Village,
I didn't get here by myself.
Every save, every step onto the field, every version of me that people see now, it was built by the people who showed up long before anyone was watching.
To my mom, Shala Ewing, thank you for every early morning, every sacrifice you never made a big deal out of, and for believing in me before I believed in myself.
To my dad, Craig White, thank you for teaching me what discipline looks like, and for never letting me settle for less than my best.
To my brother, CJ White, thank you for pushing me, keeping me grounded, and being in my corner since day one.
To my aunts, uncles, and extended family, Cheryl White, Christy White, Elysia Ewing, Charles White, Meghan Phifer, and Reid Ewing, thank you for every phone call, every game you showed up to, and every bit of love and encouragement along the way.
To my grandparents, Charles and Margaret White, and Chris and Reid Ewing, thank you for the foundation you gave this family, and for loving me since before I could even hold a soccer ball.
To the coaches and trainers who shaped my game and my mindset, Devin Parker, Steve Swanson, and Sam Raper, thank you for seeing what I could become and pushing me to become it, even on the days I didn't want to be pushed.
This page is my way of saying that none of this was mine alone.
To every young athlete reading this, remember to always be grateful for the people in your corner. The early mornings someone drove you to practice. The person who believed in you before you had a reason to believe in yourself. The coach who saw more in you than you saw in yourself. It's because of the people who show up for us that we're ever able to show up for ourselves.
Take care of your circle. Thank them while you still can. You didn't get here alone. And neither did I.
With gratitude,
CAYLA WHITE