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STU-S-A
[h1]In His Own Words: Stuart Holden Bids the Field Farewell[/h1]
by Stuart Holden on Feb 3, 2016
Life is great… isn’t it? Sometimes, life works in just the right way. As I sat down to write my retirement letter, the final chapter of my 11-year career, my wife went into labor with our first child. (Heading to hospital, hold on for a second).
OK, I’m back. Labor can take a while, but it’s the perfect affirmation that I have made the right decision to hang up my boots. I couldn’t be more ready -- ready for the next chapter of my life, ready to wave goodbye to the pitch (the playing part, at least), but most of all, ready to embark on the most exciting journey yet, fatherhood.
But before we talk about the future, let’s discuss the current issue: retirement. It’s time to stop fighting my body. I’ve known for a while, but I’ve struggled to admit it to myself and to others. The countless sleepless nights, the aches and pains, and the constant mental battles were all signs pointing to a new path. But every time I was about to utter the three big words “I am retired”, all the memories of walking into roaring stadiums, scoring last-minute goals, and being part of amazing teams dragged me back! The same never-say-die attitude that drove me to fight like hell my entire career wouldn’t let me say the “R word”. I met every setback - and there were many - with a positive attitude. I responded to every disappointment with an “OK. What’s next?” Now, again, I must answer that question. What is next is being proud of my accomplishments, giving thanks to those who have supported me, and smiling at whatever the future holds, the first of which is a baby girl. (Quick update: We are now at the hospital and I should be a dad in the next few hours. My wife wants me to finish this letter quickly.)
So, let’s get started.
Item 1: Be proud. Certain memories are always at the front of my mind; representing the USA in the Olympics and a World Cup, two MLS Cup Championships with the Houston Dynamo, the last minute goal against Haiti, and how could I ever forget the pure elation of scoring the stoppage time winner for Bolton against Blackburn. Those are just a few of the moments I’ll be proud to bore my daughter with one day. However, those events didn’t shape me into the person I am today, and the father I am about to be. Those experiences came in the locker room with friends I was lucky enough to call my teammates and coaches.
Item 2: Be thankful. Thank you, thank you, thank you to every single person who pushed me every day to be a better player and a better man, for giving me that extra motivation to keep fighting when I needed it, but most importantly, for the memories and ever lasting friendships. To the fans, thank you. Your support has never gone unnoticed and you've had a bigger impact on my life than you’ll ever know. All of the messages, tweets, songs, and passion for the beautiful game have left me humbled and forever grateful. To Bolton Wanderers and the Houston Dynamo, you welcomed me to the family and for that I am forever thankful. Now it's my turn to be a fan. To my loving family: Mom, Euan, Rachel and late father, Brian, I’ll be thanking you until my last day on this earth. I played for you, and none of this would have been possible without your love, support and commitment through all the years. I love you with all of my heart. To my wife, Karalyn, the best is yet to come. You are my rock, my livelihood, and I will never be able to completely thank you for the sacrifices you’ve made to help me pursue my career. You will be an amazing mother to our child. I love you so much and you inspire me every day to be a better human. You are the reason I can accomplish …
Item 3: Smile at the future. Let’s do this!
Speaking of the future, I’m not exactly sure what it holds, but that is OK by me. I have a passion and love for the game of soccer that will never be replaced. (Just got punched in the arm by Karalyn as she gets a strong contraction, which is another reminder that a possible replacement is coming.) But the reality is, soccer cannot truly be substituted because it was the first true love of my life. From a very young age, I poured my heart and soul into being the best I could be, and I kept the dream alive as long as I could. The game has rewarded me with a beautiful life and opportunities I never thought possible. The most recent opportunities will keep me in the game as a broadcaster, a coach, and maybe even as an owner one day. Who knows? Not me. What I do know is that I am 100% at peace with my decision to retire from playing, and I am 200% excited for the future. True closure has been hard to come by, but man it feels good.
It’s been one hell of a ride -- a ride that a wee lad from Aberdeen (that’s in Scotland for those who flunked geography) dreamt of, worked hard for, and made come true. One thing is for sure: you haven’t seen the end of me… but I might take a short break as the contractions are kicking my wife’s butt right now. That means it is time for Stuart Holden, the retired athlete and third-person self-referencer, to step up and deliver a life-winning assist! Child birth has just put all of my injuries into perspective. I now know that my wife is the real champ (and my Mom too)! Cheers to the release.
Yours always,
Stu
P.S. - As of 2:35 PM February 1st, 2016, I am officially a father to a beautiful baby girl, Kennady Rose Holden. Mom and Daughter are in great health and Dad is proud. Bring on parenthood.
by Stuart Holden on Feb 3, 2016
Life is great… isn’t it? Sometimes, life works in just the right way. As I sat down to write my retirement letter, the final chapter of my 11-year career, my wife went into labor with our first child. (Heading to hospital, hold on for a second).
