Almost There...

written by Kaitlyn Yule ('10)...Nursing major from Raleigh, North Carolina

I am a junior nursing student and a varsity women's soccer team member. My life is pretty much consumed by my major and my sport. I spend sixteen hours a week performing hands-on clinicals at MetroHealth Hospital in downtown Cleveland, and that's simply a required addition to the thirteen hours of classes I attend weekly.

But, despite the often chaotic schedule, I could not see myself doing anything else. For as long as I can remember I have wanted to be right smack dab in the middle of an inner city level one trauma center dealing with emergency situations, life or death decisions, and gathering one of a kind life experiences which translate into jaw dropping stories. These past couple of weeks in clinicals has been a little more extraordinary than the usual...with three births, an emergency cesarean section to deliver a dying baby, and the not so everyday occurrence of saving my four month old patient from choking to death.

This Wednesday I had more than I could have asked for while shadowing in the emergency department of MetroHealth, an eighty-one bed unit with eight trauma bays, its very own psych department, and a one of a kind life flight division that provides services to the entire state of Ohio. I was finally where I have always envisioned and where I have worked so hard to be. As the first trauma of the day was life flighted in, the staff prepared for her arrival. The patient was a middle-aged woman who had been struck by two separate vehicles. She had numerous fractures, no pulse in either of her legs, and internal bleeding. Here it was right in front of me, my first trauma and it all happened so quickly. It was organized chaos of doctors and nurses, yelling orders and status updates, frantically trying to find the answer to save this woman's life. Before I knew it she was stabilized and transferred to radiology to have a CT scan to try and find where her massive internal hermorrhage was located. All that's left after a situation such as this is a mess of a room and a collection of emotions that leave you in complete awe of what just happened. The adrenaline that comes from any emergency situation is indescribable.

As a nursing student, I still have so far to go before I get to the day where I'm the nurse working that trauma, but I can finally see that the end is in sight. I have just over a year left and I have worked so hard and sacrificed so much. There is no longer a doubt in my mind that I am doing the right thing. These past few years have been hard, with sleepless nights and days where I've just wanted to give up, but it's all about to pay off. I'm in the final stretch now and can't wait to finally reach the long awaited finish line.

There is another passion in my life that has absolutely nothing to do with sick people, traumatic injuries, or nursing in general. I have played soccer my entire life, never with an end in sight. But it has finally hit me that I have only one season left to play competitively. This fall marks the beginning of the end of something I have known and taken for granted my entire life. We have begun our spring season practices and it has only heightened my awareness that I'm going to be a senior next year. Going into this final season I have such high expectations for myself, and I feel this is my last chance to help the team achieve what I know capable. I have seen not only the team change, but I have also witnessed the entire program completely evolve. The caliber of each individual player is unlike anything we have had in the past years I have been here at Case. A large part of this transformation comes from our current freshmen and sophomore classes. Our freshmen class this year is remarkable. They have so much dedication and work so hard to raise not only their personal level of play but also the team's level. I have this one final season left before I hang up the jersey, but I can truly say I wouldn't want to play my last season with any other group of girls. I'm excited and nervous to begin this final season and also a little jealous knowing that this is the end for me but not for them. The dedication, leadership, intelligence, and athleticism of the girls in the classes below me will impact Case Women's soccer for years. I am jealous that I will not be a part of the future of this team, which I have no doubt consists of conference championships and multiple trips to the NCAA tournament. At the same time, I am proud to say that I am here in the midst of it, that I have a hand in what will some day be known as the powerhouse women's soccer program at Case Western Reserve University.

The Argentine Adventure

As reported by Anna Selser (2012, Biomedical Engineering)

This spring break, I had two options. Option one: I could return home to Iowa and sit around my house while all my other friends were busy attending school. Option two: I could find an exciting alternative. While Iowa is a lively, exhilarating, fantastic place, I decided to check out a place I had never been. Conveniently, Case offers spring break study abroad trips, and it just so happened that the bioethics department offers a class in Buenos Aires, so my decision was made.

