CULLMAN, Ala. — In this interview, I talked to Cullman’s Mimi Lunsford talked about her time playing soccer for the Bearcats and she shared some of the many memories she made during those years.
“Although all the games and trips were some of the best times of my life, my most memorable times at Cullman were the practices and the team bondings. I can’t emphasize enough the amazing friendships and dynamics this team has. Although we trained hard, there was constant laughter at every practice,” Lunsford said. “I looked forward to practice every day because of coach Megan and the girls. Just seeing them at practice would make my day. We also had team bonding before big games. Team bonding was amazing, because we got time to relax and have fun, whether that was a movie night or karaoke. I am definitely going to miss these memories the most.”
Mimi got to play with some amazing teammates during her soccer career and learned so much playing soccer.
“It was incredible. Most of the girls I had been playing with since I was five years old. I remember waiting for the days when we would all play in high school together and they didn’t disappoint. They constantly encouraged and pushed me to be better. I couldn’t have been blessed with better teammates,” Lunsford said. “I learned a lot of lessons about dedication. This is one trait that Coach Megan places a lot of emphasis on. She tells the team that we are only as strong as our weakest link. Whether it was pre-season conditioning or a regular practice, you had to dedicate your time and effort fully to the team. This was a hard lesson to learn, but one that was very beneficial.”
Mimi played under some great coaches at Cullman and soaked up as much as she could from them. She talked about a couple of her favorite soccer games.
“They were amazing. I can’t explain the impact they had on my play and me as an individual. They taught me so many lessons. I learned how to lead a team simply from watching them coach. They were encouraging, but they also knew how to push the team to get better. They taught me patience on the field and how to read the field constantly. They taught me everything I needed to know in order to be successful these past couple of years,” Lunsford said. “One of my favorite games was our home game against Hartselle this year. Our area play this year was more challenging than it has been in past years. It was a suspenseful game, but we ended up coming out with a great win.”
She added,
“Another one of my favorite games was the Randolph game my sophomore year. I remember that game; it just felt like everything finally clicked and we ended up going to the third round of the playoffs that year. It was a great game.”
Mimi will remember so much about playing soccer and will deeply miss playing with this year’s seniors.
“I will remember the teammates I have grown up with. Most of the girls have been some of my best friends for over 10 years and we have been able to grow up, playing soccer together. I will never forget my teammates and the amazing times we’ve all had together,” she said. “It was incredible. The seniors I have played with have been incredible leaders and teammates. This year, playing with the three other seniors was bittersweet throughout the whole season. It was fun being the oldest on the team and it finally being our year to lead, but it was sad to say goodbye at the end of the year.”
Mimi was in more than a handful of clubs and took away so much from being in those clubs.
“It was challenging, having to juggle playing soccer and being in all of those clubs, but it was rewarding. I learned many skills, like leadership and teamwork. Also, many of the clubs I was in involved careers that I am interested in, so they helped me learn more about what my future might consist of. These clubs all helped me in high school, and I know they will help me throughout my time in college as well,” she said. “It was uplifting and refreshing being around some great people. I loved just talking to my team and having conversations with coach Megan. I learned most about the importance of community and collaboration with those around you. Being in clubs, you have to work with everyone involved to accomplish what needs to get done.”
Mimi had so many great memories during her time in high school and feels blessed to have been a Bearcat.
“Some of my favorite memories from high school are from homecoming and the weeks before. Since I was a member of SGA, we were responsible for planning and organizing Homecoming week. Although it was stressful, the fun memories of pep rallies, pomping, and lip-syncing will always be my favorite high school memories,” she said. “What made Cullman a special place to go to are the teachers, coaches, and administrators that cared about me as not only a student, but as a person. All of the teachers I had genuinely cared for all of their students and served as mentors for me and my peers. My coaches made high school the best years of my life. Coach Megan is one of the best people I know. She was constantly there for me, and I know she will always be there if I need anything. Cullman gave me these amazing people and I am truly grateful for that.”
Mimi will remember a very important thing about going to Cullman and will miss being a Bearcat next year.
“I will remember the people I’ve met there. Cullman has some of the best people I have ever met. I have made so many friendships that I will always remember. They have stuck by my side and provided me with the genuine friendships I needed,” she said. “I will miss seeing my friends every day. This year, I have grown close with a group of girls and not seeing them at school will be very hard. We are all going our separate ways and I am going to miss high school and being with those girls.”
Mimi gave the upcoming freshmen some advice and talked about her role models growing up.
“Relax and enjoy it. High school went by fast, but my biggest regret was spending a lot of time worrying and stressing out over the little details. I recommend taking a breath, relaxing, and enjoying the little time you have in high school,” she said. “My two top role models were my mom and coach Megan. My mom is a teacher at the school, so I got to see her every day and I absolutely loved it. She has brought me up with strong Christian values that I will forever treasure. Everyone says I remind them of my mom and that’s the biggest compliment I could ever receive. Coach Megan has been one of the most supportive people during my soccer career. She is not only an amazing coach, but we have a great friendship that I will always treasure.”
Mimi shared some of the best advice that someone ever gave her and about a scholarship that she received.
“Spend as much time with your friends as you can. Before you know it, you will be saying goodbye, so make sure to make the most of your time with them,” she said. “I received the Spirit of Auburn Founders Scholarship. It felt amazing and super-relieving to have some of the momentary weight of college fall off my shoulders. I will be majoring in Biomedical Sciences on the Pre-Med track.”
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