Monday, November 21, 2016
Warm Up / Cool Down Podcast
This is a podcast consisting of what a proper warmup and cool down should look like. Image credits to http://washburn.edu/alumni-friends/ichabod-communications/feature-stories/Feature-Winter-2016-New-Soccer-Coach.html .
Pregame Superstitions
As soccer girls get older and older they begin to notice the little things that "cause them to win." This doesn't mean the skills demonstrated on the field, but more superficial things. These things have become known over time as classic soccer superstitions and I am going to share with you the top five.
1. Team members must sit in the same seats on the bus.
If your team travels to an out of town game and wins the match it was obviously because of the seats everyone sat in on the bus. There is no need to mess that up.
2. The same meal must be consumed before each game.
I wish I could say that this is not relatable for me. But sadly I'd be lying if I didn't tell you I ate a Chipotle bowl before every single JV soccer game my freshman year of high school. Yikes!
3. It's all about the headband.
If a soccer girl wears a pink headband and scores the game winning goal then she will definitely be wearing that same pink headband the next game.
4. Why wash a winning uniform?
This ritual isn't for all soccer girls, but for some teams who are on winning streaks they don't want to wash off all of the good luck.
5. Smelly socks
Some girls take it a step down from #4 and think that all of the good luck is located in the socks. This obviously makes more sense because soccer is played with your feet.
No matter what your pregame superstition is, never forget that team chemistry and positive attitudes always help a little with the magic.
1. Team members must sit in the same seats on the bus.
If your team travels to an out of town game and wins the match it was obviously because of the seats everyone sat in on the bus. There is no need to mess that up.
2. The same meal must be consumed before each game.
I wish I could say that this is not relatable for me. But sadly I'd be lying if I didn't tell you I ate a Chipotle bowl before every single JV soccer game my freshman year of high school. Yikes!
3. It's all about the headband.
If a soccer girl wears a pink headband and scores the game winning goal then she will definitely be wearing that same pink headband the next game.
4. Why wash a winning uniform?
This ritual isn't for all soccer girls, but for some teams who are on winning streaks they don't want to wash off all of the good luck.
5. Smelly socks
Some girls take it a step down from #4 and think that all of the good luck is located in the socks. This obviously makes more sense because soccer is played with your feet.
No matter what your pregame superstition is, never forget that team chemistry and positive attitudes always help a little with the magic.
Guide to Emailing a College Coach
This post goes out to high school soccer players who are aspiring to play at the college level. One of the hardest things to do in the recruiting process is sit down and write an email to a college coach that contains enough detail about yourself to peak their interest. Today I am providing a sample letter that will help get you started.
Hello Coach ______,
My name is ______. I am __ years old and a ____ at (school name) in (City, State). I play club soccer for (team name). (Here is where you write details about your team such as what division you play in.) I also play (Varsity or JV) soccer at _______. (Now explain why you are interested in the school of the coach you are emailing. Let them know what stands out to you about them)
(In this paragraph talk about yourself as a soccer player. Let them know what positions you can play and where you are most useful on the field.)
(In this paragraph talk about the tournaments your team will be playing in. That way the coach has an opportunity to come and watch you play in person.)
I have attached my game schedule below. Please feel free to reach out to my club coach (coaches name) at 000-000-0000 for more information about me as a player. Or you can reach me at 000-000-0000. Good luck in your season and hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely, (your name)
Whether or not you choose follow this exact format is up to you. But this email provides a baseline with all the information that should be included in an email to get recruited for college soccer.
Best of luck!
Hello Coach ______,
My name is ______. I am __ years old and a ____ at (school name) in (City, State). I play club soccer for (team name). (Here is where you write details about your team such as what division you play in.) I also play (Varsity or JV) soccer at _______. (Now explain why you are interested in the school of the coach you are emailing. Let them know what stands out to you about them)
(In this paragraph talk about yourself as a soccer player. Let them know what positions you can play and where you are most useful on the field.)
(In this paragraph talk about the tournaments your team will be playing in. That way the coach has an opportunity to come and watch you play in person.)