Although I was initially a little apprehensive about not knowing anyone else on the trip, we bonded quickly. It probably helped that Allysen (Case junior soccer player and former study abroader) put in a good word for me with her friends. Our first day there we discovered that Argentines are obsessed with dogs. Everyone has a dog, I have literally never seen so many dogs in my life. Small dogs, big dogs, dogs on leashes, dogs free, dogs in the airport, dogs in kiosks (convenience stores), dogs in dog parks, they're seriously everywhere. The second thing we discovered that day was that they have no problem with PDA. If you walk through a park you literally see couples on top of each other making out. Apparently this is because everyone lives with their parents until they're married, so they have nowhere to go besides parks. Third, empanadas are delicious and they are the equivalent of pizza. There are pizza and empanada fast food places that will deliver. Pure deliciousness. And the final thing we learned that day, some of us the hard way, is that Argentines like to eat the organs of animals. A few boys unfortunately thought they were ordering a platter of meat, and realized halfway through the meal that it was a platter with a little bit of chicken, intestines, liver, and kidneys. It was an interesting first day.

Buenos Aires was beautiful. It's a big city encompassing different neighborhoods, all known for something different. It's interesting to look at because there is a huge contrast between new and old. You will pass a building that has a beautiful marble facade and the building next door across the street might look like somewhere you would never want to enter. Another interesting feature is the amount of green space in an urban setting. There are the most beautiful parks, almost every block. And there are trees everywhere and not just small trees you might see lining streets in America, but big ones. Some streets even have a natural canopy as a result of these.

Although we spent a huge chunk of time in class, we were able to do some awesome things. We were lucky enough to go to a soccer game, La Boca against Indenpendiente, a huge rival game. I've been to professional games abroad before where soccer is a bigger deal than it is in the US, but this was seriously amazing. Apparently right before we got to the stadium there was a riot in the streets, on our side of the stadium, and there was tear gas and police with batons and everything. Unfortunately, we arrived too late to witness this, but the team spirit was amazing. It was an away game for La Boca but there were enough people there to completely fill at least a fourth of the stadium. Everyone is constantly singing songs, they have huge flags they hold up, it was such an experience. And the devotion never died, even though La Boca lost, there was never a decline in enthusiasm.

Besides soccer we did a number of other things. Shopping, of course, was awesome because the exchange rate was fantastic. We shopped in stores and a number of craft type fairs with goods made by Argentines themselves. We also went to a great art museum call Malba, saw the beautiful Japanese Gardens, went to the cemetery with Evita's tomb, and saw a tango show in Buenos Aires' oldest cafe.

It's hard to sum up ten days in a short blog, but hopefully you can get an idea of the amazing time I had. It was cool to see a different culture, it was beautiful, and I had a fantastic time. I'm glad I was able to meet new people, Argentines and Case students, and I completely recommend the trip to anyone looking to get away next year.

Alumni Update - Bridget Mason

This post is by Bridget Mason, a 2008 Case Grad.  I had the privilege of coaching Bridget

her senior season.  She was the heart and soul of the 2007 team, the type of player that teammates play to honor.  As a centerback, she was the backbone of our defensive line and played all but 4 minutes the entire season.  She also scored the most important goal of the season against Rochester on her Senior Night.  She was a star in a game that was largely a defensive battle.  We earned a corner kick, much against the run of play, and Bridget, like Bridget does, came through for her team by finding the ball in the air and heading it past the Rochester keeper.  She then rallied her team for the remainder of the second half and for two exhausting overtime periods, thwarting everything Rochester threw at us.  It was so fitting of Bridget and her career at Case.  She is the most competitive and passionate player I have ever coached, an inspiration to all of us involved in the program.

Nine months out of college has seemed like nine years.  I somehow imagined that I would have infinite amounts of time and that life would be considerably less hectic than it was in college. Wrong.  I especially misjudged how great it was to have the opportunity to be a part of a team, and how much I would miss it.

My soccer career at Case had a somewhat rocky start.  I had trouble making the transition from high school to college, and started off my freshman season with mono, and decided that maybe the whole soccer commitment wasn't something I could handle.  My dorm room sophomore year had a view directly over the turf field, which made it especially difficult to pretend like I didn't wish I could still be playing.  By the end of their season, sophomore year, I decided that I couldn't live without soccer.  It was driving me crazy not being able to play and those sentiments far outweighed whatever it was that made me think I should quit in the first place. My junior and senior seasons were fantastic - not necessarily in the traditional sense of having a very winning team, but in the sense that I was able to escape totally into the game or practice almost every time I played.  It was as if nothing else mattered - tests, homework, job applications, everything else went on the backburner.  On top of that great escape, I made some of the best friends I had in college with the other girls on the team.  I doubt I'll ever have another experience like this one, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of it.

