For athletes like Paul, the field isn’t just a place to showcase talent; it’s a space where identity, purpose, and passion merge. The soccer field is where athletes define themselves, express their abilities, and feel most alive. But when you’re sitting on the sidelines, watching from the bench, it becomes easy to question everything. “Why am I here? Am I not good enough? What’s the point of all this training if I don’t get to play?” These thoughts can creep in, affecting not only one’s confidence on the field but also off it.

The physical toll of training is only part of the battle. The mental aspect—dealing with frustration, doubt, and the pressure to prove yourself—can be even harder. For Paul, the experience of barely playing has been a tough road, one that challenges his identity as an athlete and a student. Being part of a team but not actively contributing in games can make you feel like you’re in a strange limbo, unsure of your place.

For Paul, not playing was a difficult experience, one that challenged his identity as an athlete and a student. Being part of a team without actively participating in games can leave you feeling like you’re in a strange in-between, not knowing where you stand. Yet this inner struggle is often invisible to the outside world.

Teammates, friends, and even coaches may not fully grasp the emotional weight of not playing. It’s a quiet fight, one that tests resilience, patience, and mental strength. Being on a team that competes at the Division 1 level means constantly pushing yourself to be better. It means waking up early for workouts, practicing late into the evening, and giving up parts of your social life to stay focused on your goals.

When the reward for all of this dedication—playing time—doesn’t come, it can feel disheartening.The mental strain becomes even more significant when you balance these frustrations with academics and personal life. Duquesne University is demanding, and excelling both in the classroom and on the field is no easy task.

For Paul, this juggling act adds to the pressure. On top of studying, attending lectures, and managing other responsibilities, there’s that ever-present drive to prove yourself on the pitch. When the progress you want to see isn’t visible, it’s easy to feel like you’re stuck in place. But the truth is, in sports, not playing can feel like an existential crisis.

Who are you when the very thing you’ve trained for—competing—is out of reach? It’s easy to feel lost, as if the hours of hard work don’t matter because they’re not translating into game time. The bench can feel like a place where athletes are sidelined not just physically but emotionally, questioning their worth, their talent, and their future.

But for Paul, this difficult phase is part of a larger journey. It’s about learning to navigate the ups and downs, to find purpose even when things don’t go as planned. Despite these challenges, Paul’s story is far from over. The wheel always turns, and his time will come. While this situation is not easy, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t question his qualities as a player.

Coaches’ decisions are rarely personal—they are tactical, strategic choices made for the team’s needs at a particular moment. It doesn’t mean Paul isn’t talented; it just means his opportunity hasn’t arrived yet. In moments like these, motivation and resilience are key. It’s about trusting the process, believing that hard work and dedication will eventually pay off.

Paul knows that if he keeps working, keeps improving, and stays focused, his moment to shine will come. The players who push through these tough phases are often the ones who end up making the biggest impact later. They have learned to face adversity head-on, to keep going when things seem hardest, and to stay disciplined when no one is watching.

Self-trust becomes the foundation. As a player, you can’t control everything. You can’t dictate when the coach will put you in or when circumstances will shift in your favor. But you can control how much effort you put into your craft, how much time you dedicate to becoming better. Paul understands this well.

He knows that the only thing standing between him and his opportunity is time and persistence. The process of growth is not always immediate. There will be setbacks, moments of doubt, and stretches where it feels like all the work is going unnoticed. But for Paul, this is not the end—it’s a beginning.

Each practice, each day spent improving is an investment in his future. And while the results may not be visible now, they will come in due time.What sets successful athletes apart is their ability to endure. Paul’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance. He understands that setbacks are just part of the process and that with time, effort, and self-belief, everything can change.

So while the present may feel frustrating, he keeps going, knowing that the work he’s putting in now will shape his future success on the field. In sports, it’s easy to glorify the players who are always in the spotlight, but there’s immense strength in those who persist through adversity, who keep grinding away even when no one is watching.

Paul’s current situation doesn’t define him—it’s merely a chapter in his story. A story that, with continued perseverance, will one day include the moments he’s been waiting for: stepping onto the field, contributing to the team, and finally seeing his hard work pay off. The support system around Paul—his family, friends, and teammates—also plays a crucial role in his journey.

The encouragement to keep going, the belief that his time will come, and the reminders that his value as an athlete goes beyond playing time are important factors in keeping his spirits high. Those who know him understand that this chapter is a test, not a reflection of his potential. As Paul continues his journey at Duquesne, he carries with him the knowledge that true success isn’t always immediate.

It takes time, persistence, and belief. He knows that the road ahead won’t always be easy, but he’s ready to meet the challenges head-on. And when the opportunity finally comes—when the wheel turns in his favor—he will be ready. For now, Paul’s story is one of quiet perseverance, of fighting through the internal battles that come with being on the sidelines.

But his journey is also one of hope and determination. The work he’s putting in now is setting the stage for future success, both on and off the field. So while the present may be difficult, Paul knows that his time will come. And when it does, it will be all the more rewarding because of the struggles he endured to get there.