Futures Elite Blog: Entry 8
6/28/2012 10:02:41 AM | Field Hockey
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Syracuse field hockey incoming freshmen Jenna Knouse, Alyssa Manley, Mailyn Nishiguchi competed at the USA Field Hockey Futures Elite Championship in Virginia Beach, Va on June 20-28. Knouse, with some assistance from her soon-to-be Orange teammates, blogged about her experience for SUathletics.com, bringing the action from Virginia Beach to all of Orange Nation.
JUNE 26 - BLOG ENTRY 8: FINAL DAY
Three thrilling games wrapped up the eight days of exhilarating competition at the 2012 Futures Elite Championship today. My team, Argentina, battled it out against South Africa at two o'clock this afternoon. After 70 minutes of competitive regulation play, both teams had recorded one goal each. But after three intense shootout rounds, South Africa unfortunately brought home the victory. Although I'm intrinsically motivated, I hate to lose :(.
In the third place match, USA overtook New Zealand and secured the bronze medal. At 3:30, Alyssa's Germany and Mai's Australia concluded the tournament with the highly-anticipated championship match. But, in the end, only one team could capture the gold. Undefeated Germany scored two goals and grasped a 2-1 win over Australia and the pride of being the best!
Congratulations on the gold Alyssa :), let's continue that tradition at SU. And congrats Mai on the silver!
- Jenna
JUNE 26 - BLOG ENTRY 7: ALYSSA'S ACCOUNT
In today's edition, Alyssa Manley steps in for Knouse and shares her experience.
When I first found out that I made the Futures Elite Tournament and that I would be playing for Germany I had some mixed feelings. I wasn't sure if I would have fun, I was nervous, but I was also really excited for the new experience. When I first arrived here, I was roomed with a girl from another team. They soon realized their mistake and I was placed with a girl on my team, Lauren Hibshman. Lauren and I quickly became friends.
When Tuesday's practice came around I was really nervous to see the other girls' style of play, and although we needed a lot of work we showed potential as a team to work together extremely well. We had time on Wednesday before our game, which gave us time to start getting to know each other.
Our first game was against USA. Knowing some of their players, I was a little shaky with what I thought the outcome would be, but we ended up with a 3-2 win over USA.
As the days went on my team grew closer as friends through TV watching, hanging out in the dorms together, and eating meals together. Because of the closeness off the field we became a solid unit on the field, finishing the games with a perfect record. Now we face the championship game against Australia, who will definitely bring the heat. On our day off we were allowed to go off with our parents, so I got to spend the day at beach. This was a nice break from being at ODU almost all day every day for a week.
- Alyssa
JUNE 25 - BLOG ENTRY 6: MAI'S TIME
In today's edition, Mailyn Nishiguchi steps in for Knouse and shares her experience.
"Team" a simple four letter word that means so much. You can be the most skillful and talented player in the world, but in the end, you are nothing without your team. When it comes to a high-level tournament like this, coming together as a team is the only way to prevail.
This brings me to the first day of the tournament. Eating in the dinner hall seemed awkward at first. I didn't really know anybody, making it difficult to decide where to sit. I sat silent at the table, intimidated, nervous and jet-lagged awaiting the first game. While at the field, beads of sweat ran down our bodies as uniforms quickly became drenched in sweat. I didn't know what to expect the first game; it was the first time any of us have played together. We went out strong, attempting to play off of one another. As a new team, Australia was able to come away with a win. The next day however, we weren't as successful, leaving the field with a lost to Argentina.
Reflecting on the presentation we heard earlier that morning, "Controlling the Mind," we couldn't let this loss get to us. At this point in the standings, most of the teams in the tournament were in a similar position, one win and one loss. After a good team meeting and video review, our strengths and weaknesses were exposed. At the field that afternoon, we had to quickly grab our bags as a storm approached. Australia took shelter in the training building, more specifically the narrow hallway where we spent the next couple of hours with each other. We spent our time playing games in the hallway, cracking jokes, and listening to music. We all tried to make the best of the situation even though we were all starving and wanting to storm to end. Our game ended up being postponed until the next morning, forcing us to have a lovely 6:00am breakfast.
