May Recap

Things have been busy here in Lancaster, PA the last two weeks, but especially for me! All in good ways though! As you probably already know, we had a 4 game series with Chile last week in which we swept all 4 games. Chile was a great opponent that had some key strengths which are similar to many of the teams we will face this summer. It was good to get back into the swing of things and get some games against someone other than ourselves! Chile is a hard working team with a lot of skill and we are very thankful they traveled to play us in our preparation for Champions Trophy next month, as well as leading up to the Olympics. Another amazing part about this series was that my aunt MaryAnn attended. It was the first time she has ever seen me play in person and she is by far one of my biggest fans! It was truly an amazing experience for both of us and I was reminded of how great my family support system is, no matter what the result! I am so blessed!

                                     

We had a “regen” week this week, which means we take a little time away from practice to recover our bodies a little bit. On Tuesday, we hosted an outstanding fundraiser at Radley Run Golf Course in West Chester and we had an amazing turnout! Thank you to everyone who came out, golfed, had some fun with us, and continues to support our dreams! We are so incredibly thankful for all of the people who back us throughout this journey!!

Then on Thursday, I turned 29 years old! My morning consisted of a sprint workout with the team (which seems to happen every year on my birthday!), but I guess I wouldn’t have it any other way! My birthday is no different than other day when a greater goal of standing on the podium is always in the forefront of my mind! Plus, it feels amazing to be done with a hard workout. I felt accomplished and not as bad about eating just a little bit of sweet treats for my birthday! ;) I have to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who made my day so special! Special shout out to my teammates, my family, my boyfriend, and my boyfriend’s family! Thanks to all my friends who also sent me wonderful texts and messages through social media! It was a special day and reminds me how many amazing people have come into my life in 29 years! I still feel young, fit, and ready to live out my dreams! J XO

Finally, we have one more week until we leave for Champions Trophy! We are stopping over in the Netherlands for a holding camp and a few games before heading to England for the tournament! I am super excited to play in this prestigious tournament for the first time! It will be a good test and preparation to see where we stand for the Olympics! GO USA!

Foodie Friday!

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice with Sweet Onion Sausage, Peppers and Onion

For my birthday last night, my sweet boyfriend Eli and I cooked a delicious meal together! He was in charge of the meat portion of the meal (like usual!) and I was in charge of the sides (as always!). I really enjoy having someone help cook because they have different ideas than me on how to combine foods. I love trying new things in the kitchen and my mind can only get so creative!

Eli cooked up some Sweet Onion Sausage from the local market and combined some peppers and onions in the mix. It was delicious! Since I am on a low carb diet, instead of making rice, I made Cauliflower Rice. I added some cilantro and lime juice to spice it up and it was absolutely delectable! Eli even told me that was one of his favorite side dishes! (It was probably just because it was my birthday and he was being nice… hehe, but I’ll take it!) I will definitely be making this again in the near future! It was yummy and was pretty easy to make!

100 DAYS

WOW! THERE IS ONLY 100 DAYS UNTIL THE OLYMPICS!!! WHERE DID THE TIME GO?!

Time has been flying in 2016 and the Olympics are literally right around the corner!!! We have been working our butts off here in Pennsylvania! Every single day counts and we've been making the most of each and every one. The crazy thing is that most people think of the (summer) Olympics as every 4 years, but for us, it is every day. When the time finally arrives though, after 4 years (and more!) of giving it our everything day in and day out, to put all our work on the line against the world's greatest athletes, it is magical. It is the culmination of everything we've sacrificed, we've sweated over, exhausted ourselves with endless sprints for, and yet it will be here and gone in a flash! I have vowed this whole year to make the most of the journey and enjoy the ride because in the end, that is life! It isn't all about the outcome, even though we strive to be our best and believe we have the ability to stand on the podium down in Rio this summer. These last 100 days are bound to be some of the hardest and test every part of my body inside and out, but I can't wait to embrace every moment! One day at a time, one game at a time, one moment at a time! 100 MORE TIMES! :)

Also, anyone watching the Today Show this morning?? Keep a lookout for some of my teammates! OR if you are in NYC, get down to Times Square, meet some of the hard working field hockey team, and watch a demo they are putting on! It will be a lot of fun to support my teammates and all of TEAM USA!!