I now work as an AmeriCorps VISTA (volunteer in service to America), and run a college-access mentoring program through Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA).  I recruit Drexel and UPenn students to serve essentially as college counselors in two of the West Philly public high schools. The students we work with have often been deprived of an even moderately decent public education and have constantly been subjected to less-than-ideal educational environments.  We work to help them formulate plans for graduation and expose them to a variety of post-graduation opportunities.  Although this job has been extremely challenging, I love it and am incredibly lucky to have been exposed to many different, and often ignored, perspectives on the state of public education in the U.S.

I miss Case and the soccer team very much, but I am finding new passions and am fortunate to have the foundations that my time on that Case turf with my coach and teammates provided me.

Pictures

Top (L to R): Bridget Mason, Kelly Goris, and Katie Skillin at the Annual Halloween Practice

Middle: Bridget playing her senior year versus Carnegie Mellon

Bottom: The 2007 team in downtown Chicago (also Bridget's hometown)

Captain's Corner

This week I've asked Jen Soo Hoo, our junior captain from Berkeley Heights, New Jersey to write our blog. Jen is one of the most remarkable student-athletes I have had the opportunity to coach. She loves soccer and is the member of our team I see most often in the athletic building for workouts. She's one of the most talented players in the UAA (Honorable Mention UAA in 2007), but she's also one of the most intelligent and driven student-athletes in the country. She was accepted into Case's PPSP program upon her undergraduate admission. This program is highly selective and competitive (Madeline VanGunten and Ana Arruda are also in the program in their respective majors). Admission to the medicine PPSP program requires Jen to keep a 3.6 gpa in her math and science courses (she has maintained a 3.831 cum gpa) and grants her entry to Case Medical School following her graduation. While that is impressive in itself, Jen has also put herself in position to graduate in 3 years from Case this spring and has gained acceptance to Case Med School starting this summer. Next fall, she will attempt to play her senior year of soccer while balancing her first year of med school.
Jen's blog...
As a junior on the team, I should be used to the usual routine of the off season workouts. However, I'm surprised to find myself just as excited and nervous in preparing for next season as I was my freshman year. Maybe it's the fact that next year will be my last season (something I do not want to admit), but, regardless, I'm extremely pumped to see what next year brings. This team has definitely changed for the better since my first year. I'm happy to see that there is a strong team commitment toward keeping up a routine of working out despite being in the off season with an increasing amount of academic commitments. I'm especially proud of the dedication of the freshmen class. It's been really cool being able to walk into Veale and know that I will see at least a couple of my teammates there.

Balancing academics with soccer has always been a huge part of soccer season. Although I'm excited for next year's fall season, I'm also extremely nervous about how I'm going to balance my new academic load. As I've been accepted into Case medical school a year early, I will have to try and handle all the medical school commitments while trying to make time to play my final season. Although it may be impossible to do, it is definitely something I will try. Besides the fact that soccer has always been a huge part of my life and I'm not ready to give it up yet, I am also not ready to give up playing with this team. This team is by far the nicest team I have been on.
It is the first time I can honestly say that I like everyone on the team, and I've formed some really strong and interesting (Maddy) friendships. The girls I have met and the bonds I have formed have made my time at Case much more enjoyable and fun. These girls mean so much to me, and I really want one last season to enjoy with them before I officially commit myself to treating soccer injuries instead of being the one that constantly needs treatment! I have a really good feeling about next year, and I am really looking forward to being a part of it as much as I can!!!


Pictures
Top - Jen playing in our final 2008 home game versus Washington University
Middle - (L to R) Jen Soo Hoo, Bridget Mason, Caroline Garber, Caitlin Miller, Kaitlyn Yule, Ana Arruda in St. Louis prior to our game versus Wash U (2007)
Bottom - (L to R) Jen Soo Hoo, Kaitlyn Yule, Liz Altenau, Caitlin Miller - Teammates and roommates in the Village at 115th

Ballin' Outta Control

contributed by Anna Kennedy '12 (Evanston, IL) and Anna Selser '12 (Bettendorf, IA)

Box out! Post up! Zone! Rebound! Layup!

"What?" "What's that?" "Where am I supposed to be right now?"