I have attached my game schedule below. Please feel free to reach out to my club coach (coaches name) at 000-000-0000 for more information about me as a player. Or you can reach me at 000-000-0000. Good luck in your season and hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely, (your name)
Whether or not you choose follow this exact format is up to you. But this email provides a baseline with all the information that should be included in an email to get recruited for college soccer.
Best of luck!
West Virginia to the Elite 8
The NCAA tournament is currently being played and West Virginia is ranked as the top dog. West Virginia barely beat number eighteen, UCLA this week. The teams battled the game out in double overtime which resulted in penalty kicks. WVU took the lead with a final PK score of 4-2. This was the first time that WVU ever played UCLA and it was a tough game for the Mountaineers.
The team advances to the "Elite 8" of the NCAA Division 1 tournament for the second season in a row and third time in program history. They will take on Duke at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium in Morgantown.
Other teams competing in the Elite 8 include South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgetown, Santa Clara, Auburn and USC.
The team advances to the "Elite 8" of the NCAA Division 1 tournament for the second season in a row and third time in program history. They will take on Duke at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium in Morgantown.
Other teams competing in the Elite 8 include South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgetown, Santa Clara, Auburn and USC.
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Top 3 Soccer Fields in Kansas
This post is most relatable to my fellow Kansan's, but can also be very useful to those who have played in Kansas tournaments or plan on playing in any.
1. Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex - Overland Park, KS
This complex is where I played the majority of my soccer games throughout middle school and high school. It includes twelve lit fields with turf, scoreboards, stadium seating, and a clubhouse with a weight room on the inside. The turf is also heated for chilly, winter games. This complex is ranked as the third best in the country according to Sports Planning Guide USA.
2. Swope Soccer Village - Kansas City, MO
Although these fields are technically in Missouri they are just too good to not add to the list. This complex includes 6 synthetic turf fields and 3 natural grass ones. It is located in the heart of historic Swope Park and provides training facilities for professionals such as Sporting KC, Swope Park Rangers, and FC Kansas City.
3. Lone Elm Soccer Park - Olathe, KS
Lone Elm is home to Kansas Rush Soccer Club but it surprises those who visit to play on the fields. It includes 4 full grass fields which are maintained daily and six 8 vs. 8 fields for youth games.
1. Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex - Overland Park, KS
This complex is where I played the majority of my soccer games throughout middle school and high school. It includes twelve lit fields with turf, scoreboards, stadium seating, and a clubhouse with a weight room on the inside. The turf is also heated for chilly, winter games. This complex is ranked as the third best in the country according to Sports Planning Guide USA.
2. Swope Soccer Village - Kansas City, MO
Although these fields are technically in Missouri they are just too good to not add to the list. This complex includes 6 synthetic turf fields and 3 natural grass ones. It is located in the heart of historic Swope Park and provides training facilities for professionals such as Sporting KC, Swope Park Rangers, and FC Kansas City.
3. Lone Elm Soccer Park - Olathe, KS
Lone Elm is home to Kansas Rush Soccer Club but it surprises those who visit to play on the fields. It includes 4 full grass fields which are maintained daily and six 8 vs. 8 fields for youth games.
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Why College Athletes Rarely Wear Makeup
Walking around a college campus it is very unlikely to see a college athlete wearing makeup. The reason isn't because we don't like it, because the truth is when I go out I love to wear makeup. The reasons are actually quite understandable.
Reason 1: We just don't have time.
Simply put there are very few athletes who feel motivated enough after 6am practices to go put on makeup before class. That time is most likely used to take a nap.
Reason 2: We may cry at some point during the day.
Whether it is after running five 120 sprints or having a serious talk with coach, chances are tears might be shed.
Reason 3: We don't know where to start.
Most of us still don't know what conturing your face even means. This is why we have our non-athlete, makeup genius friends help us fix our face for those occasional nights out.
Reason 4: We will sweat it off.
After being in the training room twice a day and going to practice the makeup will most likely be sweat off.
Reason 5: We are naturally beautiful.
Sure all of the above reasons are true, but at the end of the day the biggest reason is that we are naturally beautiful girls, of course.