Counting down the days.... almost in double digits! :)


Here are a few memories from London 2012:

Sun Safe Play

Anyone who has been around USA field hockey long enough will probably remember our Sun Safe Play Campaign from 2008. It stressed the importance of protecting your skin and health from the detrimental effects long term exposure to the sun can have on not only your skin, but on your overall health. The sun is very powerful and we need to take the proper precautions when we spend so much time enjoying its beautiful light and comforting warmth!

Besides the fact that the sun can dehydrate you and negatively affect your performance, the sun can do a number on your skin. It can cause wrinkles, brown spots, red blotches, accelerate sagging, and of course that ever painful sunburn. But what many don’t realize is that is can cause cancer. Melanoma by definition occurs when the pigment-producing cells that give color to the skin become cancerous. If not treated early, this cancer spreads to other parts of the body at which point it becomes more difficult to treat and can be fatal.

Melanoma kills an estimated 10,130 people annually! It is not even the most common of all skin cancers, but it causes the most deaths!

These stats are staggering to me, because a lot of this can be prevented with the proper protection and awareness. I urge you to take this to heart. No one is susceptible and invincible.

This subject touches me and the field hockey community deeply. As most of you know, I spent my college days at Wake Forest University. Growing up in Chapel Hill, I spent many summers down the road in Winston-Salem, for camps, Futures and attending games. I was inspired by many of the great players before me who had such a passion for the game and for life. There was one individual who stuck out though. She was my coach one summer at Wake camp and something about her was infectious. I was drawn to her. Maybe it was her height, she was short like me! Maybe it was she was always smiling and having so much fun! Maybe it was her competitive spirit that urged my extreme competitiveness to proudly come out! Maybe it was the constant encouragement and positive energy she exuded. I know it was all of these things and more! Maria Whitehead just had an energy that made you want to be around her.

  

I remember being at Wake, when Jen (our coach) told us that Maria had cancer. I was shocked and saddened, but like everyone else, I believed that if anyone could fight it and win, it was Maria (Re). She had been coaching at St. Louis University, but she moved down to Duke to get treatments. My mom worked for Duke Hospital as a nurse and I knew Duke was one of the best cancer hospitals in the country, so I knew Maria would be in good hands. In true Re fashion, she couldn’t stay away from the field hockey field. Despite getting treatments often, she would spend every moment she could out on the field with the Duke team. I loved that about her. Still doing what she loved in the face of adversity.

This was my freshman year. We made it to the final four. We had to play Duke in the semifinals. We were in Louisville and we had practice the day before our game. It was below freezing and everyone was bundled up. Jen comes over and rips her hat off to reveal a shaved head! We were shocked but knew that she had done it for Re who had just had another round of chemo and couldn’t be at the Final Four with her teams. Those gestures and moments in life will always be bigger and more important to me than any game. Not only because it is a symbol of the community at Wake Hockey, but because it reminds me of the importance of life, friendship and living ever moment to the fullest.

But at age 25, Maria lost the battle with cancer. I remember it was the week before our ACC tournament my sophomore year (2006). I remember Jen was a mess. It was like she had lost a part of herself when we lost Maria. We fought hard for the ACC championship and it was all in honor of Re. We proudly took home that championship trophy with Re smiling down on us the whole way!! We barely even had time to celebrate our victory, but we didn’t want it any other way. We wanted to support Jen and attend the Euology and celebration of Maria’s life that took place just mere hours later. We went in the lockerroom, changed, and drove over to Duke Chapel (from UNC) to honor the life of Maria Whitehead. I will never forget that day.

To this day Maria Whitehead leaves an everlasting mark on Wake Forest field hockey. To read more about how her spirit still remains, read this phenomenal blog by one of the current players, Heather Wiley. https://heatherwiley.wordpress.com/2016/04/04/a-firecracker-with-a-never-ending-flame/

I don’t know anyone who knew Maria and didn’t love her. She was the life of the party! She enjoyed life to the fullest and brought all those around her with her on her wonderful journey. She is surely missed.