That is the Case Women's Soccer team's response to most basketball terms shouted from the few players that actually know what they're doing on the court. During this offseason the team

divided to make two intramural basketball teams. Along with bonding and conditioning, the team also had the chance to realize how uncoordinated their teammates are, specifically at basketball.

Any educated person would think that a collegiate soccer team would be pretty well-rounded in the sporting world. Sure enough, the Case Women's soccer team has surprised the public once again, not by making improving strides on the soccer field, but by giving a new meaning to the word terrible.

Now do not get the wrong impression by this blog, we do try. We play the full 40 minutes all out, just not well. Now, here is a recap of the games played by the team so far:

After a very physical game, including Katelyn Etscheidt almost killing a girl, team one suffered a heartbreaking first loss 11-27 to their rivals, the volleyball team. The second game against Phi Mu was much closer but the girls still fell short losing 22-27. The third game was cancelled due to weather, but had the game been played, Team One surely would have had their first win.

That was Selser (Anna) reporting for her team, and now she has handed the computer off to me, Kennedy (the "other Anna") to report on Team 2. The volleyball matchup was again a very physical game for our squad, but we fought through it. Yet, the much taller volleyball team came up AGAIN with a 36-30 win over us. Our following game was cancelled also due to Cleveland weather, but that just helped us prepare for our next game; the duel of the soccer teams.

The much anticipated game occurred Monday, February 9. Those in attendance witnessed an epic game. Highlights included Vaci and Selser unintentionally completing their "mongoose" play, Maddy being the MVP, flagrant fouls left and right, and Kennedy dunking on everyone (just kidding). Team two had a significant lead until Cici Fusco organized Team one into a zone defense. Team one picked up their level of play but not enough to win the game and end up losing 18-27.

Both teams have advanced to the intramural playoffs and have been practicing intensely. Surely their hard work will pay off and the teams will be ready to compete at the next level.

Another update...

This update is written by Annie Altenau, a sophomore nursing major from Cincinnati, Ohio. The picture is from our Halloween practice in the fall. Annie is on the left with her Mario Brothers partner, Megan Link (a sophomore nursing major from Columbus, Ohio).

"I am finally back into the swing of things after being home in Cincinnati for three and a half weeks for winter break. It was nice having time off from school to relax and catch up with old friends, but I was excited to come back to campus and start a new semester and meet back up with the team. Classes this semester will result in long days and countless hours of reading and other homework. This semester I will spend 16 hours at the hospital for clinicals, in addition to my other classes, which include my final university SAGES. I figured that it would be better to take an extra class during the spring semester instead of the fall semester during soccer season.

Besides classes, the team is working hard to prepare for next season. We meet in groups once a week to go through a lifting circuit, and are get together twice a week to play pick-up soccer and work on ball skills. Individually we do fitness several times a week, but rarely are we alone. Usually, while at Veale, I run into several teammates who are also doing their workouts. Another activity that we are doing as a team is intramural basketball. Although we are lacking in our basketball skills, everyone has a blast and is laughing the entire game.

Everyone is excited for the future of Case’s women’s soccer program and is extremely optimistic for the upcoming season. We all know that the work that we are currently putting in will pay off come fall."

Back in the routine...

I've asked several of our current team members to contribute to the blog this semester.  They, obviously, can contribute a more interesting perspective of the Case experience than I can!

This update is by Kristina Vaci, a freshman biomedical engineering major from Mentor, Ohio.  

"The second semester has just started and it's off to a great start.  Classes are relatively easygoing at the moment and the overall atmosphere is quite relaxing.  Offseason workouts just started, and I'm excited to say everyone is doing them at 100%.  It's nice to come to pick-up games every Friday and see how driven the team is to play and get better for next season, yet we still have tons of fun.  The real fun is in our intramural basketball games that started last week. We've split into two teams and my team had its first game last Wednesday.  We came out with high spirits, and though we may have lost (and not scored the whole second half)...it was still the best part of my day!  Besides, we're soccer girls, we don't know what to do with our hands!  

Formal recruitment started for sororities (if you're into going into a room of a million of girls talking at once and asking the same question).  Let's just say it was not for me, though everyone else seemed to have a fantastic time.  It's a great way to get involved in the school.

I'm happy to be back at Case after a great break because as much as I love home...nothing is better than being able to see all my friends at school.  It's even better to know that a short break strengthens our team because the weekend we got back we all hung out as per usual.  I'm excited to see how this semester goes!"