Reason 1: We just don't have time.
Simply put there are very few athletes who feel motivated enough after 6am practices to go put on makeup before class. That time is most likely used to take a nap.
Reason 2: We may cry at some point during the day.
Whether it is after running five 120 sprints or having a serious talk with coach, chances are tears might be shed.
Reason 3: We don't know where to start.
Most of us still don't know what conturing your face even means. This is why we have our non-athlete, makeup genius friends help us fix our face for those occasional nights out.
Reason 4: We will sweat it off.
After being in the training room twice a day and going to practice the makeup will most likely be sweat off.
Reason 5: We are naturally beautiful.
Sure all of the above reasons are true, but at the end of the day the biggest reason is that we are naturally beautiful girls, of course.
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
ACL Injuries
I can honestly say that this injury is the biggest challenge a soccer girl could ever have to face. I would know, I have now done this twice. But yes, it is possible to return to play.
A little background on my story... The first time this happened to me I was playing in a winter outdoor game during December of 2014. My team was winning 5-0 and there was very little time left. I went to cross the ball, landed funny, and then heard the pop. I instantly went down having no clue what had just happened. It was hard to walk and I needed help off of the field. After MRIs and XRAYs later I found out I had torn my ACL. I was in disbelief because this is an injury I never thought I would have to face. Eight months of rehab later I was finally cleared to play the sport I love again. I used my fall season to adapt back to my speed of play. I would play around 20 minutes a half. Then in spring season I had found my feet again. I played every high school game of my senior season starting at left defender. We beat teams that we never had before and accomplished a lot as a program. Before I knew it I was playing in my last high school game ever with a clear vision of my future. I could not have been more excited to play at Washburn University in a few short months.
But then it happened again. It was the end of the first half and I went to stop the ball in the corner. As I stopped, the opposing player behind me ran through my knee and fell. I felt that heartbreaking pop and fell to the ground. Tears instantly filled my eyes. Not out of pain, but out of fear of the unknown and expectation of myself to play in college. My coaches rushed the field to calm me down. I left for home and visited my doctor the next day only for him to confirm what I already knew.
Flash forward to student orientation. I had to tell my new college coach that I had torn my ACL again. I didn't know what to expect. Was I still going to be on the team? Were my teammates still going to like me? Would I still be a part of things? Would I like my trainers at WU? The answer to all of this is yes. I sit here writing this four months later and I could not be more blessed with the team I have. My coach still keeps me involved, I have PT with a trainer who encourages me everyday, and my teammates are my best friends.
Injuries happen, but the way to get through them is by never giving up. It is one of the hardest things to overcome, but with a positive mind set, supportive family and teammates, and a lot of hard work, it is possible to overcome an ACL tear.
If unsure where the ACL is in relation to the knee view the link below:
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001074.htm
A little background on my story... The first time this happened to me I was playing in a winter outdoor game during December of 2014. My team was winning 5-0 and there was very little time left. I went to cross the ball, landed funny, and then heard the pop. I instantly went down having no clue what had just happened. It was hard to walk and I needed help off of the field. After MRIs and XRAYs later I found out I had torn my ACL. I was in disbelief because this is an injury I never thought I would have to face. Eight months of rehab later I was finally cleared to play the sport I love again. I used my fall season to adapt back to my speed of play. I would play around 20 minutes a half. Then in spring season I had found my feet again. I played every high school game of my senior season starting at left defender. We beat teams that we never had before and accomplished a lot as a program. Before I knew it I was playing in my last high school game ever with a clear vision of my future. I could not have been more excited to play at Washburn University in a few short months.
But then it happened again. It was the end of the first half and I went to stop the ball in the corner. As I stopped, the opposing player behind me ran through my knee and fell. I felt that heartbreaking pop and fell to the ground. Tears instantly filled my eyes. Not out of pain, but out of fear of the unknown and expectation of myself to play in college. My coaches rushed the field to calm me down. I left for home and visited my doctor the next day only for him to confirm what I already knew.