I wanted to share this post now since Wake Hockey is putting on their annual fundraiser this weekend. All proceeds go to Melanoma Research. Please donate if you can!

http://www.gofundme.com/fivefor5

I want to close this post by saying thank you to my sponsor Aeonskin who provides me with the best sunscreen I’ve ever used and encourages everyone to protect their skin! I can’t thank them enough for keeping me healthy and allowing me to focus just on hockey because I know I am protected every single day I walk out onto the field.

As spring hits and summer is just around the corner, please enjoy the sunshine and all the happiness it brings! But don’t forget to protect yourself the right way!

Foodie Friday- Spaghetti Squash Lo Mein

Anyone who knows me, knows I love GOOD food! Food that is not only good for me, but DELICIOUS! Training at the highest level, means I have to fuel my body at the highest level, as well. I love trying new foods and looking up new healthy recipes to try and I do my best to make at least one new thing a week! So, FOODIE FRIDAY is where I will share some of my food adventures... hopefully, they will be delicious... and you can try them, too!

Last weekend, I found a recipe for Spaghetti Squash Lo Mein. This spin on Chinese Lo Mein Noodles was super fun to make and was quite delicious! I recommend trying this one! It did take me about an hour to make... and 5 minutes to EAT though! Haha! I made this for my boyfriend and I, and we both loved it!

If you've never cooked with spaghetti squash before, I highly recommend it! It is super easy and a great replacement for any kind of pasta noodles! 

Here are a few pictures of the process and final outcome:

Here are the ingredients and directions:

Ingredients:

1 large spaghetti squash

1/4 cup soy sauce

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon brown sugar

2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, diced

3 celery stalks, sliced diagonally

2 cups cole slaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)

Directions: 

1. Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Lay skin side up in a 13x9 dish and pour 1/2 inch of water in the bottom of the pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes, until flesh is tender. Once done, scoop out flesh with a fork so it breaks apart into strings, then set aside.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, and ginger, set aside.

3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet (or wok) over medium high heat. Add onion and celery, and cook, stirring often, until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in cabbage until heated through, about 1 minute.

4. Stir in spaghetti squash and soy sauce mixture until well combined, about 2 minutes.

5. Serve immediately and enjoy!!

Here is the link to the blog that I found the recipe on:

http://littlebitsof.com/2014/10/spaghetti-squash-chow-mein/

I did tweak the ingredients a little bit. I skipped the white pepper. And it calls for 3 celery stalks (which I already had chopped up, so I guessed on the amount) and I would personally put a little bit less in for the next time I make it, but it is up to you!

Let me know if you try this recipe, how you put your spin on it and be sure to share some pictures!

Happy Eating!

National Girls and Women in Sports Day

In honor of this day, I wanted to write a blog to explain what this day means to me.

First of all, I have to give all praise to the Lord who has given me the ability to pursue this journey with field hockey. I am truly blessed to be living out His purpose for my life.

Next, I have to express how thankful I am to those who have paved the way before me and given me the opportunity to do what I love and live out my dreams every day! I was fortunate enough to grow up having strong, determined women to look up to on my journey through sports and life. I watched the US Women's soccer team battle their way to gold in the 1999 World Cup final. In 1996, I watched Kerri Strug land an almost perfect vault on an injured ankle to win Gold for the USA. I watched countless female college athletes in all sports (basketball, soccer, field hockey, tennis, etc.) I've watched these athletes who didn't always have visual role models on TV and in their hometowns, who lead the way for all of the women pushing the boundaries even further now! And I am especially thankful for all those who wore the red, white and blue with a field hockey stick in their hand before me. Your names may not be International or Nationally known, but I know how much hard work went into making the sport what it is today. We can continue to grow off the foundation that you all built!

I definitely have to thank my parents who not only introduced me to every sport under the sun, but allowed me to try all of them, practiced countless hours with me, have pushed me to be my best, and have been my BIGGEST cheerleaders the whole way! I definitely wouldn't be here without the endless support and sacrifice they have made! I am beyond blessed for their love and encouragement.