With the vans loaded up, we headed over to the field to face USA. There are some "morning people" on Australia that made sure to keep the energy and spirits high on the way to our game. On the pitch, we played a great game against USA, playing as a team and getting a shutout!
At our morning meeting, we were proud of our win because it was the first time that we truly came together as a team. During the meeting, the importance of the next game was heavily emphasized. It was a pivotal point, determining whether or not we would be able to hold onto our 2nd place standing and chance to play for the "GOLD." Also, our coaches made sure to educate us about the rivalry between New Zealand and Australia. Our video review included highlights from the Australia vs. New Zealand Men that was played the night before (Australia won 5-1). We were all pumped and exited for this night game. "On the Australian crest are an emu and a kangaroo, because they never look back." Team Australia wasn't going to look back and we were thirsty for the win. In the van, the energy was high as we all put on Australian tattoos. The energy during our warm-ups was amazing. Our spirits were high and most importantly, we were a team. On the pitch, we played as a unit, communicating and helping each other out. The defense was strong, supporting the front field which led to six beautiful goals. This game ended in another shut out, Australia 6 and New Zealand 0.
With two games left in the tournament, Australia is here to play for the "GOLD!" For us, it was all about constant improvement and a positive attitude. At the beginning, we needed to test each other's boundaries and learn how each person plays. As a team, we needed to trust each other, listen, and learn how to depend on one another. It was all about constant improvement. We started at square one like all of the teams did, and from there we just building. The video reviews are helpful in our development because we are able to see our mistakes and fix them during the next game. We are no longer 16 individual players that are compelled to awkwardly sit at the dining tables with each other, we are a team. GO AUSSIES!
- Mai
JUNE 24 - BLOG ENTRY 5: CRUNCH TIME
After several days of intense game play, crunch time quickly approaches. Tonight, team Argentina faces off against undefeated, top-ranked Germany in a highly anticipated match at 7 p.m. This critical matchup could be the difference between contending for the gold or competing in a consolation game. Presently, Germany flaunts first place status with its untarnished record, and Australia ranks slightly above Argentina. Australia currently records a two win, one loss tally and Argentina a scoring of one win, one loss, and one tie. If team Argentina defeats Germany and grasps a win on Monday, I will be proudly competing for Argentina in the gold medal game Tuesday afternoon.
Interestingly, Alyssa, Mai, and myself each respectively represent Syracuse University field hockey on the three, currently top-ranked teams: Germany, Australia, and Argentina. And, at some point during the Futures Elite Championship, Alyssa, Mailyn, and I will oppose each other in competition. On Thursday, my team took on Mai's, and, tonight, Alyssa and I will be "enemies", when, in reality, we will be inseparable freshmen teammates proudly wearing the SU orange in less than two months.
It has always been slightly difficult for me to compete against friends and acquaintances. In order to successfully perform, I have to disassociate myself from them on the field and treat them each like any another opponent. Unfortunately, I handle game situations against friends far too often, because the American field hockey community is quite small. Once, while vacationing out West, I was practicing field hockey with my dad when two men approached us and inquired about the sport we were playing. "Field hockey", I told them, to which they responded, "It looks like a cross between golf and lacrosse." I laughed. To me, it is unbelievable that my sport is not even recognized by some Americans.
Luckily, however, the popularity of field hockey in America is on the rise. With generous contributions from Harrow Sports, USA Field Hockey has initiated a program entitled FUNdamental Field Hockey that targets seven to eleven year olds, and Midwestern states are slowly joining the movement to play. Hopefully, America will soon develop a field hockey addiction like most of the European, Middle Eastern, and Asian nations and recognize hockey as the incredible sport it is.
