Farewell Deutschland and coaching colleagues

July 6th, 2011

This morning it was a little harder to rally, however we all seemed to be fairly giddy and goofy on the bus which made five hours pass rather quickly.  There was a moment when I felt like I was at adult sleep away camp and I loved it!  No sleeping for most of us, we were busy exchanging practice notes and comparing sessions we had scribbled down in previous days- it’s always a good idea to have legible notes if you ever want to implement a session/drills.  Checklist for today: all remaining Euros, newly purchased US gear and our last white bagged lunches for the trip(something we were all ready to say goodbye to).  Off to Wolfsburg we go.  

Frank was completely honest with us when he said in the ten years he’s spent living in Germany he had never been to this city, has no idea what it has to offer and can’t promise anything.  Wolfsburg is the home of Volkswagen, Das Auto, and consequently had outlet shopping walking distance from the VW factory.  Cooler than the outlet malls was the obstacle course (or what appeared to be) that was set up for testing out the VWs.  Inclines, rocky cliffs, drawbridges and simulated street floods.  The remaining Euros came in handy and the bridge connecting Das Auto to the actual city of Wolfsburg was convenient.  Outlet shopping is the same abroad- Nike, Polo, Calvin Klein, Adidas, Puma, LeCreuset- you name it. Following some impulse shopping, we grabbed a pre-game meal on “fan row” which was hoping with fans, food and lots of German bier.  The walk to the stadium was less than fifteen minutes and it was clear most non Swedish Europeans chose to support Sweden.  It was the first game we attended that was not sold out.  Blonds were plentiful and US fans were loud and obnoxious just like they are here at American sporting events.  Watching the Swedish national team warm up it was evident we had met our match physically.  We started flat, just seemed a bit tired and not as enthused as the previous two games and at half it was clear.  In all honesty, it was difficult to watch.  Megan Rampinoe got the start today because Heather O’Reily had a pulled groin and it was unclear if Kelly O’Hara was ready for her first few minutes in today’s match.  I must say I remain puzzled with our left back and today did not soothe my worries the least.  Stephanie Cox came in the second half giving us immediate energy and a drive to get forward, but is she as effective one on one defensively…?  Solo and Rampone remain solid even without a shutout tonight.  Leaving the stadium was unsettling because this meant that we would face Brazil come Sunday and most of us recall Brazil beat our US team at the last World Cup in 2007. The household name, Marta, is most definitely a force to be reckoned with, she is crafty and can make something out of nothing.  We had to lift spirits with a group gathering in town.

July 7^th, 2011

My last day in Germany- rise and shine and a five hour bus ride back to Hennef.  Today we were exhausted, no question about it.  We stopped at a rest stop for lunch and had a great meal in the cafeteria.  “Great” would be in the eye of the diner, some of us dined German style with sausage, rolls, split pea soup etc.  Others indulged in some good ol’ BK aka Burger King.  Burgers, fries, milkshakes, it was apparent the hard rolls cheese sandwiches and deli meats were not cutting it for our American group.  I am proud to say I stuck to German food the duration of the trip, snagged a fry here and there, so I was the annoying grazer, but managed to refrain from eating American fast food.  When we returned to Hennef Sportschule we had one last game of pick up.  EVERYONE participated.  At this time I will call out JR, who is a coach from Long Island, had not played in any of the sessions, but somehow his MCL was on point this afternoon and he laced up the boots and played on our back line- well done JR.  Randy tweaked his hamstring within minutes of our game, but stayed strong, scored a few goals and created opportunities.  Coaches forget we have to warm up too;)

Our final dinner was at a golf course/club about 1.5km away through the woods and across the greens.  The meal was delicious and the ambiance and company even better.  We thanked our leaders, hosts and liaisons and dined in style.  Tonight was a fabulous way to end a ten day trip abroad with strangers turned friends.

Needless to say, this trip exceeded all expectations and I hope that’s conveyed through my blogging.  To say the NSCAA course was educational would be an understatement;  I left Germany feeling enthusiastic, rejuvenated and motivated to continue serving the soccer community and promoting women’s soccer in the states and beyond.  We are always representing more than ourselves and from the epic win over Brazil (Sunday afternoon) we were all reminded how much of an impact sports and belief to win can make. 

