THE WORLD CUP!!!!

Everyone knows the WORLD CUP is this summer! It is all over the news, all of the sports channels, in the papers..... but although I am super excited to watch the Soccer World Cup with the rest of the world.... the World Cup I am most excited about is not for soccer... it is Field Hockey!! And one that I will be competing in!! It is pretty unreal to write those words... I will be playing in the World Cup. Words can't describe all the emotions I feel. As hard as I have worked over my career and all the games I've played in add up to this. Yet, the biggest thing I constantly am reminded of every day is how truly blessed I am. Nothing is guaranteed in sport or in life and I know how very lucky I am to be in this position. God is good. [Jeremiah 17:7]

With that being said, I am not just satisfied with being a participate. No, I want to compete and win. With the first games of the World Cup just over a week away, I want to grab hold of this opportunity with my teammates and take the world by storm! I know just how hard every single person on Team USA has worked. From the players that will step on the field wearing red, white, and blue in the Netherlands, to those who just missed out on the final roster cheering us on at home. Every single person has played a vital role in putting us in the best possible position to succeed. I am confident in my teammates beside me and I am excited to see just how great we can be! As with any game, any sport, there will be ups and downs. The tournament won't go as planned. It is the World Cup and every team will be putting it all on the line. But for me, that's why I love it so much! That is why I play this sport. To compete against the best competition possible, for the thrill of victory, for overcoming obstacles, for pushing yourself further and harder than you ever thought you could go, and for all the bits and pieces in between. The journey to get here has been tough, and indeed, I have made some great sacrifices. But this is why they are all worth it.

So, with that being said, I don't know what the final outcome will be. No one does. But I know we will give it everything we have, and leave it all on the field. I know by doing that, we have a pretty good shot at doing some amazing things, even standing on the podium when it is all over. Thus, I hope you will follow us on our quest and cheer extra loud as we embark on a grand journey to greatness!

All of our games will be streamed on YouTube (@FIHockey) and on ESPN3!!!! Be sure to check on  usafieldhockey.com for the game schedule, and follow my adventures on here, facebook, twitter @mkasold18 and instagram @mkasold18 !!


With all this excitement building, I am constantly reminded every day how thankful I am. I am thankful for this opportunity to represent my country, playing a sport that I love. I am thankful to be healthy, fit, and having fun. But most of all, I am thankful for all the support I receive which allows me to strive for my dreams. I've had to sacrifice being away from my loved ones (family, boyfriend, and friends) for much of my career. No matter where field hockey has taken me, these special people have been my biggest fans, through the ups and downs. Most importantly, they have helped to push me day in and day out when I forget to look at the big picture. I truly would never have made it this far without them! So thank you, each and every one of you know who you are! You are all a part of my World Cup dream!

~give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus~ [1 Thessalonians 5:18]

LET'S GO USA!!!!!!!!!! :)