Dear Washington: Margaux Clarke
6/5/2023
A letter to UW written by Washington Women's Soccer's Margaux Clarke
Dear Washington,
The last time I stood at the center of the soccer field, long after the fans had gone home, and my teammates had left, I was swirling with emotions. I completed a commitment I made over 7 years ago. A commitment made to Washington, to my team, and to myself. A commitment to work hard, to compete, and to always represent the Huskies to the best of my ability.
As I looked around Husky Soccer Stadium and took everything in, I felt proud of everything I had put forward in my time here. As a freshman I was just trying to put one foot in front of the other, but when I looked up as a senior, I had come much farther than I ever imagined. Suddenly I had things to my name, Dean's lists, Pac-12 honor rolls, internships, research projects, I participated in clubs, and even studied abroad. There were always more opportunities than I knew what to do with, but every time I branched out, I found new worthwhile experiences.
I had to navigate losing my two biggest loves and had to figure out who I was without them, but I am so proud of the person I have become.
I felt proud of the challenges I overcame in school, soccer, and in life. I tore my ACL my freshman year and shortly thereafter my dad lost his battle with cancer. I had to navigate losing my two biggest loves and had to figure out who I was without them, but I am so proud of the person I have become.
My tears fell with the rain. I felt sad that this period in my life was ending because for every hard thing I went through here, there were twice as many wonderful things. I looked over at the stands and I ached because I know how much it would have meant to my dad to be there watching me play.
As I continued to look into the stands, new faces appeared, and I felt so much love. I remember watching two of my best friends stand in shorts after their own practice on a snowy night to watch me make my debut. I remember big hugs with my roommates and family after games. I felt love when I looked over to the bench and remembered the numerous faces that have come and gone, but not without first leaving a lasting impact on my life.
I remember watching two of my best friends stand in shorts after their own practice on a snowy night to watch me make my debut. I remember big hugs with my roommates and family after games.
I glanced at the goal, and I felt frustrated at the game we had just lost and at all the times soccer didn’t go the way I wanted it to.
Above all, I felt gratitude that I was fortunate enough to have had this experience. To go to school here. To play at the top level of college soccer. To be surrounded by inspiring athletes and to have been in an athletic department that cares about us as people.
As I walked off the field one last time, I felt gratitude that I was able to complete the commitment I made all those years ago.
Thank you Washington, it has been the honor of my life to have worn the purple and gold.
With love,
Margaux Clarke #22