Column: Cleveland High’s Madison Lee finishes off a story of redemption with a Metropolis title

Any one who has been minimize right after hoping out for a sports activities group is familiar with what it feels like. You wait nervously for the e-mail or phone connect with. Or you glance with trepidation at the P.E. business office window and search for your identify on the roster. If it is lacking, you want to cry.

Madison Lee has endured rejection not the moment but 2 times in substantial faculty. She tried out out as a freshman goalie for the Granada Hills Large girls’ soccer staff. She was cut. She attempted out all over again as a sophomore. Reduce again.

The 2nd time was the most unpleasant. She remembers her bloody legs making an attempt to stop balls whilst making an attempt to make a constructive impact on the coaches.

“I don’t forget diving and seeking and on the lookout and a couple coaches were being on their telephones,” she claimed. “I bear in mind coming property crying since I did not make it.”

As an alternative of offering up, she requested her mom if she could transfer to yet another school for a tryout. Previous fall, she transferred to Reseda Cleveland. She designed the group. That was a joyous event, but the celebration pales in comparison to what happened this previous 7 days in the playoffs.

Phone it karma — she faced her old classmates from Granada Hills in the City Area Division I semifinals. The match went to penalty kicks and she arrived via twice to end shots to help deliver Cleveland into the championship recreation. She went 3- from Granada Hills this season.

“I felt the most effective experience you could really feel,” she explained.

Then on Saturday, she was in objective when Cleveland defeated El Camino Authentic 4-2 to get the Division I championship.

“To be honest, I felt far better beating Granada Hills,” Lee claimed.

Who wouldn’t? Twice staying minimize was no quick undertaking with which to offer.

“The instant was so humbling,” she said.

Except it also discovered Lee’s character. She stored training with a non-public coach and played club soccer. She refused to give up the aspiration of actively playing substantial faculty soccer.

“I did check out really difficult for two a long time and didn’t make it,” she reported. “I considered probably try a distinct route and see wherever it gets you.”

By no means in her wildest creativity did she imagine what would take place — becoming the goalie to beat Granada Hills and then successful a title.

“You know what I simply call it — future,” Cleveland coach Hector Ramirez stated. “It was intended to be. Soon after everything, it’s just a sport, but the memories will often be there.”

Lee is only a junior and will get to contend in this week’s Southern California regional playoffs.

“It’s outrageous,” she mentioned of her working experience.

As for lessons figured out, she mentioned, “To get slash was really humbling and taught me it’s possible I need to have to observe more and get superior.”

Mission accomplished. She acquired improved and proved she belonged on the most important phase in Metropolis Part girls’ soccer.