- Jenna
Results are in: Argentina lost to Germany in a devastating five to one loss :(
JUNE 23 - BLOG ENTRY 4: EARLY START
Late last night, I obsessively fretted over a 6:15 a.m. wakeup for my early morning game. My mind anxiously raced through treacherous, worrisome thoughts, "I'm not going to get enough sleep. At this point, I won't even be able to sleep for eight hours, so I will certainly fail to excel in strenuous competition. My fatigue and heat exhaustion will surely combine to bring about my athletic demise."
Of course, I was being foolishly dramatic. But, at the time, my exaggerated predictions haunted my overactive mind...only to keep me up even later.
Before my heavy eyelids drifted closed, however, I belatedly recognized my faulty, overdramatic thinking and thoughtfully recalled key points from an interesting sports psychology seminar entitled "Controlling the Mind" that had been delivered earlier in the week: I can only dwell on what I allow my mind to dwell on, and I can choose what to feel and when to feel it. If I don't allow my mind to focus on my fatigue it cannot hinder me. I can control what I think and what I don't. I can control how I choose to think, and, in turn, my thinking can shape how I play field hockey, handle stress, build relationships, and live my life. I can stretch my mind to function positively for me. I can mold my mind to help me achieve and excel and, as Oliver Wendell Holmes said, "A mind once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimensions." All I have to do is believe that I can.
And, at 6:15 a.m. on Saturday morning, I enthusiastically popped out of bed ready to play. It didn't matter that I had slept insufficiently; my mind was already prepared for the game. At eight o'clock, team Argentina stepped onto the turf at the Virginia Beach Training Center. And, after two 35 minute halves, our match against South Africa ended in a one to one tie.
- Jenna
JUNE 22 - BLOG ENTRY 3: GAME DELAY
Whispers of an anticipated thunderstorm began circulating the Old Dominion dorms early this morning. iPhone weather apps predicted a 30 percent chance of unplayable weather at four and five p.m. and an increase to a 50 percent chance of storms at six. Coincidentally, my team, Argentina, was scheduled to compete at five, when the game-threatening thunderstorm was expected to strike. Instinctively, I released a disgruntled sigh, and a frown instantly spread across my face. I was not pleased, I expected to play a game today. Competing against South Africa was on my schedule for Friday, June 22nd, a game delay was not.
Unfortunately, immediately after arriving at the Virginia Beach Training Center in the late afternoon, furious dark clouds overwhelmed the skies, and, by five o'clock whirling winds swept sheets of rain throughout the athletic complex. The impending inclement weather forced all of the game-ready athletes to migrate into the locker rooms to wait out the storm. And, after two painstaking hours of idle waiting, the evening's field hockey games were rescheduled for unfavorably early times on Saturday morning.
My expectations were trashed. I was already in the zone, focused, and ready to compete, and now I would have to wake up at 6 a.m. the next morning to prepare myself for a game all over again. Unhappy and slightly damp I piled into a white team van that would usher team Argentina back to Old Dominion University. I wasn't pleased. My schedule was thrown off, and as far as I was concerned my day was ruined. But, several moments later I discovered that I was allowed to join my mom at Olive Garden, that the coaches were making an exception and allowing us to eat off campus with our parents. Quickly, my attitude perked up, and I immediately realized how foolish I had been. Expectations unmet are not necessarily negative. Adaptability is an underestimated quality - one that encourages a happy lifestyle and fosters a roll with the punches mentality. One that encourages a lifestyle that I would like to live...turns out that a game delay has its benefits.
- Jenna
JUNE 21 - BLOG ENTRY 2: FIRST WIN
I have always lived for the perfect temperature of a 7 p.m. field hockey game and the center stage feel of competing under the lights in a stadium brimming with a sea of howling fans. Most athletes do. Few feelings can beat the adrenaline rush and the in-the-zone mindset that a perfect playing atmosphere invites. The challenge is to feel that intense rush and create that determined focus when the conditions and surroundings are less ideal.