Flash forward to student orientation. I had to tell my new college coach that I had torn my ACL again. I didn't know what to expect. Was I still going to be on the team? Were my teammates still going to like me? Would I still be a part of things? Would I like my trainers at WU? The answer to all of this is yes. I sit here writing this four months later and I could not be more blessed with the team I have. My coach still keeps me involved, I have PT with a trainer who encourages me everyday, and my teammates are my best friends.
Injuries happen, but the way to get through them is by never giving up. It is one of the hardest things to overcome, but with a positive mind set, supportive family and teammates, and a lot of hard work, it is possible to overcome an ACL tear.
If unsure where the ACL is in relation to the knee view the link below:
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001074.htm
Monday, October 24, 2016
Don't Let Coach See...
As a soccer player or athlete in general there are some things that coach should never see.
2. Party Pics- At top levels most coaches follow you on social media. Do yourself a favor and keep the pictures of nights out with friends to yourself.
1. Cutting Corners on Sprints- If your coach sees this happen I apologize for what comes next. The rest of practice will most likely consist of running (soccer ball not included).
2. Party Pics- At top levels most coaches follow you on social media. Do yourself a favor and keep the pictures of nights out with friends to yourself.
3. Drinking Soda During Season- Just don't do it at team meals with your coach. If you do, expect the health lecture that follows.
4. Equipment Left Outside- Equipment costs money and coaches don't want to replace it. Most coaches will make you run as a punishment.
How To Dress For Success
After playing fourteen years of soccer it is safe to say that one thing I always do before games and practices is check the weather. This is not an uncommon task and has become almost natural over the years. If you are going to dress properly for performance it's important to know the conditions you will be playing in.
Warm, sunny days are simple. You don't have to wear anything other than your uniform. If it gets too hot it helps to roll your sleeves up, but that's about it. Don't forget to bring a water jug, especially if the predicted weather is above 80 degrees.
Rainy games are a bit tricky. While playing in the game there isn't much you can do, but it does help to bring a rain jacket or parka for warmups. Sometimes the rain will stop and if you have this you might not be soaked head to toe by kickoff time. An extra pair of socks can be helpful too in case water leaks into your cleats during warmups. If it is cold and rainy don't forget long sleeves to wear underneath.
Snow is probably the most undesirable weather condition to play soccer games in, but it does happen. If you are playing in a snowy or cold-weather game Under Armour is necessary to wear under your uniform or you will freeze. A long sleeve black fitted shirt and black leggings are the most common cold weather clothing on the field. Gloves, hand warmers, earmuffs, and double layers of socks is also helpful. What you wear during warmups is a decision for your coach, but sweatshirts, North Face jackets, sweatpants, and fuzzy socks are highly recommended.
Warm, sunny days are simple. You don't have to wear anything other than your uniform. If it gets too hot it helps to roll your sleeves up, but that's about it. Don't forget to bring a water jug, especially if the predicted weather is above 80 degrees.
Rainy games are a bit tricky. While playing in the game there isn't much you can do, but it does help to bring a rain jacket or parka for warmups. Sometimes the rain will stop and if you have this you might not be soaked head to toe by kickoff time. An extra pair of socks can be helpful too in case water leaks into your cleats during warmups. If it is cold and rainy don't forget long sleeves to wear underneath.
Snow is probably the most undesirable weather condition to play soccer games in, but it does happen. If you are playing in a snowy or cold-weather game Under Armour is necessary to wear under your uniform or you will freeze. A long sleeve black fitted shirt and black leggings are the most common cold weather clothing on the field. Gloves, hand warmers, earmuffs, and double layers of socks is also helpful. What you wear during warmups is a decision for your coach, but sweatshirts, North Face jackets, sweatpants, and fuzzy socks are highly recommended.
Soccer Parent Stereotypes
On every youth soccer team ages ten through eighteen soccer players get to experience the presence of our not-so-unique soccer parents. There are four types of parents that instantly come to mind when thinking about a soccer mom or dad.