Professionally, I learned a great deal from seasoned and experienced coaches.  I feel as though I have an even greater understanding of the game.  Culturally, I experienced German futbal, particularly women’s futbal and the significant potential impact of a World Cup victory.  The entire trip I was soaking up the World Cup energy and I truly felt a part of our US Women’s National Team squad.  As I end my blog and continue watching our women’s team advance I believe a few things are evident.  The power to overcome obstacles can never be taken away from an individual and even more a team with a vision, plan and leadership, the 2011 World Cup in Germany may have a lasting impact on Germany, even more Europe, in promoting female futbalers or it may be a short lived celebration.  (I am hoping for the former) The US appears far more advanced as far as appreciating the women’s futbal players and that was refreshing to see.  May the game live on at home and abroad!

I would like to thank a few people: Frank Carr for encouraging me to apply for a professional development grant, Lyn Miller and the Earlham Professional Development committee for allowing this trip to happen, Jamie Gluck for reminding me that taking a trip like this is a once in a lifetime experience and for my players for their passion and our teamwork!

Stay tuned for US vs. France on Wednesday, July 13th

The U.S. Women Advance through Group C

June 30th and July 1st, 2011

We spent both days based here in Hennef and had four instructional sessions lead by: Frank Wormuth, Director of the DFB Education(AKA Big time coach), Vanessa Martinez (former Mexico National Team player, candidate for her pro license), April Heinrichs (US Women's Soccer Technical Director and U15, U17 National Team Coach as well as former US National Team Coach).  Vanessa is a busy woman and in the midst of receiving her PhD so her lecture covered her interests: coaching the female soccer player and understanding the physical and mental aspects and limitations.  According to her and research there is no proof that the female athlete and soccer player needs more rest or recovery from matches and/or training sessions.  April focused her lecture on what US Women's Soccer is doing to develop technically and due to the ECNL teams, the phasing out of ODP how now they will identify youth talent.  The answer: US Soccer Girl's Scouting Network Training Centers.

Additionally, over the course of two days we had four field sessions lead by Frank, Vanessa,  Nancy Feldman(BUs coach) and Randy Waldrum(Notre Dame's coach).  While all the instructional sessions were informative I must say I personally enjoyed Nancy and Randy's field sessions the most.  Nancy started with the basics of defending and Randy went over patterns of attacking from the half.   It was great out on the field, moving my body, listening to instructions, coaching points and being challenged physically and mentally.  There's nothing better than putting yourself in a player's shoes from time to time to refresh perspective.

 July 2^nd, 2011

Saturday morning began at the DFB(governing body of futbal in Germany) Head Quarters in Frankfurt where we toured the building and learned about the club/professional futbal (soccer in the states) organization in Germany.  Unlike the states, clubs are clearly organized in divisions.  On the men’s side there are 11 divisions and on the women’s six throughout Germany (5 states) there are 22 clubs.  The top division on the men’s side is the Bundesliga and division 1-3 are professional players.  On the women’s side the top division is the only professional league.  The similarities are that more men’s soccer is shown on German television and Germany "seems" to be at a similar place as far as the appreciation for female athletes as the US.  The difference is that in the US soccer started and continues to be a sport for girls/women, but in Germany and most other European nations is has been a sport for the men that the women are now trying to break into.  However, the established clubs who have added women's teams have done it properly.  

Later in the day we arrived at Hoffenheim, a club dedicated solely to girls and women.  We were welcomed with open arms to tour this elite club hosting U6 through U20 teams.  This particular club blew my mind.  While the US couples university education and competitive soccer the Europeans and in this case, the Germans, organize clubs and playing soccer independently from gymnasium (highest track for high school) and university studies.  While at Hoffenheim it was evident this facility dedicated was completely to developing women.  Their motto was study, play, work and serve.  We sat with an English speaking seventeen year old, Sophie Howard, who has been a part of the program for three years.   

