Departure...

The last week of training was a bit short for those of us who aren't going to the Olympics. We played one final full game on Monday to help the team get back into full game competition. Monday afternoon we lifted in the heat chamber on what would be our final training session with the team before they left for China. Tuesday and Wednesday they proceeded with their final practices, and had Thursday off from practice to prepare for their departure on this morning! It was a very hectic couple days and were quite emotional for a few us, as most of us were organizing to move out in our final days in California.

This was probably the hardest part for our house. As all of us (Katelyn Falgowski, Jesse, Gey, Katie O'Donnell, and I) are all returning to school at the end of August for the fall semester, we had to pack our entire house (and sell lots of it too). What was even harder though was saying goodbye to our neighbors who have been like family to us during our 7 months away from home and during our rigorous training. The Gominiack's (Aubyn, Jack, little Jack, and Joe) were more than generous in their support and friendship. We not only had numerous dinner's (our only home cooked meals) at their house, but whenever we had a rough day, the boys could always put a smile on our face!

We will truly miss all of the people we met in California! We all made some great friends that will not be forgotten. I want to thank everyone for the support they have not only given me, but my team and teammates. It has meant the world to me and I know I wouldn't have been able to go through everything I have this year without these people.

As for me, I will continue to blog throughout the Olympics. But my plans for now are to head home and see my family! I will be home for about a week or so before I head back to school (Wake Forest University) where I will be picking up my field hockey stick again for the start of preseason! Let's just say... you gotta love a sport if you play it as much as I do!