1. The Overly Supportive Mom
This mom arrives to games or practices with her minivan full of teammates that she just picked up from the daily carpool route. When on the sidelines, she can be found wearing supportive team t-shirts or a ball cap with a glitter soccer ball on it. She always has a bag filled with sunscreen, snacks, extra socks, a first aid kit, and cash for a post game ice cream run.
2. The Anger Management Dad
This parent, usually a father, can be found on the sidelines of soccer games in his Adidas track suit with earbuds in, as if he just finished a morning jog. He is never sitting down and comments out loud about every move his daughter makes. If she gets shoved down you can expect comments like "get up" or "win it back." After games he will most likely instruct his daughter about what she needs to work on when on the field. He gets this knowledge from all zero years that he played soccer, but it sounds about right to him.
3. The Stats Keeper
This parent is the one that always knows the ranking of specific teams. When traveling to play out of town games they can list off facts like, "This team is ranked 3rd in the state of Iowa and has a winning average of 53%." They also always tend to know the last time we played a team too. So you can expect to hear comments like, "Come on girls, we don't need a repeat of September 22, 2009."
4. The Wannabe Coach
This type of parent is pretty self-explanatory. They want to be the coaches best friend and tend to mock actions of the coach. They also base all opinions off of what the coach tells the team. They can often be found watching the game behind the goal or in the corner. That way they get a clear view of what the coach is doing and saying.
Whether you have a stereotypical soccer parent of your own or know of some on the sidelines it is safe to say that they are all slightly crazy, but we love them anyways.
1. The Overly Supportive Mom
This mom arrives to games or practices with her minivan full of teammates that she just picked up from the daily carpool route. When on the sidelines, she can be found wearing supportive team t-shirts or a ball cap with a glitter soccer ball on it. She always has a bag filled with sunscreen, snacks, extra socks, a first aid kit, and cash for a post game ice cream run.
2. The Anger Management Dad
This parent, usually a father, can be found on the sidelines of soccer games in his Adidas track suit with earbuds in, as if he just finished a morning jog. He is never sitting down and comments out loud about every move his daughter makes. If she gets shoved down you can expect comments like "get up" or "win it back." After games he will most likely instruct his daughter about what she needs to work on when on the field. He gets this knowledge from all zero years that he played soccer, but it sounds about right to him.
3. The Stats Keeper
This parent is the one that always knows the ranking of specific teams. When traveling to play out of town games they can list off facts like, "This team is ranked 3rd in the state of Iowa and has a winning average of 53%." They also always tend to know the last time we played a team too. So you can expect to hear comments like, "Come on girls, we don't need a repeat of September 22, 2009."
4. The Wannabe Coach
This type of parent is pretty self-explanatory. They want to be the coaches best friend and tend to mock actions of the coach. They also base all opinions off of what the coach tells the team. They can often be found watching the game behind the goal or in the corner. That way they get a clear view of what the coach is doing and saying.
Whether you have a stereotypical soccer parent of your own or know of some on the sidelines it is safe to say that they are all slightly crazy, but we love them anyways.
Friday, October 7, 2016
Pregame Meals
No matter who you are, every soccer player has a deep love for one common thing... food.
This might sound repetitive as an athlete, but make no mistake that what you eat effects your game for either the better or for the worse.
Complex carbs is a necessity to game day meals. They break down and provide energy that you need faster than proteins or fats. Some of these carbs include pasta, rice, breads, and cereal.
Instead of boring you more with the types of food you should eat on the daily, I am going to provide you with the perfect pregame meal options.
Meal #1
Meal #2
Meal #3
Meal #4
Don't forget to end every meal with a glass of water to help digestion and stay hydrated for the game. It also helps to follow up each game with a bottle of chocolate milk.
This might sound repetitive as an athlete, but make no mistake that what you eat effects your game for either the better or for the worse.
Complex carbs is a necessity to game day meals. They break down and provide energy that you need faster than proteins or fats. Some of these carbs include pasta, rice, breads, and cereal.
Instead of boring you more with the types of food you should eat on the daily, I am going to provide you with the perfect pregame meal options.
