Editor's Note: Alexa Svensson is heading into her first season as a midfielder on the Marist women's soccer team. Alexa joins the several other newcomers looking to make their mark on the program's 2016 season.

Last month marked the end of several aspects of my young adult life. I went to prom, graduated high school, and played in my last ever soccer game of my youth career. These endings have been filled with sad goodbyes and many memories and experiences that I will take with me forever. However I know that these bittersweet endings are only the start of a new chapter of my life, which will bring even more new memories, friends, and experiences.

Less than a month from now, I will be moving into Marist and beginning my first year of college. Playing Division I soccer has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember and on August 7 my dream will finally come true with the start of preparation for this upcoming season with the team.

Despite my excitement to embark on this new and exciting part of my life, I am a little nervous about preseason and fitting in with the team. However, I have become close with the other incoming freshmen and have gotten to know some of the upperclassmen as well, which have dismissed my fears. Instead I am very excited and looking forward to becoming a part of the team and creating many new bonds and memories with the girls.

Unlike most of my friends who have been spending most of their summer partying and just enjoying their last days together, I have been working hard towards getting myself in the best shape that I can possibly be for this season, as well as getting myself ready to adjust to the new level of speed and aggression of Division I soccer.

Specifically I have been focusing on my fitness level and my speed of play, because I know that these are two aspects that many incoming freshmen have trouble with. My goal this season is to push myself to be the best that I can be in order to help the team prosper.

I have heard that being a freshman isn't easy, being the new girl on the team and having to prove yourself to everyone (and get used to doing laundry). However this season I don't want to just be a freshman and go unnoticed. I want to make a lasting impact on the field in order to help the team achieve their goal (and mine) of winning a MAAC Championship.

I am very excited to begin my first season with Marist Women's Soccer and hopefully make it one that I will never forget!

The Marist women's soccer team kicks off their 2016 campaign with a home match against Vermont on Saturday, August 20th following an opening scrimmage against Army West Point on Monday, August 15th.