We won!!!!

It was a great game tied at 0 to 0 against the US U23 squad and we won in PK’s. It’s such a great feeling. I saved one PK and almost had another but our girls stepped up and each took great PK’s with Paige Adams stepping up in the end for the final shot and sealed the deal.

It was a great win and a great tournament. We were treated so well all around, stayed in beautiful hotels and ate great good. A great atmosphere all around and great setup and stepping stone for getting back into international games. Waw, what a rush…

The ‘China’ bound players, aka the wounded/coming off an injury folks, now get to travel back on the bus for a four hour trip to Birmingham then off to the airport for a 4am check in where we then fly to NC, thru to Chicago and the off to Beijing. Nothing like a great day and a half of traveling right??? Read the rest of this entry »

So hello everyone from down south Alabama.

It has been a great trip so far here in Alabama. The trip started nicely as a couple of us got bumped up to first class and as tired as we were, we stayed up to enjoy the full ride and services. Though it is a mix of the “young ones” and the injured “old folks” we had a great win today against Mexico in front of a rowdy and loud Mexican crowd.

Taryn did great in goal and secured the shutout and it was the first game back in so many months for many of the seniors (Sasha, Amber, Amy Apps, Katie, Taryn and Kara). They all felt great to finally be back out there and playing again.

We are very fortunate to have these games as it is the best way to ease into playing full international games. Though this wasn’t the full Mexican team, it was great to be that kind of environment once again. Practices have been light and fun and we have been spoiled to be able to train on finely polished fields. Read the rest of this entry »

Hello again,

Well Phase 1 of me being back with the team has ended and it has been great. Though I am not 100% and still have things I cannot do, I am slowly progressing to where I want to be. There has been some good sessions and some mentally draining sessions because as much as I tell myself I understand that it will be a slow process back, once I step onto the field, the ‘take it slow’ attitude at times is difficult.

Every athlete has a stubborn side to them, and I have found mine several times this past week but seeing that the World Cup is several months away, that keeps me focused that pushing myself too much now could only lead to making it worse before I get better. The key thing though, is to stay positive because I know there will be good days and bad ones also and being around my teammates who are so supportive and encouraging has been amazing.

(More photos behind the jump)

This past week….

Rutgers went to the final four, won their first game against LSU, which was HUGE as this is our rebuilding year and we have no seniors yet unfortunately, lost in the final to Tennessee. It was a great battle and I was so proud to see our girls do so well when so many people doubted them. I always love to see stories like this so when it is so close to home, it makes me realize that truly anything is possible…. Anyway, I watched the second half of the game at Sincy and Rhi’s place. Read the rest of this entry »

Hi Everyone,

Just checking in from Vancouver. I am actually at my parents’ place enjoying a nice birthday dinner with them that my mom has cooked up. I would give my dad some credit but that wouldn’t go past the dinner table setup, which was nicely done, but that is as far as his dinner preparations goes….

Last night Katie made a delicious roast with the salad, potatoes, veggies, desert…the full several course meal and we all enjoyed it. The girls who were not able to make it to dinner joined after and we all enjoyed a nice night. It was great to be with the girls on my birthday and enjoy each others’ company. It was like old times once again.

It has been a great week so far. I do enjoy Vancouver, especially since the weather has been so beautiful. We have had our twist strength and conditioning sessions, as well as practice sessions. Read the rest of this entry »