Meal #1
- Cereal
- Banana
- Toast w/jam
- Pineapple juice
- Water
Meal #2
- Turkey sandwich
- Apple
- Milk
- Tomato juice
- Water
Meal #3
- Mac and cheese
- Bread
- Juice
- Water
Meal #4
- Pancakes
- Applesauce
- Grape Juice
- Slice of bacon
- Water
Don't forget to end every meal with a glass of water to help digestion and stay hydrated for the game. It also helps to follow up each game with a bottle of chocolate milk.
Your muscles will thank you!
To get more information on nutrition and performance of college athletes click on the link below.
http://www.ncaa.org/health-and-safety/nutrition-and-performance
To get more information on nutrition and performance of college athletes click on the link below.
http://www.ncaa.org/health-and-safety/nutrition-and-performance
Nike vs. Adidas
Nike vs. Adidas
The sports apparel rival that meets the field or court in almost every sport. Today, social media is very influential with the success of both companies and to no surprise, soccer is the sport that plays the most important role with the branding of these two names. Euro 2016 was the main kick off of the branding battle for this past year.
But who is actually winning? Adidas' Facebook follower numbers have grown twice as fast as Nike in 2016. Adidas also produces around five posts per week where Nike only posts around three. Video content by both brands get the highest amounts of engagement. This is also why Nike Soccer video promotions are always such a huge hit in the world of soccer girls (well, that and the cute soccer guys in the video).
While Adidas may be winning the battle on Facebook, Nike is a clean sweep in the Twittisphere. Nike has 4.6 million followers and growing while Adidas has around 2.5 million. They tweet about 30 times a week and Adidas posts 18.
This post by no means is a promotion for one company or the other. It's just a quick look at some of the facts that all of us wonder about when we see the two popular logos that appear on opponents jerseys.
But whether you are team Adidas or team Nike never forget, "Impossible Is Nothing" so, "Just Do It."
The sports apparel rival that meets the field or court in almost every sport. Today, social media is very influential with the success of both companies and to no surprise, soccer is the sport that plays the most important role with the branding of these two names. Euro 2016 was the main kick off of the branding battle for this past year.
But who is actually winning? Adidas' Facebook follower numbers have grown twice as fast as Nike in 2016. Adidas also produces around five posts per week where Nike only posts around three. Video content by both brands get the highest amounts of engagement. This is also why Nike Soccer video promotions are always such a huge hit in the world of soccer girls (well, that and the cute soccer guys in the video).
While Adidas may be winning the battle on Facebook, Nike is a clean sweep in the Twittisphere. Nike has 4.6 million followers and growing while Adidas has around 2.5 million. They tweet about 30 times a week and Adidas posts 18.
This post by no means is a promotion for one company or the other. It's just a quick look at some of the facts that all of us wonder about when we see the two popular logos that appear on opponents jerseys.
But whether you are team Adidas or team Nike never forget, "Impossible Is Nothing" so, "Just Do It."
Thursday, October 6, 2016
Meet Mal Pugh
Mallory Pugh. 18 Years old. Soccer legend.
To begin, it is
crazy to think that this girl is actually my age. She is the true definition of
“goals” in the mind of a high school or college soccer girl. For those of you who don’t know Mal Pugh I am
here to tell her story. She is an American soccer player who plays for the U.S.
Women’s National Soccer Team and also a member of the UCLA Women’s team. She is
from Colorado where she played for the ECNL team of Real Colorado. Pugh also
was the youngest member of the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup that took place
in Canada. At age 17 she was also the youngest soccer player to premier on the U.S.
team in January of 2016 since Heather O’Reilly back in 2002. Some of her awards
include U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year and Gatorade National Girls
Soccer Player of the Year in 2015. In 2016 she was the youngest player selected
for the Olympic U.S. Women’s Team.
Feeling accomplished yet?
Friday, September 23, 2016
The High School to College Transition
Senior Year- It's springtime. What does that mean? High school soccer season. By senior year you have already played for your school for three years. You are no longer that anxious freshman arriving 30 minutes early to tryouts only to realize you left your soccer ball in your moms SUV. By now you know the ropes. You are the alpha of the team and all the underclassman know your name. You know what to expect and you aren't afraid to flaunt it. You feel like a local celebrity sitting on the school stage in February for signing day while all the younger, aspiring college athletes look up at you in admiration hoping that they will be in your shoes within the upcoming years. You play almost every minute of every game the season is flying by. Then night rolls around. You walk across the field with your parents on each side of you and it hits you hard that although you will still be playing soccer next year, things are about to change drastically.