Reminiscing on 2008

In case you missed it, here are some links to some of the press the Fall 2008 team received.

http://blog.case.edu/varsity/2008/09/04/opening_weekend_off_to_a_great_start

http://blog.case.edu/varsity/2008/10/14/baumann_in_boston_with_womens_soccer

http://www.case.edu/athletics/varsity/pastheadlines.htm (scroll down to Sept 20 to hear Caitlin Miller's radio interview and Oct 31 to see Ana Arruda's video story)

http://www.case.edu/athletics/varsity/news/2008-09/pr08_29_08.htm

http://www.case.edu/athletics/varsity/news/2008-09/pr09_16_08A.htm

http://www.case.edu/athletics/varsity/news/2008-09/pr10_22_08.htm

http://www.chagrinvalleytimes.com/NC/0/373.html

Enjoy!!!

Why Case????

On a roadtrip this fall, we asked the team to answer some questions about Case and our soccer program. Here are some of the responses...

Why did you choose Case?

“I wanted a smaller school where I could get an individual experience and education, but I didn’t want to sacrifice any opportunities that larger universities offer.” – Liz Altenau’09: Biomedical Engineering

“Case is the one school I applied to that had everything I wanted: a strong academic program, particularly in engineering, the opportunity to play varsity soccer, and generous financial aid.” – Alex Litofsky’12: Environmental Engineering

“I chose Case because it has a great Pre-med reputation, research job availabilities, and the exceptional hospital systems surrounding campus.” – Allysen Arblaez’10: Anthropology, Psychology, Pre-med

“I chose Case for its academics and joint-music program. I’m able to continue my music career and play soccer while making the most of the University’s resources and opportunities.” – Frances Hogan’11: Music, International Studies

“For its academics. It had the major I was looking for. It was in a big enough city and I wanted to play soccer.” – Jackie Guttman’12: Engineering

What sets Case apart from other schools?

“Case has a really strong pre-med program and a lot of resources near campus and within the community (Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals) that are great for undergraduates to gain good experience. It’s a very solid research university.” – Jen Soo Hoo’10: Psychology, Pre-med

“Case has the right balance between exceptional science programs and other disciplines. It has a good reputation and a steady balance between hard work and focus and having fun. Many schools lack that balance.” – Alex Litofsky’12: Environmental Engineering

“Everyone at Case is extremely hard-working. It inspires you to work hard, which ends up happening in all aspects of your life.” – Allysen Arblaez’10: Anthropology, Psychology, Pre-med

“Case is the kind of school where you meet a lot of totally different people from completely different places. It’s not the school you go to and already know twenty kids from your high school.”– Anna Selser’12: Biomedical Engineering

“A lot of people’s college experiences are all about partying and going crazy, but at Case you learn responsibility. You grow up and learn to manage school, sports, and a social life.” – Kaitlyn Yule’10: Nursing

How important is soccer to your Case experience?

“Very. I couldn’t imagine going to school and not playing soccer. It gives me something to work for.” – Katie Fromwiller’10: Computer Engineering

“Soccer is really important to my experience. Ultimately I am here for the academics, but soccer provides an outlet for me and is where I spend most of my time. My closest friends are on the team.” – Laura Gabster’12: Pre-med

“It’s vital - It’s how I found my best friends. It gives me something to look forward to each day. It has become such a huge part of my life that I can’t imagine giving it up.” – Annie Altenau’11: Nursing

What do you feel are the strongest features of our soccer program?

“I think the strongest feature of our program is the people in it. Everybody wants to be here and really cares about improving, so they put forth their best efforts.” – Stephanie Chinchen’11: Biology

“The understanding, respect and communication among the players and coaches, combined with our hard work and unity build a competitive spirit and desire to improve and to win.” Caitlin Miller’09: Biomedical Engineering

“The closeness of the girls and the friendships off the field strengthen the team. The coaches push us to work hard and the players demand and expect the best from each other. It makes everyone get better.” – Ana Arruda’11: Dentistry

“I think the coaching staff is great not only on the field, but off it. Someone is always available to talk about concerns. There’s also a lot of leadership on the field, not just from captains but from every single player. Everyone builds each other up and offers advice so we improve as individuals and as a team.” – Anna Selser’12: Engineering

“I think our girls are our strongest feature. The dedication and heart they put into it makes unlike any other program.” – Kaitlyn Yule’10: Nursing

What words that best describe the Case soccer program and its goals?