The Virginia Beach National Training Center certainly challenged the ninety-seven field hockey athletes competing at the Futures Elite Championship today. It hit us hard and tested us both physically and mentally. The white vending tents sat vacant, only a few scattered fans dotted the stands, and temperatures skyrocketed into the upper 90s (the weather app on my phone displayed a picture of a sun and cactus for the day...ridiculous!). The intense heat alone could have broken every optimist; beads of sweat pooled at hairlines from just standing in the sun, let alone playing a field hockey game. Coupled with the lack of fans, any player could have easily shut down. Support from the crowd is important to the athletes, it's the fuel to the fire.
But, the field hockey players still had to play despite the unfavorable conditions. The show had to go on. This is when you dig deep, when intrinsic motivation must take over to perform at great levels, and when the athlete must play for the love of the game and not the extras and the pats on the back.
And, team Argentina did just that. We played as a unit, encouraged one another through the sweltering heat, and, as a positive consequence, we brought home a 5 to 3 victory over team Australia...sorry Mailyn :).
But even though we won, the winning, recognition and fluff is extra. It's nice, but not necessary. As my mom always says "Don't play for the accolades, play for the love of the game. The accolades are a bonus." True motivation does not come from the accolades, atmosphere, or the number of fans cheering from the stands. True motivation comes from within and fosters greatness from less than great circumstances.
- Jenna
JUNE 20 - BLOG ENTRY 1: GAME DAY IS HERE
Today is game day. After 97 of the top high school field hockey athletes settled into the dorm rooms at Old Dominion University yesterday, competition is now underway. The athletes have been separated into six teams: USA, Germany, Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia. Each is hungry for the gold.
The tournament kicked off with three competitive matches: USA took on Germany, South Africa was paired against Australia, and New Zealand faced my team, Argentina. With the help of incoming Syracuse field hockey freshman Alyssa Manley, Germany overtook the U.S. in an exhilarating 4-3 win. And, with incoming Orange woman Mailyn Nishiguchi among their ranks, Australia beat out South Africa. Unfortunately, my team, Argentina, lost to New Zealand who is coached by Syracuse's own Ange Bradley... wish I wouldn't have lost that one :(. Hopefully, there will be a rematch in crossovers :). But, I'll give it to Coach Bradley, her team really brought the heat and knocked in seven goals while Argentina topped out at five.
To console our loss, my teammates and I hurried off to indulge in Tropical Smoothie Cafe on our way back to ODU to watch the U.S. Women's field hockey team face off against the actual Argentinians. We walked in a few minutes late because of our pick-me-up treats and I immediately noticed the extreme intensity and speed of play in the international match. It was incredible to watch and inspired me to strive to play the game like "that". "That" being poised, confident, and composed while also being aggressive, explosive, and daring - an oxymoron that both national teams achieved. But, only one team won. And, I can proudly say that the winning team was the Red, White, and Blue....
However, MY Argentina better win tomorrow,
-Jenna
JUNE 26 - BLOG ENTRY 8: FINAL DAY
Three thrilling games wrapped up the eight days of exhilarating competition at the 2012 Futures Elite Championship today. My team, Argentina, battled it out against South Africa at two o'clock this afternoon. After 70 minutes of competitive regulation play, both teams had recorded one goal each. But after three intense shootout rounds, South Africa unfortunately brought home the victory. Although I'm intrinsically motivated, I hate to lose :(.
In the third place match, USA overtook New Zealand and secured the bronze medal. At 3:30, Alyssa's Germany and Mai's Australia concluded the tournament with the highly-anticipated championship match. But, in the end, only one team could capture the gold. Undefeated Germany scored two goals and grasped a 2-1 win over Australia and the pride of being the best!
Congratulations on the gold Alyssa :), let's continue that tradition at SU. And congrats Mai on the silver!
- Jenna
JUNE 26 - BLOG ENTRY 7: ALYSSA'S ACCOUNT
In today's edition, Alyssa Manley steps in for Knouse and shares her experience.
When I first found out that I made the Futures Elite Tournament and that I would be playing for Germany I had some mixed feelings. I wasn't sure if I would have fun, I was nervous, but I was also really excited for the new experience. When I first arrived here, I was roomed with a girl from another team. They soon realized their mistake and I was placed with a girl on my team, Lauren Hibshman. Lauren and I quickly became friends.
