When I'm not working on the news, I'm likely on the sidelines cheering on my daughter during her journey from CYO soccer to college commit.
The name I get called a lot is "dadiger."
It's a nickname for me that my wife coined to describe what I do when I'm not working. I honestly don't know how to spell it.
It's not a real word; it's just made up. But then, aren't all words made up?
Anyway, it derives from what I spend most of my time doing when I'm not writing, reworking headlines, searching for fun and interesting stories, or helping the hardworking reporters and editors at Delaware Online/The News Journal.
The unofficial second job? Travel soccer dad for my teenage daughter, Isabella.
Along the way, it's been a long journey from CYO soccer player to college commit in more than a decade on the soccer pitch for Bella.
Getting on the soccer pitch at an early age
It didn't take long for Izzy, known by her friends, teammates and coaches, to get acclimated to "fútbol."
She started playing CYO soccer at age 4 for her school, Holy Trinity in Morrisville, Pennsylvania. Like most parents, my wife Dawn and I signed her up to keep her active.
We didn't think it would amount to much or that it would consume her and our lives for the next decade or so as her passion for the game coincided with her natural tenacity as defender.
For the next 10 years, she continued with CYO, competing and forging rivalries against other local Catholic schools. At some point, it was clear she was destined for club soccer, and that's when the commitment became real for her and the whole family.
Traveling around the country to play soccer
Through most of her teen years, weeknights and weekends were spent practicing or playing games throughout Pennsylvania and bordering states like New Jersey, Delaware and New York.
Playing for a top-tier club is a sacrifice in time and energy for the player, and most times, for the families as well.
As her performance progressed, so did her team's success. With that comes travel for better competition.
Shortly after the COVID pandemic, her club team – 2008 Makefield-Yardley spirit – made its way to Austin, Texas, for its first chance to play against other top teams from across the U.S.
Those national tournaments would continue in subsequent years with trips to Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina as well as numerous ventures to Florida.
👏 Congrats to Izzy DiMattia on being named to the EDP Cup Fall Showcase 2023 Girls Best XI! Izzy and the YMS 2008 Premier Spirit finished as champions in the top bracket last weekend! #ymssoccer#ymsproud@EDPsoccerhttps://t.co/fHtw6TFRKIpic.twitter.com/GPdM39Rohi
— YMS (@ymssoccer) November 22, 2023
Most trips included the entire family, including Bella's younger sister Sophie Ann, 14, and the family's newest addition, Emily-Rose, 2.
So, sometimes it's not just a sacrifice for Bella, but the entire family. It's all worth it in the end, though.
Committing to Arcadia University
The soccer trips and the games have become a family affair over the years.
While Sophie – a Girl Scout who loves books and video games – isn't a soccer fan, the trips give her an opportunity to see other parts of the country and spend time with us.
And Emily, the energetic toddler, has become a mascot for Bella's club and high school soccer team – the Pennsbury Falcons.
After countless CYO, club and high school games that sent Bella and our family all over the country, the payoff finally came this spring.
With senior year approaching, Bella received an offer to continue her soccer career at Arcadia University in Glenside, Pennsylvania. It was an offer she couldn't refuse.
I'm biased, but the offer was deserving after thousands of hours of blood, sweat and (some) tears spent on the field, which concluded with some accolades from outside organizations and coaches along the way.
With all the highlights and rough patches, the most memorable moments for us are getting to see the enjoyment on her face as she celebrates a teammate's goal or a whirly smirk she'll give after she shuts down a would-be scorer.
It's something we'll all cherich long after we're no longer watching her from the sidelines.
Anthony DiMattia is an audience engagement specialist with Delaware Online/The News Journal.
Inside the Newsroom
Inside the Newsroom is an opportunity for our news team to share a look behind the scenes of how we do our jobs and live our lives.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: My daughter's soccer journey as she commits to Arcadia University
Category: General Sports
