Virginia!

Greetings from Old Dominion University! We have been in Virginia for almost a week now and have played 2 games against Argentina. These are our last matches before we compete in London this summer, so we are fine tuning some final skills and tactics.

The first match with the Argies was held in Charlottesville at UVA's blue turf. It was a fairly evenly matched game which ended in a 1-1 draw. It was our first game back as a team after National Championships and after a few practices under our belt as the Olympic team. It was a good performance and start for this 4 game series. I want to say a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone at the University of Virginia! They did a wonderful job hosting us and we all loved playing on the amazing blue turf (which is good practice before London!). Also, another big thanks to all the fans that came out and cheered us on! I think that was the biggest crowd we've ever played in front of in the States (at least since I've been on the team) and it was AWESOME!! Keep that support going in the next couple months! :)

Our second game of the series was last night at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. The heat was really blazing yesterday, but we came out strong scoring 2 goals in the first half. Although we had quite a few more good scoring chances, we didn't find the back of the goal again, and finished the game on a 2-1 win. It's always good to get a W, especially against a top side like Argentina. We were happy to get the result, but know we still have a few more little tweaks to make in order to be at the top of our game. That's what these next two games and our last month of training is for: adjusting the little things.

We play again tonight at ODU for the third game of the series. It should be a little cooler at 8pm which will be nice! Our final game of the series will be at the Virginia Beach Sportscomplex at 1:30pm. Come out and watch if you are in the area!!! If you can't make it, it will be NATIONALLY TELEVISED on NBC Sports Network so you can catch us on TV! Exciting stuff!


Keep following and supporting us on our journey over the next couple months to LONDON! Also, I am writing a blog for the New York Times through until the Games!! Check out my first post here:
http://london2012.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/06/21/the-field-hockey-chronicles-strength-in-numbers/

GO USA!

Olympics: London 2012

It is official! I will be heading to London this summer as a part of the US Hockey Team. It is an indescribable feeling. I have worked extremely hard to make it to this point, but I know there is still work to be done before we first step foot onto the blue "smurf turf" pitch in London.

I dreamed of this moment as a little girl. My first memory of the Olympics and all it's glory is from the Atlanta Olympics in '96. Those Games were so close to home and so inspiring for so many reasons. I vividly remember the US Women's Soccer Team winning the Gold in penalty kicks, their achievement inspiring me to do the same. To be able to play on the world's highest stage, but more importantly to represent your country is a dream come true. I've always gotten chills every time we hear the National Anthem played before games. Every single game I have played in the red, white, and blue uniform has been incredibly special to me. I am representing something bigger than myself; I not only represent my country, but those who have come before me who have so proudly worn it, and those who will inevitably come after me.

So although the Olympics only come around every 4 years, I have been training for this moment my whole life. I came up just shy 4 years ago and it has been a battle everyday to push even harder and make myself better. I must say though that I wouldn't have been able to get to this point without a lot of people's support. First and foremost: MY FAMILY. I cannot  thank them enough for every single thing they have done for me over the 25 years of my life. There is no doubt in my mind that I wouldn't have made it here without their support. From driving me to practice, to traveling to away games, to keeping me fueled, to the encouraging words when I was down. They've been there through thick and thin, and I am so excited for them to share this Olympic journey with me!

I must also thank all of my coaches and teammates. They have pushed me to work harder and have taught me so much over the years. They have helped to shape the player that I am. And I must also thank my friends. I'd like to think I have the best ones around! ;) haha... but their support and companionship has also helped to keep me grounded and keep everything in perspective. When I have a rough day, they constantly remind me how lucky I am. So thanks for that!


With that being said, it's back to work we go!! There are 46 days left to go before the Opening Ceremonies of the 2012 Olympic Games in London! Please keep following and supporting my teammates and I as we venture to do what no US Hockey has done before: win GOLD.

3rd place and Euro2012!