Tonight we caught USA vs. Columbia.  As I was standing in line for a hot pretzel (how can you not) before the game I saw a handful of American looking soccer players.  Turns out Brown soccer is on their pre season trip to Germany and enjoying US’s second game with us.  I have a connection to Brown soccer as my sister played there from 2004-2008 so it was good to see some familiar faces.  We watched and loved the US dominate the Columbia team.  It was obvious our strength and athleticism played a part in this match and Columbia’s team rather new at 9 years old were unable to get a solid opportunity on frame.  They have the speed up top and #11 was solid in the midfield, but I must say their goalkeeper looked more like a disaster than a shot stopper and their overall strength palled in comparison to our US players.  It looked like women played girls.  I thought Rampinoe did fantastically bringing energy and charisma to the left side, along with a goal!  Tobin Heath and Stephanie Cox also contributed some solid minutes.  If you were not able to watch, Lori Lindsay got the start and it is her brother, Jason Lindsay, who played for Roy.

July 3^rd, 2011

Off to Leverkusen… this morning we began with a lecture from Janet Rayfield.  Janet has been with our NSCAA group for the past three days.  She is a very successful coach at the University of Illinois and a former player at Chapel Hill.  She is in Germany to work and is on the US Women’s National Team as a scout.  Three others serve as scouts, but Janet has been kind enough to share with us the powerpoint she will email the USWNT staff.  Immediately after her game she hopped in her rental car to drive seven hours to scout Brazil again tonight.  Should we play Brazil in a later round, thank Janet Rayfield.  We had a short drive to Leverkusen to check out another German futbal club, meet some coaches and most importantly see the actual Bayer Leverkusen stadium(one of the 9 World Cup sites) and where the professional games take place.  No lie, we were given the grand tour of the stadium, spa, home team locker room and even walked through the doors that professionals and World Cup teams walk through!  I sat on the bench and felt like a world cup player for a half second (in my mind’s eye).  Nine groundskeepers tend to the stadium field and all the practice fields, needless to say, it's pristine. 

At the Leverkusen stadium we were taken to the VIP conference room for a small bite, coffees and cappicionos and had discussion with Christian, the Director of Events and in charge of the women’s Bayer Leverkusen teams, Dorrean, coach of  the Bundaslingua (Professional top level) team and Wolf who coaches the second level of the women’s team.  I truly enjoyed Dorrean and her story.  It’s funny how you can instantly connect with someone and even though she spoke in German and our liaison, Frank, translated everything, I felt like this is a young female coach I would absolutely LOVE to play for.  Hard to put a finger on it, just know when you experience it.  She scurried out of the meeting a bit before two in order to prep her professional team (who finished 8^th in their first year of the professional league) for their 3pm game vs. UNC Tarheels.  While I’m far more inclined to root for anyone besides UNC we were in Germany so in essence we were rooting for the states.  UNC Women’s squad (who are on their summer training trip) have been traveling throughout the country and were pretty banged up on their last day.  They had ten healthy field players and three goalkeepers.  I mention this only because I learned a lesson today: It can happen at any level to anyone.  Anson Dorrance spoke to our group before kickoff and told us his plan and formation (typical 3-5-2).  His most dominate player, Crystal Dunn, is recovering from compartments syndrome and was only permitted to play two :25 minute increments and he was going to have to have a goalie step in as a field player.  The squad pulled away with a 2-0 victory and a decent amount of playing time on the field for his goalkeeper.  This evening we will watch Brazil play at the Bistro in the Hennef Sportschule, walk into town and take it easy because tomorrow is the 4^th!   

Along the way...

DFB Headquarters, Frankfurt Germany (Conference Room)

Janet Rayfield (U Illinois Coach and USWNT Scout for 2011)

Stadium Snacks, standard

July 2, 2011: US Women's Team Warm up before Columbia

Bayer Leverkuson: Bundasligua Training Rooms and altitude acclimatization

Mia Hamm and Janet Rayfield before US vs. Columbia game Sinsheim outside Frankfurt

US Women's Team Post game Celebration vs. Columbia

Bayer Leverkuson Stadium: The doors players walk out of

Touching the field at Bayer Leverkuson

Women's World Cup- Welcome to Deutschland

US vs. North Korea Pre-game interview with Mia Hamm 

June 28th: US vs. North Korea (Rita, Jamie and Jocelyn)

June 29th: US Women's Team Training Session (Rampinoe, Mitts, O'Hara, Sauerbrunn)