OK, I’m back. Labor can take a while, but it’s the perfect affirmation that I have made the right decision to hang up my boots. I couldn’t be more ready -- ready for the next chapter of my life, ready to wave goodbye to the pitch (the playing part, at least), but most of all, ready to embark on the most exciting journey yet, fatherhood.
But before we talk about the future, let’s discuss the current issue: retirement. It’s time to stop fighting my body. I’ve known for a while, but I’ve struggled to admit it to myself and to others. The countless sleepless nights, the aches and pains, and the constant mental battles were all signs pointing to a new path. But every time I was about to utter the three big words “I am retired”, all the memories of walking into roaring stadiums, scoring last-minute goals, and being part of amazing teams dragged me back! The same never-say-die attitude that drove me to fight like hell my entire career wouldn’t let me say the “R word”. I met every setback - and there were many - with a positive attitude. I responded to every disappointment with an “OK. What’s next?” Now, again, I must answer that question. What is next is being proud of my accomplishments, giving thanks to those who have supported me, and smiling at whatever the future holds, the first of which is a baby girl. (Quick update: We are now at the hospital and I should be a dad in the next few hours. My wife wants me to finish this letter quickly.)
So, let’s get started.
Item 1: Be proud. Certain memories are always at the front of my mind; representing the USA in the Olympics and a World Cup, two MLS Cup Championships with the Houston Dynamo, the last minute goal against Haiti, and how could I ever forget the pure elation of scoring the stoppage time winner for Bolton against Blackburn. Those are just a few of the moments I’ll be proud to bore my daughter with one day. However, those events didn’t shape me into the person I am today, and the father I am about to be. Those experiences came in the locker room with friends I was lucky enough to call my teammates and coaches.
Item 2: Be thankful. Thank you, thank you, thank you to every single person who pushed me every day to be a better player and a better man, for giving me that extra motivation to keep fighting when I needed it, but most importantly, for the memories and ever lasting friendships. To the fans, thank you. Your support has never gone unnoticed and you've had a bigger impact on my life than you’ll ever know. All of the messages, tweets, songs, and passion for the beautiful game have left me humbled and forever grateful. To Bolton Wanderers and the Houston Dynamo, you welcomed me to the family and for that I am forever thankful. Now it's my turn to be a fan. To my loving family: Mom, Euan, Rachel and late father, Brian, I’ll be thanking you until my last day on this earth. I played for you, and none of this would have been possible without your love, support and commitment through all the years. I love you with all of my heart. To my wife, Karalyn, the best is yet to come. You are my rock, my livelihood, and I will never be able to completely thank you for the sacrifices you’ve made to help me pursue my career. You will be an amazing mother to our child. I love you so much and you inspire me every day to be a better human. You are the reason I can accomplish …
Item 3: Smile at the future. Let’s do this!
Speaking of the future, I’m not exactly sure what it holds, but that is OK by me. I have a passion and love for the game of soccer that will never be replaced. (Just got punched in the arm by Karalyn as she gets a strong contraction, which is another reminder that a possible replacement is coming.) But the reality is, soccer cannot truly be substituted because it was the first true love of my life. From a very young age, I poured my heart and soul into being the best I could be, and I kept the dream alive as long as I could. The game has rewarded me with a beautiful life and opportunities I never thought possible. The most recent opportunities will keep me in the game as a broadcaster, a coach, and maybe even as an owner one day. Who knows? Not me. What I do know is that I am 100% at peace with my decision to retire from playing, and I am 200% excited for the future. True closure has been hard to come by, but man it feels good.
It’s been one hell of a ride -- a ride that a wee lad from Aberdeen (that’s in Scotland for those who flunked geography) dreamt of, worked hard for, and made come true. One thing is for sure: you haven’t seen the end of me… but I might take a short break as the contractions are kicking my wife’s butt right now. That means it is time for Stuart Holden, the retired athlete and third-person self-referencer, to step up and deliver a life-winning assist! Child birth has just put all of my injuries into perspective. I now know that my wife is the real champ (and my Mom too)! Cheers to the release.
Yours always,
Stu
P.S. - As of 2:35 PM February 1st, 2016, I am officially a father to a beautiful baby girl, Kennady Rose Holden. Mom and Daughter are in great health and Dad is proud. Bring on parenthood.
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Even when I went in November, I had all these local HKers giving me strange looks for walking around in t shirts and shorts while they were wearing coats and down jackets. It was only 70 degrees Farenheit by the way 
. (Gary Neville has had a terrible start 