Freshman Year- You have spent all summer striving to accomplish your daily workouts given to you by your future coach the second you graduated. You aren't exactly sure what to expect, but you know that if you don't do the workouts things might not go well for you. Before you know it, it's August. All of the sudden you are the anxious freshman again, but instead of your mom dropping you off at your high school right down the road, you are dropped off in another city or state with all of your belongings and the expectation to live with someone you hardly know. You both wake up the next day with giddy hearts for the first day of preseason. A week later you are thrown on a bus traveling across the country with your new team. Within a month you look up and realize that all the hard work and daily practices or games have caused you to make 25 new best friends.
Although college soccer is a lot of hard work, especially in comparison to high school, the bond you make with you're team is ten times stronger. At the end of the day, you wouldn't want to be doing anything else with your college experience.
Freshman Year- You have spent all summer striving to accomplish your daily workouts given to you by your future coach the second you graduated. You aren't exactly sure what to expect, but you know that if you don't do the workouts things might not go well for you. Before you know it, it's August. All of the sudden you are the anxious freshman again, but instead of your mom dropping you off at your high school right down the road, you are dropped off in another city or state with all of your belongings and the expectation to live with someone you hardly know. You both wake up the next day with giddy hearts for the first day of preseason. A week later you are thrown on a bus traveling across the country with your new team. Within a month you look up and realize that all the hard work and daily practices or games have caused you to make 25 new best friends.
Although college soccer is a lot of hard work, especially in comparison to high school, the bond you make with you're team is ten times stronger. At the end of the day, you wouldn't want to be doing anything else with your college experience.
Top 5 Movies (Soccer Girl Edition)
Whether you are young or old any soccer girl at heart has a deep love for these classic films. In fact, even non-soccer playing people are bound to love a couple of these movies.
#1 She's the Man
This movie is the stereotypical soccer girl movie, but it is amazing. Where else would we have learned how to stop nose bleeds with a tampon?
#2 Bend It Like Beckham
Who ever said girls can't kick it with the boys...
#3 Kicking & Screaming
With Will Farrell and ex-Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka as soccer coaches, viewers are sure to get a 'kick' out of this movie.
#4 Her Best Move
This movie shows the story of a typical high school girl balancing soccer, romance, and grades, but also stumbles upon the chance to be on the U.S. National Team. What a tough life.
#5 Switching Goals
With Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen playing the lead roles in this movie at the age of 12, it's hard not to find this movie adorable.
#1 She's the Man
This movie is the stereotypical soccer girl movie, but it is amazing. Where else would we have learned how to stop nose bleeds with a tampon?
#2 Bend It Like Beckham
Who ever said girls can't kick it with the boys...
#3 Kicking & Screaming
With Will Farrell and ex-Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka as soccer coaches, viewers are sure to get a 'kick' out of this movie.
#4 Her Best Move
This movie shows the story of a typical high school girl balancing soccer, romance, and grades, but also stumbles upon the chance to be on the U.S. National Team. What a tough life.
#5 Switching Goals
With Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen playing the lead roles in this movie at the age of 12, it's hard not to find this movie adorable.
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Preseason Problems
Ahh preseason... that first dreaded month before season begins that every soccer girl has a love/hate relationship with. It begins with getting to school weeks before anyone else is even on campus. After that, you are expected to wake up at ungodly hours of the morning to practice. 5:30 in the morning? "I think yes," says coach. But it's not over yet. After breakfast and your morning nap it's time for weights and conditioning around noon. Then you go back, sleep and eat, again, and then have practice all over again in the evening.
Don't get me wrong though, we love preseason. There are parts that we struggle with, but with free meals, sports massages, and team ice baths, it's not all bad. Plus the whole point of preseason is to make us the best team we can possibly be. That way, when it's time for season, we are ready to dominate on the field.
