when you don't feel good

the worst is when you don't feel good.  i mean, you aren't coughing or barfing, but you just feel nast.  seriously, that's how i was feeling last night and all today, including right now.  didn't eat much.  i may have thrown concentration out the window today at work.  it seriously took so much effort just to focus and hm, took me twice as long to do the simplest things.  plus, i totes took a few accidental naps at my desk today...one involving drool.  awesome.

i hope it goes away.

NCAA March Madness starts very soon!  Loyola, MD men grabbed the automatic bid to the big dance this year.  umm, yeah, i kinda coach there.

In case you missed it

MWS won it's 4th national championship this past saturday!

2011 National Champs! (pics from NCAA.com)

It's craaaazy awesome!

Also, I finished The Messiah Method, a book written about the Messiah soccer programs.  (the first book i think i've ready from cover to cover in about 20 years.)  It's a great read if you are a coach, especially if you are a soccer coach.  The method however, can be applicable for any organization or institution.  It's awesome to be able to read and feel the emotion that each of the men and women who were interviewed displayed through their testimonies.  Such special program!  If you want to read, lemme know.  I'll let you borrow my copy!

Ugh!! Christmas is in 2.25 weeks and i need to buy a Christmas tree, decorate my house, and do ALL of my Christmas shopping!  too much, too little time!

Back to the National Championship

I was up early.  bc i went to bed early. bc i was beat from riding all day yest (Taos, NM). and bc the time is 2 hrs behind here in the west.  Unfortunately, i was unable to watch MWS' nail biter win (1-0)  yesterday afternoon.  but fortunately, i was receiving updates via text from a teammate.  (I heard they dominated).  I shouldn't have been so nervous, but i was, based on the 0-0 tie earlier in the season.  the win put MWS back in the NCAA final.  ..and back in the final with Wheaton College, IL.  woo.  this is so great.  playing this team in the final is ideal, bc you know you will be playing a quality, clean team.  MWS got to play wheaton one time when i was playing on the team ('02, i think). and it was a great experience, not only because they were a great soccer team and had quality athletes, but the fact that after the game (which btw, we won), we circled and prayed together, as teams, individuals, but also sisters in Christ.  Although, we were opponents; we were more importantly bonded in JC.  when does that ever happen in NCAA?  So while no doubt this will be a battle with the 2 best D3 Wsoccer teams in the country, i think there will be a mutual respect for 2 great programs, and respect for each player. and at the end of the day, the loser will love the winner and the winner will love the loser, each and collectively playing for an audience of ONE. 

oh and btw, here's the NCAA link to the highlights of the game.  game winner was siiiick, starting at 0:32.  i already watched it like 6 times consecutively.  

On Campus at Messiah College

This was posted on the NCAA's website. just say'n. (through min 6:00)

Happy Thanksgiving! Now I shall go babysit my little niece.

2011 Final Four

This years' MWS team is so great.  Each woman who represented MWS this weekend on (and off) the field was a true testament to what the program is about.  I am at a loss for words how grateful I am to have been a part of such a special program.  The (current) team has pushed through several challenges to make it back to the final four.  Maybe we should have expected it, but as Coach Frey said...

"I couldn't be prouder of this group of kids. Some years you just have that feeling, but this group has had to battle through everything - injuries, illness and they have come through" (Cumberlink.com)

They are a true inspiration and make all of us alumni proud to (still) be part of this special program.  Thanks MWS.  I loved every second of the games this weekend.

quick post

so quick post here before i head out to go watch some soccer.

what are you up to this weekend?  as i've mentioned, we are mid-way through the NCAAs and so i'm supporting my MWS in Grantham today and likely tomorrow.  then there's thanksgiving dinner at church tonight (if i make it back on time).

i love the sun this morning.  it is a great reminder of how God's mercies are new every morning.  

Thank you Jesus.

Upset City

I know I brag and talk a lot about my soccer team, my college, the one i once played for, Messiah College.  but it's because they are worthy; and because i had such a great soccer experience, because i respect the coaches; because the program has had so much success, success that i feel i have experienced along with them and at one time contributed to and continue to participate in.  pride, baby, pride.