National Championships concluded yesterday and the South finished in 3rd place! We went into the semi-finals confident we could make the final, but facing a very strong side in New Jersey. We knew it wasn't going to be easy, but we were up for the challenge! The semi-final game was, in my opinion, one of the best games of the tournament. It was a fast-paced, high-level competition with good chances for both sides. We left everything on the field that night, but fell just short with a 2-1 loss. Disappointing of course not to make it back to final as we did last year, but we knew there was still one more game to be played, and win! We played the North yesterday (yes, North vs. South!) and called it the Civil War battle! On this occasion, there was a different outcome though: the South came out on top! (haha... please, no one get offended by this, all North vs. South comments are/were meant solely in jest in regards to our country's history and don't represent current cultural views). We finished strong with a 3-1 win and were all happy to go home on a win!

After the final (in which New Jersey won- congrats to them!) the National Squad for 2012-13 (and the Developmental Squad) was announced. The names announced included all of the names of the current 2011-12 team, but with a few additions! A big CONGRATS to Kelsey Kolojejchick, Alesha Widdall, Emily Wold, and Stephanie Fee!! There were lots of new Developmental Squad selections as well. It is a very exciting time for our program and it's future with lots of young talent.

Although it was a great week of hockey and National Championships is one of my favorite tournaments every year, we were all pretty happy the week was finally over. It was extremely fun, but it was a lot of hard work and quite stressful for most with selections on the line. I personally just couldn't wait to have a few more days with my family this week before we're back to our London focus. Plus, EURO 2012 started yesterday!!! For anyone who knows me, they know I love my soccer! And today especially, the Dutch play. And of course I had to pull out my Dutch gear from my year playing in Holland! So for the next couple days, I will be found working out, hanging out with my family, and sitting in front of the tv (probably yelling at the tv as well ;) haha) watching soccer!

Who do you think will win Euro2012??

But for today: #HupHollandHup

National Championships

We are over halfway through National Championships being held at the University of Maryland-College Park. Team South has found themselves a spot in the semi-finals!

We had a great start in our first two games over the weekend with commanding 4-2 and 3-0 wins over the Midwest and New England, respectively. This put us into a showdown with Pennsylvania to determine who would take the number 1 (vs. the number 2) seed in our pool. We came out strong creating chances early, but PA got on the board first. We continued to challenge their circle, but couldn't find the equalizer until the second half. Although we had an abundance of corners and shots on goal, we didn't find the back of the boards again, and PA found a way to put another in. Disappointed with a loss, we were still happy to be into the semi-finals. At this point, it is a new tournament with two games, in which you must win both.

Despite the fact that the games have been very exciting and lots of fun, I must say that the highlight of this tournament so far has to be Steph Fee teaching us that you can do the "Cotton Eye Joe" dance to any song! It has been fun challenging her to do it with a plethora of tunes. Including the many dance parties that have ensued from Katie Plyler's bright pink boombox.

Enjoy the dance party:

Memorial Day Weekend

I hope everyone had a lovely Memorial Day Weekend, celebrating all the great men and women who have served this country and continue to do so every day. I also hope you had some fun!!

This past weekend was just what I needed! I got to spend the entire weekend with my family at the beach. It was my birthday on Saturday, too!! I never know where I'm going to be for my birthday anymore, so it was really nice to actually be home for it this year! Highlights of the weekend included: jetskiing, boating, wakeboarding, playing darts and bocce ball, live music by the water, watching lots of US Soccer :) and playing with my friend Sterling's new puppy Lona! Although there was lots to do, I got to spend a lot of down time just relaxing and catching up with my family. There really is nothing like a good couple days with them to put everything back into perspective. It's nice to be reminded that no matter what happens on the hockey field, they are always supporting me and just want me to be happy.

But of course I could only take a few days away from hockey since we have National Championships this coming week! I came back from the beach refreshed and ready to go. I had practice in Chapel Hill with my High Performance team (the South!) on Monday and Tuesday and the squad is looking pretty good this year for a run at the title! We fell short in the final last year, so we are looking to redeem ourselves this year with a Championship!!