Although, it wouldn't hurt to push that morning practice back a couple of hours.
This video is created by official "soccer girl problems" twitter account (@soccergrlprobs). It perfectly demonstrates preseason in 45 seconds.
Don't get me wrong though, we love preseason. There are parts that we struggle with, but with free meals, sports massages, and team ice baths, it's not all bad. Plus the whole point of preseason is to make us the best team we can possibly be. That way, when it's time for season, we are ready to dominate on the field.
Although, it wouldn't hurt to push that morning practice back a couple of hours.
Ultimate Game Day Playlist
Whether you are in high school or college, it's hard to go wrong with this game day playlist. Featuring some of the top songs from 2016, as well as some classics, you'll be sure to blast these hits in the locker room in order to get pumped up during pregame.
- Stronger by Kanye West- With lyrics like "work it harder, make it better, do it faster, making us stronger," it's almost impossible not to get hyped up.
- The Champ by Nelly- Being soccer girls, it's hard not to relate to words like "lap after lap, mile after mile, push up after pushup everybody count it out." Because as we all know, you only get out what you put in.
- Run the World by Beyonce- What would a warmup playlist be without Queen B? Especially since (soccer) girls run the world. Obviously...
- Run This Town by Jay Z ft. Rihanna & Kanye West- "Feel it coming in the air and the screams from everywhere, I'm addicted to the thrill." Sounds like the beginning of a soccer game if you ask me!
- Pound the Alarm by Nicki Minaj- Although the title sounds like a description to what most of us want to do when the alarm goes off for 6am practice, this song is guaranteed to get you up on your feet.
- Clique (Clean) by Kanye West, Jay Z, & Big Sean- "Ain't nobody messing with my clique." Because your teammates are your sisters who always have your back, duh.
- Bad Girls by M.I.A- Every soccer girl has a "bad girl" side on the field.
- Closer by The Chainsmokers- It wouldn't be 2016 without this song making the list.
- Started From the Bottom by Drake- This one goes out to any team has worked their way up to the top.
- Fergalicious by Fergie- If this classic doesn't play, is it even game day?
Monday, September 5, 2016
Road Trips 101
This weekend I traveled with my team to Marshall, Minnesota, so I thought it was an appropriate time to share the inside scoop on team road trips.
For starters, its crazy what goes on inside a charter bus with a team of 28. From the outside it may look like a typical bus, but inside it is a constant combination of movies, music, food, and sleeping girls. There isn't much leg room or personal space to yourself on the bus, so typically we improvise. Girls spread out all across the floor and chairs with pillows and blankets preparing themselves for the 5+ hour ride. The bus wifi is usually skeptical, so Netflix isn't always an option. But that never stopped every single girl from getting out their ten-foot chargers and trying. There's a lot of time to kill, so you get to know all the fun facts about your teammates that nobody really needs to know, but it gets shared anyways.
The trip back can either be really good or really bad. If you lose the game, then the mood is down for everyone, especially the coach. In that situation the majority of your travel time is spent sleeping or keeping to yourself with headphones in the ears. On the flip side if you win then everyone is in a great mood. If this happens then frequent stops to gas stations for snacks are usually made, as well as the opportunity to use the restroom in a place other than the cracker box sized bathroom stall on the bus.
When you finally get back to your returning destination, you never realize how comfortable your dorm bed really is in comparison to the hardwood floors of the bus. But as cheesy as it is, you appreciate your time spent with the team on a charter bus because you know that one day you'll look back at the memories made on road trips and be thankful for the laughs that were shared.
Introduction
My name is Cassie Nichols and this is my blog "A Day in the Life of a Soccer Girl." I am a womens' soccer player at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas and have been playing soccer since I could walk. Soccer is a sport that comes with many commitments and sacrifices, but it is something that a soccer girl wouldn't trade for the world. We do a lot for the sport we love. The purpose of my blog is to share the daily struggles, success stories, and lifestyle of a soccer player on and off of the field.
Photo taken by Blue Valley High School athletics
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