June 29th: US Women's Team Training Session finishing drill

Sunday-Monday June 27^th -28^th

Most people who know me know that I’m not a huge tv watcher so I can’t claim this for fact, but prior to my departure I saw little press the Women’s World Cup on ESPN and tv in general; one day into my adventure I’m assured the Europeans handled it differently!  Refreshing.  My last European trip was not too long ago and quite memorable.  Our 2008 Earlham Women’s squad took a ten-day trip abroad through Harvard Sports to Holland, Germany, Denmark and Belgium.  Our  2008 squad was accompanied by senior faculty member Vince Punzo, Lori Watson andWalt Bistline along with his wife, Rabun. For those of you reading this blog who went on that trip with me, this flight over was far smoother, I was coherent the entire time and will note that I managed not to leave anything behind in TSA securityJ

My flight from Atlanta to Düsseldorf was a little over eight hours and served as a reminder that there remain genuinely honest and kind humans out there and when given the opportunity, find joy in helping others.  I sat next to two of these people on my eight-hour flight.  Dieter and Evonka, both medical doctors in Germany, reside between Düsseldorf and Cologne and were intrigued with my journey and likely my lack of the German language.  These two are quite the adventuresome couple and decided that when we landed they were going to take the train with me and send me on my way.  The S-bahn(train) took me from Düsseldorf airport to the main Düsseldorf station from there I took the Bahnhof train with the couple to Köln/Cologne switched lines and traveled from Cologne to Hennef.  In the quaint and pleasant city of Hennef I managed to finish the last leg solo and navigated the bus lines to the Hennef Sports Complex.

This twelve day trip is run by the NSCAA with two leaders (Nancy Feldman, Boston University Women’s Coach and Randy Waldrum, Notre Dame’s Women’s Coach/2010 National Champions).  Frank Tschan serves as our German liaison and has done most of the planning, ticketing and translations.  Our first group meeting was Monday afternoon- almost everyone had arrived bright eyed and bushy tailed or just slap happy from the travel.  The group ranges from college coaches to club coaches and everything between- all passionate futbol enthusiasts.  We had introductions, outlines of the trip explained and match analysis assignment #1 for our first game, US vs. Korea (Tuesday evening).

The Hennef Sports Center, where we are based, is a training base for the DFB (German Coaching Education) and today was the commencement of the 10 month long pro licensure.  There are 24 candidates sharing the complex with us, all of whom hope to finish in 10 months with the highest coaching license in Germany.  The candidate’s range from form German national team members, professional players, highly regarded youth coaches and two highly decorated women’s players.  We were permitted to observe their first day on the pitch.  Three candidates were to lead a part of a session.  Tomorrow they will sit in the “hot seat” according the director.  This process is intense, thorough, expensive, humbling for many and like I said is a residential 10 month (Monday – Wednesday) program so this is just the beginning.  No pressure at all.

Dinner was served and we all went down for the evening.  Some slept better than others.

Tuesday, June 28

For my players, I woke up at 5:30am this morning and did a KTFitness workout with my roommate, friend and colleague, Jamie Gluck (Haverford Coach). 

Breakfast was at 7am with a 7:30 departure for Dresden.  German food is a friend of mine and I cannot be happier with the food served at the Sports Complex and in general.  Fresh bread and butcher shops are a dime a dozen here.  Part of me feels at home, as I reflect on growing up with German grandparents, eating hard rolls with butter and meats on Saturday breakfasts together.  Muesli is my go to thus far with milk, a bit of honey and plain yogurt.  Delish!

Along the seven-hour drive we crossed into Eastern Europe where up until October 1989 Germans were unable to cross from Western to Eastern and vice versa without going through designated patrolling stations.  A Shell station has taken the place of one of these check points, but towers remain.  We traveled to Dresden in Eastern Germany by way of the Autobahn and had a few bathroom stops along the way.  .70Euros to use the bathroom- that was a surprise.  However, if you purchase something at the rest stop store you receive a .50Euro credit and boy are the rest stop toilets clean.  Dresden has a Roman history with varying architectures mixed in because of the numerous times it was built up and destroyed over the years.  You see everything from Roman architecture to 1970s architecture.