It was nice being back in Chapel Hill for a few days as well. I always love coming back to my hometown. Although my parents are in the process of selling their house and I won't officially be a Chapel Hill resident anymore... I will always be a Chapel Hillian! :)

Anyways.... we're off to Maryland today. National Championships start tomorrow! The South takes on Midwest in our first match and it should be a good one! Stay tuned for updates!

Sweep

We arrived back in the States yesterday after finishing a quick 4 game series with Canada. Overall, it was a very successful tour. Besides sweeping the series (3-1, 4-1, 5-2, and 6-1 scorelines), we effectively improved in some detailed areas we had identified. There is still a little ways to go before we are fully prepared for London this summer, but we were happy with the steps we are taking forward.

Although we were only in Canada for six days, it was a fun little trip which even included a spa day on one of our off days! This was a first for us as a team, so BIG shout out to our team manager for setting that one up!! We all thoroughly enjoyed it! We all got a good laugh when the masseuses didn't quite understand what a deep tissue sports massage was. We are used to deep, painful massages to really flush out our muscles and the spa masseuses aren't used to give those type of massages. But to be honest, I quite enjoyed a massage where I wasn't cringing and on the verge of tears! Who would have thought massages could be so enjoyable! ;) haha...

Anyways, we flew back to the States yesterday and although it was a short tour everyone was ready to get home! This is the first time for many of us to be headed back to the East Coast all year. We are all dispersed to our High Performance sites for practice in prep for the National Championships next week, but for many of us, it means we are close to home! I personally haven't seen my family since New Years and for me, it couldn't come at better timing. As selection nears, these are the people who support us and keep us grounded, so it is important to have their reassurance and positive reinforcement at such a stressful time.

Not to mention, it is Memorial Day weekend. A weekend to celebrate all Americans who have lost their lives fighting for this great country which we get to so proudly wear the colors of every game. Without these brave men and women, we wouldn't have the freedom and opportunities to pursue our dreams. I am so thankful for those who have served and those who continue to do so. I am also thankful for all the families of these brave warriors. They truly understand what sacrifice is and I admire them for that. So I urge you to enjoy the weekend of festivities, but always remember the true meaning of the holiday, and be thankful for those who have allowed you to celebrate it.

So no matter what happens in the coming weeks, at the end of the day, we are all proud to be a part of the Red, White and Blue. That is something I will never forget.



I'll leave you with this poem I found. It's called, "You Musn't Quit".

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest! If you must-but never quit.
Life is queer, with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When he might of won if he'd stuck it out;
Stick to your task, though the pace seems slows-
You may succeed with one more blow.

Success is failure turned inside out-
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt-
And you may never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit-
It's when things seem worse that YOU MUSN'T QUIT.

Oh Canada...

Greetings from Canada!! Although I have been away from my blog for a little while (and around the world for that matter - a trip to Australia and New Zealand), I have found my way back to the world of words. This Olympic year has been tough, as any Olympic year will always be, but having gone through it before, I still could never anticipated the ups and downs that inevitably come along with it.

With that being said, I have some absolutely wonderful times along the way and have enjoyed the journey. Learning not only tons on the hockey pitch, but about my teammates and myself along the way. In the end, this is what it's truly about.

Despite all of this, the true time is now. Every moment of this journey counts. As the days quickly jump faster and faster towards the game, it seems like a high-speed train speeding towards the final destination: London 2012. But with just 70 days left, every day becomes more and more important to focus in on the details of the tasks that still need to be completed. And right now, our focus is on Canada. Although, they did not make the Games this year, they are a strong side that has put in a lot of training over the past year in hopes to qualify. So here we are, in Victoria, with beautiful scenery all around us, ready to put some final touches on our individual and team preparations.

It is a quick trip with 4 games in 6 days, but at least for once we didn't have to change timezones! :)

And I have to say I'm excited to face a fellow Demon Deacon on the pitch as well. Shout out to Anna... bring it on!!

Follow us this week and the rest of our Olympic prep on US field hockey, my blog, and of course (my favorite) twitter! @mkasold18

As always.... GO USA!


PS- Rachel Dawson was all packed and ready to go this morning as we arrived at 4:30am at the airport.... check it out!