When Tuesday's practice came around I was really nervous to see the other girls' style of play, and although we needed a lot of work we showed potential as a team to work together extremely well. We had time on Wednesday before our game, which gave us time to start getting to know each other.
Our first game was against USA. Knowing some of their players, I was a little shaky with what I thought the outcome would be, but we ended up with a 3-2 win over USA.
As the days went on my team grew closer as friends through TV watching, hanging out in the dorms together, and eating meals together. Because of the closeness off the field we became a solid unit on the field, finishing the games with a perfect record. Now we face the championship game against Australia, who will definitely bring the heat. On our day off we were allowed to go off with our parents, so I got to spend the day at beach. This was a nice break from being at ODU almost all day every day for a week.
- Alyssa
JUNE 25 - BLOG ENTRY 6: MAI'S TIME
In today's edition, Mailyn Nishiguchi steps in for Knouse and shares her experience.
"Team" a simple four letter word that means so much. You can be the most skillful and talented player in the world, but in the end, you are nothing without your team. When it comes to a high-level tournament like this, coming together as a team is the only way to prevail.
This brings me to the first day of the tournament. Eating in the dinner hall seemed awkward at first. I didn't really know anybody, making it difficult to decide where to sit. I sat silent at the table, intimidated, nervous and jet-lagged awaiting the first game. While at the field, beads of sweat ran down our bodies as uniforms quickly became drenched in sweat. I didn't know what to expect the first game; it was the first time any of us have played together. We went out strong, attempting to play off of one another. As a new team, Australia was able to come away with a win. The next day however, we weren't as successful, leaving the field with a lost to Argentina.
With the vans loaded up, we headed over to the field to face USA. There are some "morning people" on Australia that made sure to keep the energy and spirits high on the way to our game. On the pitch, we played a great game against USA, playing as a team and getting a shutout!
At our morning meeting, we were proud of our win because it was the first time that we truly came together as a team. During the meeting, the importance of the next game was heavily emphasized. It was a pivotal point, determining whether or not we would be able to hold onto our 2nd place standing and chance to play for the "GOLD." Also, our coaches made sure to educate us about the rivalry between New Zealand and Australia. Our video review included highlights from the Australia vs. New Zealand Men that was played the night before (Australia won 5-1). We were all pumped and exited for this night game. "On the Australian crest are an emu and a kangaroo, because they never look back." Team Australia wasn't going to look back and we were thirsty for the win. In the van, the energy was high as we all put on Australian tattoos. The energy during our warm-ups was amazing. Our spirits were high and most importantly, we were a team. On the pitch, we played as a unit, communicating and helping each other out. The defense was strong, supporting the front field which led to six beautiful goals. This game ended in another shut out, Australia 6 and New Zealand 0.
With two games left in the tournament, Australia is here to play for the "GOLD!" For us, it was all about constant improvement and a positive attitude. At the beginning, we needed to test each other's boundaries and learn how each person plays. As a team, we needed to trust each other, listen, and learn how to depend on one another. It was all about constant improvement. We started at square one like all of the teams did, and from there we just building. The video reviews are helpful in our development because we are able to see our mistakes and fix them during the next game. We are no longer 16 individual players that are compelled to awkwardly sit at the dining tables with each other, we are a team. GO AUSSIES!
- Mai
JUNE 24 - BLOG ENTRY 5: CRUNCH TIME
After several days of intense game play, crunch time quickly approaches. Tonight, team Argentina faces off against undefeated, top-ranked Germany in a highly anticipated match at 7 p.m. This critical matchup could be the difference between contending for the gold or competing in a consolation game. Presently, Germany flaunts first place status with its untarnished record, and Australia ranks slightly above Argentina. Australia currently records a two win, one loss tally and Argentina a scoring of one win, one loss, and one tie. If team Argentina defeats Germany and grasps a win on Monday, I will be proudly competing for Argentina in the gold medal game Tuesday afternoon.
