Cal Cup....Here We Come!!

This weekend will be the first time that I have played in Cal Cup since 2001.   The tournament holds a special place in my heart, as it was the first time I had ever played representing the USA.  In fact, I actually missed by my Senior Prom and Graduation to go compete in Moorpark, CA with the U-18 team.   

Although I had to sacrifice a ton to go compete, I didn't blink an eye.  It didn't matter what I had to miss, playing for the the U-18 team was the only thing on my mind.   Now 8 years later, I find myself back at that same tournament, with the same passion for the sport I love.  Last time I was there we ended up playing for the finals but fell short.   We are going to make sure that doesn't happen this time round!! 

Happy Mother's Day!

Today was Mother's Day. When I think of how much my mom did for me when I grew up, I'd still be thinking. In between driving me to all of my sports practices and games, sitting through dance rehearsals (that I didn't particularly enjoy but appreciate now, though my dance skills haven't improved much), and taking me to friends' houses, she would make sure I had a well balanced meal each night for dinner .. and would bake really good desserts too!

She was there for all of the major events of my life, including the Olympics in Beijing!

It was a far way to go for my family who has never traveled outside of the country, but they were brave and eager. I worried about them traveling alone (or with Mrs. Powley - sorry Mrs. Powley!), but they did a great job finding their way around and had a lot of laughs along the way.

This year, I was fortunate enough to spend Mother's Day at home with my family. And my mom. It was the first time in a long time that I didn't have to be anywhere or do anything.. but just relax and enjoy some time together. Thank you moms for all that you do. It shouldn't have to take a Hallmark holiday to remind us, but it's because you do so much that we forget to say thank you for the little things too!

A New Day, A New Challenge!

Just the other day we finished our tour in Argentina with a 1-1 tie against the 2nd ranked team in the world.  It may have taken us 4 games to get our act together, but we were definitely pleased with our play against some of the toughest teams in the world!

Now its off to the next challenged, today we play against our U-21 team in Boston.  It seems like it was just yesterday that I was a freshman at University of Maryland scrimmaging against the National Team, lets just say I was a little scared!!  It is crazy to think that we on the other side now....hopefully in a few years some of these girls will be along side of us as well!

It has been a great tour thus far, only two more days left, and we plan to make the best of them! Then it is off to Maryland to do two clinics, and then back to good old San Diego, sunny and 70's everyday :)