Nov. 7, 2013

CHICAGO - Senior men's soccer player Josh Beard will be providing Flames' fans with an inside look into the 2013 squad with a weekly segment called `Blogging with Beard'. Beard will blog about team traditions, traveling, memorable moments and many other aspects that make the UIC men's soccer squad unique. Aside from being a starting defender for the Flames, Beard is also a communications major with an interest in creative writing.

Blog #9

The month of October was a good month and a tough month for me, personally. I had both of my grandmas pass away in a ten day period, and we clinched the Horizon League title. These events required the love and support of my family throughout all of it.

I am not just talking about my blood family, I am actually referring to the soccer team here at UIC. They helped me through one of the tougher times that I have faced in college. The team showed me that no matter what we go through, we always go through it as a family.

My first grandmother passed while I was on my way to training and it broke me down into tears. I was really upset, but the moment I stepped out to the practice field, the team was able to make me forget about it for two hours. They picked me up and allowed me to focus on the matter at hand for that day.

That weekend, we played UWM and during halftime, I found myself becoming a little overwhelmed by the loss. Kevin Anderson came up to me, gave me a hug and let me know that everything was going to be alright. To some, this may seem like it wasn't a big deal, but those words lifted my spirits and pushed me through to the second half. After getting the win, the coaches gave me a huge hug and let me know that she would be missed.

Ten days after the loss of my Nana, my Grandma Honey then passed away and again it was the day before a big game. My teammates were there to rescue me at practice, just like they had last time. I found myself laughing and joking around at training despite the loss I had in my family. The team let me know that we had a big game ahead of us and I could honor my grandma by playing my heart out for her.

I had the services for my Grandma Honey the Monday and Tuesday before our away game at Oakland on Wednesday. The coaches went out of their way to allow me to be there, and Minos drove us up to the game late Tuesday night so I could grieve with my family.

That Wednesday, we beat Oakland 1-0 and won the first conference championship since I have been playing here at UIC. It was a special moment in that I not only scored the game winner, but I knew I had made both of my grandmas proud.

I owe my team, my family, so much gratitude for not just helping me through a tough time, but also overcoming the tragedy and being able to perform at a high level when they needed me.