It has always been slightly difficult for me to compete against friends and acquaintances. In order to successfully perform, I have to disassociate myself from them on the field and treat them each like any another opponent. Unfortunately, I handle game situations against friends far too often, because the American field hockey community is quite small. Once, while vacationing out West, I was practicing field hockey with my dad when two men approached us and inquired about the sport we were playing. "Field hockey", I told them, to which they responded, "It looks like a cross between golf and lacrosse." I laughed. To me, it is unbelievable that my sport is not even recognized by some Americans.
Luckily, however, the popularity of field hockey in America is on the rise. With generous contributions from Harrow Sports, USA Field Hockey has initiated a program entitled FUNdamental Field Hockey that targets seven to eleven year olds, and Midwestern states are slowly joining the movement to play. Hopefully, America will soon develop a field hockey addiction like most of the European, Middle Eastern, and Asian nations and recognize hockey as the incredible sport it is.
- Jenna
Results are in: Argentina lost to Germany in a devastating five to one loss :(
JUNE 23 - BLOG ENTRY 4: EARLY START
Late last night, I obsessively fretted over a 6:15 a.m. wakeup for my early morning game. My mind anxiously raced through treacherous, worrisome thoughts, "I'm not going to get enough sleep. At this point, I won't even be able to sleep for eight hours, so I will certainly fail to excel in strenuous competition. My fatigue and heat exhaustion will surely combine to bring about my athletic demise."
Of course, I was being foolishly dramatic. But, at the time, my exaggerated predictions haunted my overactive mind...only to keep me up even later.
Before my heavy eyelids drifted closed, however, I belatedly recognized my faulty, overdramatic thinking and thoughtfully recalled key points from an interesting sports psychology seminar entitled "Controlling the Mind" that had been delivered earlier in the week: I can only dwell on what I allow my mind to dwell on, and I can choose what to feel and when to feel it. If I don't allow my mind to focus on my fatigue it cannot hinder me. I can control what I think and what I don't. I can control how I choose to think, and, in turn, my thinking can shape how I play field hockey, handle stress, build relationships, and live my life. I can stretch my mind to function positively for me. I can mold my mind to help me achieve and excel and, as Oliver Wendell Holmes said, "A mind once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimensions." All I have to do is believe that I can.
And, at 6:15 a.m. on Saturday morning, I enthusiastically popped out of bed ready to play. It didn't matter that I had slept insufficiently; my mind was already prepared for the game. At eight o'clock, team Argentina stepped onto the turf at the Virginia Beach Training Center. And, after two 35 minute halves, our match against South Africa ended in a one to one tie.
- Jenna
JUNE 22 - BLOG ENTRY 3: GAME DELAY
Whispers of an anticipated thunderstorm began circulating the Old Dominion dorms early this morning. iPhone weather apps predicted a 30 percent chance of unplayable weather at four and five p.m. and an increase to a 50 percent chance of storms at six. Coincidentally, my team, Argentina, was scheduled to compete at five, when the game-threatening thunderstorm was expected to strike. Instinctively, I released a disgruntled sigh, and a frown instantly spread across my face. I was not pleased, I expected to play a game today. Competing against South Africa was on my schedule for Friday, June 22nd, a game delay was not.
Unfortunately, immediately after arriving at the Virginia Beach Training Center in the late afternoon, furious dark clouds overwhelmed the skies, and, by five o'clock whirling winds swept sheets of rain throughout the athletic complex. The impending inclement weather forced all of the game-ready athletes to migrate into the locker rooms to wait out the storm. And, after two painstaking hours of idle waiting, the evening's field hockey games were rescheduled for unfavorably early times on Saturday morning.