It was announced today in the German newspaper that two of the German’s men’s national team coaches were quite impressed with the play thus far in the World Cup.  One men’s national team player claimed he did not have time to watch the games.  While the women’s game has developed it is no where close to bringing in the money like the Men’s World Cup.  Steffi Jones, (half American, half German) the Head of Organization of the Women’s World Cup announced today she’s absolutely thrilled because they will break even with the Women’s Cup- this was her goal.  Steffi was born by an American soldier, raised in the ghetto of Frankfurt by a single mother and has two brothers.  She grew up on the streets playing the game mostly with boys.  She played pro league in Frankfurt and grew up through the national team, played as a center back for the German national team in 2003 when they first won the world cup.

USA kicks off!  On Tuesday evening our group sat in the first row behind Korea’s bench.  It was if we were connected with the players- literally able to reach a hand out and touch their head as they jogged by.  Nancy Feldman (Boston University Coach) even had words with Healther O’Reily as she was cooling down, “We love you Heather O’Reily”.  Only a few substitutions were made by Pia Sundhage in US’s first game; in fact, Pia chose not to use her third sub and who would it have been… ?  Mitts, Cox, Heath, Rampinoe, Morgan and Linsdey all warmed up (Alex Morgan and Rampinoe were subbed in the second half). Lauren Cheney got a start.  Abby Wambach received Player of the Game, but if it were up to me I think I would have given it to Christie Rampone or Ali Krieger (both play in the back line).

Prosts (Cheers) throughout the evening and much good energy by our North American group.

Wednesday June 29, 2011

According to today’s German newspaper sports section, Korean coach claims that his team did not perform as well as expected because of the fact a few of his players were struck by lightening and have not recovered.  Does this really happen…? And who knew…?  

The German referees were highly regarded in the newspaper article and commended for their performance in the USA vs. Korea specifically for taking back USA’s third goal.  Our entire group thought the third goal was good, but at the end of the day a win is a win and after speaking with media Pia celebrated like I had never seen jogging to her team, high fives and hugs- a happy coach to say the least.  I must admit completing my assignment of match analysis was the worst part of the match.  It’s hard to work and be at the world cup- I’m a far better observer.

This morning we were scheduled to observe the US Women’s team training session and it was amazing.  Note: US bus is the only bus without a country label.  Both New Zealand and England buses were at the training facility and when our bus pulled in there was no country indication on the outside.  Eight women and six staff got off the bus for a post game training session.  The hour session was intense, competitive and began with the basic passing triangle;)

Following the training session Pia Sundhage walked over to our group of eighteen and spent twenty minutes speaking to us about the team, their plan, the session, players’ strengths last night, her decision not to change the back line or use the third substitution.  The underlining theme was discussion what is working for the women, what went well during the game and remaining loyal to her lineup as well as her happiness with the start of the World Cup.  She then asked our group who stood out in the session and how this may impact her upcoming line-ups.  I spoke up and said I thought Lori Lindsey stood out the most- let’s see if Lindsey gets an upcoming start. 

A few things to know about our US Women’s National Team:  Coaches emphasize what is working well, coaches have small group or individual discussions with areas and players needing tweaking, starting line ups given the day before, Pia is so very proud and impressed of how her women carry themselves and represent our country in press conferences and media, they eat all team meals together during this trip, she does not regulate their free time, because of the heat Dawn, the fitness coach, advises them to spend fifteen minutes outside in the sun to adapt, the first two days upon arrival were spent getting over jet leg with sightseeing and the third day they work with the ball, the players that played 90 minutes stayed back at the hotel and spent time in the pool with their fitness coach, after the North Korea game the players that didn’t play more than :15 minutes asked the coaching staff to run the :20min back to the hotel.  The women jogged back through the streets of Dresden to the hotel and along the way Germans cheered them on their victory lap!

Now for the bus ride back.

Trivia for the day: What US National Team player has a brother who played at Earlham under Roy Messer?

Feel free to post your guess.

2011 Recruiting: Where we'll see you...

Seeing as nationwide it’s been a cold winter we look forward to warm weather here in the Midwest.  Nonetheless, the tournaments must go on as will our recruiting!  We wrapped up 2010 recruiting with two rather chilly tournaments: CASL in Raleigh, which as most of you know was snowed out on Sunday and Germantown in Memphis, TN.  We have faith in 2011 the weather gods will be on your side and ours!