MWS National Championship 2009

NCAAs are currently in sesh.  i love it.  i have only been to one game this past season (men's and women's); but no different than any other year, i am engulfed with d3 soccer fever this time of year.  NCAA Regionals kicked off this past weekend and both the men's and women's teams hosted this first and second round of the tournament.  Well, as expected, the women's team (MWS) cruised through the first (Elms) and second (Skidmore) rounds and are now awaiting times and location of games this coming weekend for sectionals.  i was hoping that this round would be in Baltimore, MD (at Johns Hopkins University); however, i presume that it now will be at Messiah.  Here's the shocker:  Generally, there is a trade off every other year with the men's and women's teams for home field advantage at sectionals since it is (usually) pretty certain that both teams will make it to that round.  However, this year, the men's team got upset in overtime against Neumann College (and the shocker is really not the fact that they lost, but that they lost in the second round to Neumann).  sooooo, no conflicting tournament scheduling is on the table and that means top seeded MWS may be hosting this weekend.  good for the team, bad for me.  good for MWS, bad for JHU.  [side note:  Hopkins has an impressive 21-0 record.  whoever ends up having home field advantage, will def have just that.  And not only because of that, but based on the surface of home field.]  MWS plays on grass; JHU on turf.]  it's fine.  whichever venue it happens to be at, i plan to be there, and will bet that this will be the best game of the season (for both teams). [another side note:  this is the first year, as far as i am aware, that MWS has made it farther than the men's team. (finally)]

MWS National Champions 2009

so besides all that recent hoopla, i had a pretty good weekend. how about you?  mine consisted of sushi and starbucks, playing soccer in great weather, coaching soccer to a win (finally!), football practice, church, brunch, friends, Sunday football, plenty of sleep, and netflix.  relatively, good weekend, i'd say.  i cannot believe Thanksgiving is in less than 2 weeks.  craazzzzy!

So Today...

...I voted!  I ran 2 laps around my neighborhood and then stopped at the polls to vote, then continued my run.  It actually felt soooo good.  Unfortunately, it's been awhile since i've been on a run, so it was much needed.  And then to cool off, i laid on the ground and gazed at the stars, beautiful night.  love that.  I also drank some sour chocolate silk milk, even though the expiration date was in December.  ugh!  Today at work, I had 2 continuing ed classes.  I love them.  I mean, not really, but it's not like real school where it actually matters.  so i just don't even pay attention.  it's like a mini vaca at work. kinda.  

so just to give you a little update.  the D3 soccer NCAA brackets came out yesterday.  Both Messiah soccer teams won their Commonwealth Conferences, respectively.  Wooo.  For the women, it was the 5th straight and i think 11 of the last 12 years.  talk about domination.  But anyways, MWS is playing at home in the first round against Elms College.  they scored a relatively easy bracket to make it to the next round.  my guess is that if they advance, they will be traveling to Hopkins in Baltimore, MD.  yaaaaya.  right in my backyard.  Hopkins is a very strong team though.  i saw them play on Sunday.  they are athletic, fit and strong and they always play Messiah well.  so needless to say, if and when MWS comes to Baltimore, i'll be stoked, but i will also be very very nervous for them.

i wanna watch the cmas tomorrow. boo.

NCAA D3 WSOC Final Four - Finger Lakes Times previews the semis

Good Luck MWS! {playing for their 3rd straight NCAA National Title}  You guys are amazing!   

The Finger Lakes Times {William Smith College area paper} reports that it will be a tough feat for WS College to come away with a win. 

Here's their Messiah Soccer scouting report: 

No one wins 42 consecutive matches and goes unbeaten in 75 straight by accident. The Falcons trot out Division I-caliber talent at most positions on the field, starting in back. Goalkeeper Autumn Reilly has 20 shutouts to her credit while playing every minute this year. Katie Hoffsmith, a starter two years ago when the same teams met, anchors a defense that has conceded three goals in 23 outings. Fellow back-liner Kelsey Gorman is an attack-minded defender. Messiah’s unusual style centers on midfielder Alex Brandt, a transfer from Division I Central Florida in her first year with the Falcons. Fellow midfielder Amanda Naeher, who popped in a goal against the Herons two years ago, leads the nation in scoring; her 107 career goals are eighth in NCAA Division III history. Senior forward Erin Hench, last year’s Division III Player of the Year, succumbed to a knee injury following the Falcons’ third game. Messiah has barely missed a beat, as Corinne Wulf and Alicia Frey have combined for 32 goals and 24 assists.