My expectations were trashed. I was already in the zone, focused, and ready to compete, and now I would have to wake up at 6 a.m. the next morning to prepare myself for a game all over again. Unhappy and slightly damp I piled into a white team van that would usher team Argentina back to Old Dominion University. I wasn't pleased. My schedule was thrown off, and as far as I was concerned my day was ruined. But, several moments later I discovered that I was allowed to join my mom at Olive Garden, that the coaches were making an exception and allowing us to eat off campus with our parents. Quickly, my attitude perked up, and I immediately realized how foolish I had been. Expectations unmet are not necessarily negative. Adaptability is an underestimated quality - one that encourages a happy lifestyle and fosters a roll with the punches mentality. One that encourages a lifestyle that I would like to live...turns out that a game delay has its benefits.
- Jenna
JUNE 21 - BLOG ENTRY 2: FIRST WIN
I have always lived for the perfect temperature of a 7 p.m. field hockey game and the center stage feel of competing under the lights in a stadium brimming with a sea of howling fans. Most athletes do. Few feelings can beat the adrenaline rush and the in-the-zone mindset that a perfect playing atmosphere invites. The challenge is to feel that intense rush and create that determined focus when the conditions and surroundings are less ideal.
The Virginia Beach National Training Center certainly challenged the ninety-seven field hockey athletes competing at the Futures Elite Championship today. It hit us hard and tested us both physically and mentally. The white vending tents sat vacant, only a few scattered fans dotted the stands, and temperatures skyrocketed into the upper 90s (the weather app on my phone displayed a picture of a sun and cactus for the day...ridiculous!). The intense heat alone could have broken every optimist; beads of sweat pooled at hairlines from just standing in the sun, let alone playing a field hockey game. Coupled with the lack of fans, any player could have easily shut down. Support from the crowd is important to the athletes, it's the fuel to the fire.
But, the field hockey players still had to play despite the unfavorable conditions. The show had to go on. This is when you dig deep, when intrinsic motivation must take over to perform at great levels, and when the athlete must play for the love of the game and not the extras and the pats on the back.
And, team Argentina did just that. We played as a unit, encouraged one another through the sweltering heat, and, as a positive consequence, we brought home a 5 to 3 victory over team Australia...sorry Mailyn :).
But even though we won, the winning, recognition and fluff is extra. It's nice, but not necessary. As my mom always says "Don't play for the accolades, play for the love of the game. The accolades are a bonus." True motivation does not come from the accolades, atmosphere, or the number of fans cheering from the stands. True motivation comes from within and fosters greatness from less than great circumstances.
- Jenna
JUNE 20 - BLOG ENTRY 1: GAME DAY IS HERE
Today is game day. After 97 of the top high school field hockey athletes settled into the dorm rooms at Old Dominion University yesterday, competition is now underway. The athletes have been separated into six teams: USA, Germany, Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia. Each is hungry for the gold.
The tournament kicked off with three competitive matches: USA took on Germany, South Africa was paired against Australia, and New Zealand faced my team, Argentina. With the help of incoming Syracuse field hockey freshman Alyssa Manley, Germany overtook the U.S. in an exhilarating 4-3 win. And, with incoming Orange woman Mailyn Nishiguchi among their ranks, Australia beat out South Africa. Unfortunately, my team, Argentina, lost to New Zealand who is coached by Syracuse's own Ange Bradley... wish I wouldn't have lost that one :(. Hopefully, there will be a rematch in crossovers :). But, I'll give it to Coach Bradley, her team really brought the heat and knocked in seven goals while Argentina topped out at five.
To console our loss, my teammates and I hurried off to indulge in Tropical Smoothie Cafe on our way back to ODU to watch the U.S. Women's field hockey team face off against the actual Argentinians. We walked in a few minutes late because of our pick-me-up treats and I immediately noticed the extreme intensity and speed of play in the international match. It was incredible to watch and inspired me to strive to play the game like "that". "That" being poised, confident, and composed while also being aggressive, explosive, and daring - an oxymoron that both national teams achieved. But, only one team won. And, I can proudly say that the winning team was the Red, White, and Blue....
However, MY Argentina better win tomorrow,
-Jenna
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Sunday, November 16
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Wednesday, November 05
