# @kaysharps on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CkHhRuVjLDW
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/642434-kaysharps-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/81a38c691a.jpg
- **Posted:** 2022-10-25T01:01:07.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Kayla Sharples (@kaysharps) — https://gondola.cc/kaysharps

## Caption

This has been one of the hardest years for me physically, emotionally and mentally- both on and off the field. Of course, my injury played a huge factor as it sidelined me from playing the sport I love with my teammates, but also everything else that continues to unfold about the systemic problems in women’s soccer. It’s like this never ending rollercoaster- trying so hard to ride it out for as long as I can, hoping for a brighter future. I am tired. We are tired. But I wake up every day and choose to fight- fight for my happiness, fight for my teammates, fight for what I believe we deserve, fight for transparency, fight for accountability, fight for the future generations of women soccer players. I so badly want girls to never have to experience what so many of us have. I want them to believe in the game, the people involved in the sport, and an environment where they can be successful without having to lose themselves. I want to leave them a legacy that I am proud of but most importantly where they feel safe and can play with pure joy.

There was so much I wanted to do for my team, our fans and myself this season. I fell short in some ways, but what keeps me going, is knowing I have next year, and the year after that and the next. It’s okay to be knocked down, as long as you get back up again. I’m going into my fourth month of recovery and feel good about my progress. I am learning to be patient as my body catches up with my mind. I have a positive outlook helped by all the flowers, encouragement and check ins from so many people 💕

I am hopeful for what is to come. Hopeful for this change and what unravels from it. Hopeful for this team, this club, and my amazing teammates. These women are incredibly resilient and have so much fight within them. Thank you for teaching me how to adapt and better ourselves in the hardest of times. And thank you for making me smile and laugh through it all. I’d do anything for you guys❤️

Thank you to our fans. Your commitment and support for us- the players- never wavered during this year and previous years. You made sure we felt your love and support through it all. Thank you. We show up for you.❤️

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 800
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 49

## Credits

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Chicago Stars | @thechicagostars | https://gondola.cc/thechicagostars | NWSL Team |
| Gretchen Schneider | @GES027 | https://gondola.cc/GES027 | Photographer |

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