Below is a list of upcoming tournaments where either Hillary or myself will be recruiting and we would love to watch you and your club team play as well as say hello.  We encourage you to be in touch as the tournament date approaches so that we are sure to take advantage of watching you play live. 

February 5^th-6^th:     Southeast College Showcase (Knoxville, TN)

February 18^th-21^st:  Earlham College represented at CDL (Tampa, FL)

February 21^st:         Ohio Buckeye Indoor Showcase (Mason, OH)

February 25^th-27^th: Ohio Elite Showcase (West Chester, OH)

March 11^th-12^th:     Ohio Galaxies Showcase (Xenia, OH)

March 12^th-13^th:     Circle City Showcase (Indianapolis, IN)

April 2^nd:                 Earlham’s Prospective One Day Spring Clinic (Richmond, IN)

April 3^rd:                 Earlham’s Prospective One Day Spring Clinic (Richmond, IN)

April 4^th:                  Admitted Students Day for Senior Prospects

April 15^th-17^th:         Adidas Blue Chip Showcase (Oxford, OH)

April 22^nd-24^th:         MSSL Spring College Showcase (Philadelphia, PA)

April 29^th-April 30^th:Crossroads of America Showcase (Carmel, IN)

May 1^st:                     Red Lion Invitational (Indianapolis, IN)

May 27^th-30^th:           PDA & Needham Memorial Day Tournament (Needham, MA)

June 10^th-12^th:           Rocky Mountain Cup and College Showcase (Boulder, CO)

June 19^th-23^rd:           Washington & Lee University Soccer Camp (Lexington, VA)

June 25^th-28^th:            University of Virginia Soccer Camp (Charlottesville, VA)

July 23^rd-26^th:            The Score Showcase at Greensboro (Greensboro, NC)

New Year, New Blog

With 2011 having just gotten underway, we decided it would be a good idea to start a blog for EC Women's Soccer!  We thought this would be the best way to keep everyone up to date on what we've been doing.

This past fall we began play in our new conference, the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference, and we were extremely successful.  We began the season with probably the toughest non-conference schedule we've had in quite some time.  Of the 10 non-conference games we played, 5 of them were against opponents who went to the NCAA Division III National Championships in 2009.  The NCAA National Championship is tournament comprised of essentially the best 64 teams in the nation.  Many of those non-conference teams we faced were also nationally ranked at one time during the season.  Having faced such a tough non-conference the team was extremely prepared going into conference play.  We went 8-1 during regular season conference play and won a share of the conference title.  We were the number one seed in the 4-team conference tournament and hosted Hanover in the first round.  We came away victors and faced Transylvania in the conference tournament finals.  Sadly, we were defeated and Transylvania won the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference automatic bid to the NCAA Division III National Championship Tournament.  However, this team accomplished so much, and had a lot to be proud of.  We finished the season 14-6-1, recording the most wins in a season in school history. Our conference title was the first for Earlham since 1996 and the first ever conference title in a women's sport.  Eight players were recognized with conference honors, with Karman Duchon being named HCAC Offensive Player of the Year and Head Coach Jocelyn Keller being named HCAC Coach of the Year.  We also had 3 players earn NSCAA/NCAA Division III All Great Lakes Region honors.  Albeit the season ended on a sour note, this team is one that will go down in Earlham College history.

After the season ended, the players had the remainder of the semester to relax and recuperate.  Everyone returned to campus on January 10th and the very next week we began our off-season conditioning.  This spring we are without 3 of our 4 juniors who are doing study-abroad programs.  Evelyn Tandy is in Northern Ireland, Kelly Sprague is in Jordan and Holland Rausher is in Spain.  Kate Franks remains on campus leading the Women's Basketball team.  These 3 young women will be having some amazing adventures and as we get updates we'll be sure to pass them along.

Much like in years past, the off-season fitness program is KTFitness.  KTFitness is a female soccer specific workout designed by former collegiate soccer player and current certified personal trainer Katie Morse of Chicago, IL.  KTFitness incorporates body weight exercises such as squats and lunges, agility exercises involving ladders, balance exercises on Bosu and exercise balls and an immense amount of core work.  This is the third year we have been using this program and we have yet to have any season-ending injuries.  Two weeks into KTFitness the team seems to be "feeling the burn" but enjoying themselves.