Competitive, hard- working and improving. – Kristina Vaci’12: Biomedical Engineering, Pre-Med

Determination, hard work, respect. – Caitlin Miller’09: Biomedical Engineering

Hard work, fun, commitment. – Amy Baumann’11: Biochemistry, Pre-Med

Competitive, hard-working, supportive. – Sammy Sarrett’12: Biomedical Engineering

What were your main concerns, both academic and athletic, as you arrived at Case?

“I thought it would be hard to find time for everything, but with good time management it’s really not bad at all. I get homework done in between classes and when I have free time, so that when it’s time for practice, I can focus only on soccer.” Kristina Vaci’12: Biomedical Engineering, Pre-med

“I was nervous about the work load, being away from my friends and family, and being on my own for the first time.” – Annie Altenau’11: Nursing

“I was worried about how prepared I was for both the season and the academics at Case. I was also worried about managing my course load with soccer.” – Laura Gabster’12: Pre-med

“I was concerned about handling the academics while playing soccer, but by staying on top of my work it’s not been as hard as I thought.” – Megan Link’11: Nursing

How big of a challenge is it to be a varsity athlete AND a strong student?

“It’s harder than not being a varsity athlete, but most students at Case get involved in a lot of things. You just have to manage your time well. Athletics shouldn’t have a negative effect on your academics if you work hard and make smart decisions with your time.” – Stephanie Chinchen’11: Biology

“It’s a pretty big challenge, but it helps keep your priorities straight.” – Anna Kennedy’12 – Engineering

“It is definitely harder academically during season, but you’re used to it. Most of these girls have been balancing school and athletics their entire lives. You find a way that works for you.” – Kaitlyn Yule’10: Nursing

“It’s difficult, but far from impossible. It requires good time management skills and focus.” – Frances Hogan’11: Music, International Studies

“It’s a great balance, and one pushes you to be better at the other.” – Ana Arruda’11: Dentistry

“It is challenging to play a sport and balance school work, but all the girls on the team are very supportive. Staying organized and managing your free time are the keys to success.” – Kirsten McClain’09 - Anthropology

How do you keep the balance among soccer, academics and other activities?

“I take things one at a time. Every challenge is a new lesson and a way to better myself.” – Rebecca Vaughan’12: Biomedical Engineering, Pre-med

“I just plan it all out. I write down all practices and other meetings on a calendar and do my homework around that. Time management is key.” – Stephanie Chinchen’11: Biology

“Stay calm, and understand that although it takes a lot of work and effort, it’s all doable. Just know what is most important, and do one thing at a time.” – Ana Arruda’11: Dentistry

“I kept my balance by always staying on top of my classes and being sure to seek help outside class from teammates or professors if I got behind.” – Kirsten McClain’09 - Anthropology

Visions of Champions???

Despite the rain and the raised stress and anxiety levels on campus (it is finals time), I'm feeling pretty calm and optimistic. I spent the weekend in Raleigh, North Carolina watching and identifying possible future Case women's soccer players. Our university and women's soccer program has generated a great deal of interest amongst talented high school student-athletes, rightfully so. Yet, that's not what has me feeling the most optimistic. Adding players to our program is very important, but it's even more critical what our current team members are contributing.

On my journey in to the office, I was reminded why I have so much faith in our current group. I drove past 2 of our players out for a run in the less than ideal weather and found 2 more stretching on the indoor track after a run and a lift. It reminds me of a story that Anson Dorrance (UNC coach, 2008 National Champions, 19th National Championship overall) tells regularly about Mia Hamm. She was the most prolific player on the North Carolina team (and in UNC history) and could have easily survived on her natural talent. However, Mia Hamm wanted to be her absolute best and made a committment to the pursuit of it. Anson recalls driving into work early one morning, passing a soccer field and seeing a girl, all alone, running sprints repeatedly. He was inspired to leave a note in the locker of that girl, Mia Hamm. His note read "The vision of a champion is bent over, drenched in sweat, at the point of exhaustion, when nobody else is looking." It's that committment, that desire, that discipline to do the work for one's goals when no one is there watching that will move our program forward, will make us better than we have been, and will create more memorable experiences for everyone.

Imagine the possibilities if we all gave that effort.