I also have to thank my brother, who is two years older than me. He has been my biggest competitor and my biggest fan. He has always been bigger and stronger than me... even now I lose to him in arm wrestling competitions (you're lucky I love you and am willing to share that with the world! haha). But growing up, my goal was always to beat him, even if it was just once. I was determined that one day I would win. By competing, I always had a chance. He never took it easy on me and he definitely brought out the best in me. Now that we've grown up, he is always cheering me on, near or far. I am so grateful for his support and his friendship.

I can't forget to give a shout out to all my coaches and teammates who have been a part of my journey. All of my teammates are amazing women who lead through sport. All my coaches, male and female who have enabled the growth and journey of myself and all my teammates throughout the years... I am thankful for each and every one of you who have given of yourself to grow strong women for the future!

Finally, I know that as I progress on my journey through the sport of field hockey, it is so important for me to continue to set a good example for our young women to strive for and emulate. I take it upon myself to motivate and empower them to reach even greater heights than I have! It is only the beginning for women to dominate the sports world! I want any young girl reading this to push the boundaries and don't let anyone ever tell you that you can't do something. Dream big and then dream bigger!! Set the bar higher and don't stop until you get there! Use all the negatives as fuel to prove them wrong! Believe in yourself and surround yourself with those who push you to be better! Use sports to learn about life and enjoy the ride!

Those are the lessons I want to give back to you! To the girls and the women who will soon be taking my place and filling them with bigger shoes! I am your biggest fan!


“God gives us these talents, and He’s given us this pedestal for a reason. You don’t have to choose between being great at your sport and following Jesus." -Lauren Cheney

“You and I were created by God to be so much more than normal…Following the crowd is not a winning approach to life. In the end it’s a loser’s game, because we never become who God created us to be by trying to be like everybody else.” – Tim Tebow


"My faith is so strong that I believe that God made me 5-11 for a reason. For all the kids that have been told, no, that they can’t do it, or all the kids that will be told no.” – Russell Wilson

OLYMPIC YEAR RESOLUTIONS

I am not a huge fan of New Year’s resolutions because the way I see it, if there is something you want to change, you don’t wait until the New Year to do it! With that being said, this is the Olympic Year. It is 2016 and that is a huge milestone in my career. There are some things that are naturally going to be different this year than a normal year in my life.

So, taking that into consideration, there are a few “resolutions” I have promised to myself.

1.   LIVE IN THE MOMENT

The Olympics are in August, a little under 8 months away. This seems like a long time... but I know it will fly by. In order to get the most out of my training, I need to be able to stay in the moment and push myself every single day. It’s crazy how each day matters and how much impact every single day has from here until that first day we step on the pitch in August.

2.   ENJOY THE RIDE

The Olympics will come and go and they will be magical in their own way. In the end, I will remember what it took to get there and all the memories of the journey. The end result is really so small in the grand scheme of things! So I need to enjoy every moment. Even the other day when we were doing sprints (it’s always hard and no one wants to do fitness), but I told myself, you know what? Enjoy this because you will never be this fit again in your life! Enjoy feeling fast and fit!

3.   LEAVE IT ALL ON THE FIELD

This is kind of a no brainer. But I will say it because when you write things down and have a place to reference, it keeps you a bit more accountable... even on the hard days! So yeah... leave it on the field even when I’m exhausted and ready to break. And, constantly have the mindset that no matter how things are going, to always be the hardest working player on the field. The harder you work, the luckier you seem to get. There is always more in the tank! How you train is how you play in the big moments.

4.   GO FOR IT

Take risks. Learn. Grow. Have fun. Make mistakes. Move forward. And remember, if you want to get where you’ve been, you’ve got to do what you’ve never done.

To be completely honest. I try my best to live by these resolutions all the time. These are more of life goals that I try to apply to all aspects of my life. Sometimes it is good to remind ourselves of what’s most important and the goals we set out for ourselves. I am excited for the many adventures and obstacles that this year is bound to bring!! It will be busy, but I imagine when I look back, it will be one of the best... so bring it on 2016!