I couldn't have summed it up any better. Looking forward to celebrating later with the team. {Btw, the men's team just beat UW-Wisc 4-1 and advanced to the final!} Why am I not in TEXAS! Dumb. job.

It's December!

Wow, today is December 1, 2010, as in only a month until the new year and a month until my life ceases to be what it is today.  {I wish it was April 15th right now.}  OMGosh, that also means 25 days until Christmas!  I haven't gotten any presents for people yet (except for the gift for my parents that my sister already got - yessss).  I really need to get some of that done.  The last two years I waited until Christmas Eve to attempt all of my Christmas shopping.  Poor choices were made those days.  But, it def will not get done this weekend...I am going to visit some college teammates in PA to watch the NCAA final four games (online).  YAY.  MWS is playing at 7:30 (8:30 EST) on Friday and then later on Saturday if they win the semis.

Check out these sweet sculptures from Peter Gronquist:

Muhaaaaha.  You know you want one.

Back to the Final Four

Yesterday, MWS advanced to the Final Four!  OMGosh - they are soooo good and have a chance become back-to-back-to-back national champions!  That's right - 3 consecutive.  Too bad the NCAA tournament is in Texas AGAIN this year.  I don't like that choice, but I will no doubt be listening/watching/tweeting on that day.  Make me proud MWS.  You will always be my #1.

The annual flag football tournament is in less than a week and the ankle I'd say is about 80%.  Yesterday, we had about a 4 hour practice and it felt good, but there were long breaks in between and I wasn't running many long routes.  I wish I was 100%, but I'm thinking adrenaline will kick in and give me a boost. 

These boots are sweet.

Ed Westwick has style...as does Chuck Bass.

A nice healthy snack!  I may try this.

You can never go wrong with Madewell.

NCAA regionals - 11.13.10

Listen at 11 am!  MWS v. Manhattanville

They dominate!

NCAAs 2010

NCAAs start today for D3 soccer.

"In last year's finals, Messiah College defeated Washington University (Missouri) by a score of 1-0, to win the championship.  It was Messiah's second consecutive national championship."  Let's make it a third.

Yesterday, I went to NYC.  Many many things to blog about, but I will keep it at a minimum.  Yo - Burton snowboard store was outta control.  I wanted to get some new outerwear, but held myself back since I had already splurged elsewhere and I probably won't be the usual snowbunny that I tend to be in the winter.  {ankle is getting better though!}  Top 6 (from Burton's website - store in SoHo had rad stuff not included on the website):

I wanna be a millionaire so frick'n bad.

{Soccer} Weekend Review

Today is NCAA Monday, the day that the NCAA tournament brackets are announced.  I am very excited to see the draw and the potential road to another NCAA championship title for MWS.  We shall see later today.  Regardless, how about a three-peat? 

Saturday, MWS won its 10th Conference Championship in 11 years.  Do the math - that's incredible.  In addition, I believe the 1-4th conference championships were years 2000 - 2003, the first 4 titles of the Frey era and also shared by yours truly.  Such a lovely memory. 

MWS dominated.  Arcadia tried hard.  They played a bunker defense, which is smart, tactically.  If you don't have a chance at winning, go for the tie and try and win it in PKs.  That's what I would do too.  FAIL.  Although the win was only 2-0, with both goals coming in the second half, MWS dominated like whoa.  Maybe Arcadia had one legit chance and maybe Arcadia completed one or two passes - maybe.  Playing against a bunker D is a tough setting.  One that is easy to strategize against; but incredibly difficult to break down and score.  Difficult only to the degree of frustration and playing in a panic-stricken frenzy when you realize what could or what might.  I think that's why this team is so great though and what makes any team so great...when a team can perform outside of their comfort zone and outside of their own game.  Having the abillity to recognize how to change your own game and adjust the system to beat your opponent.  Hmm, sounds like some good advice for life. 

But wait, one more thing...I cannot overlook another key ingredient...CREATIVITY!  I think that this is one thing (of many) that makes a good player great.  Who would have thought she was going to pull the jabstep, quadruple sissors? the run behind the defense and slotted ball?  the killer 40 yard diagonal ball to the overlapping run on the weak side? or the turnaround shot outside the 18?  That is hard to defend and quite honestly unstoppable, when executed properly.  How creative are you? 

Hey - snowboarding season is just around the corner.  Excite!

Gretchen Bleiler's board!