I write to you out of sadness today because at this very moment, I expected to be playing in our final semi-final game. A win today, would have qualified us for the finals and extended the season two more weeks. The unfortunate truth is that we were a little unlucky in yesterday’s game and after a series of strokes, the scoreboard indicated that Junior FC won by one goal. It’s always hard to lose, especially in stokes, but when it puts an end to a year spent with a group of people, it’s even more disappointing.
After the game, the team stayed at the club and enjoyed a very long lunch together. We sat for 3 hours and talked, knowing that when Tuesday rolls around, we will not get to see each other. It was nice, especially because the restaurant overlooked the Polo field and the club was playing a very important match that day. Polo is a pretty boring game if you don’t know all the rules. But, watching the horses run is a beautiful sight. Additionally, it’s always fun to watch the parents bring their kids all dressed up in their ‘Sunday’s best.” They could not be more adorable. People watching is quite an event sometimes. You never know who you might see!
I am now sitting on the couch enjoying a nice cup of coffee. It’s nice to have a day off to relax and reflect. As disappointed as I am about the lose, I am looking forward to having an exciting and adventurous last few weeks in Spain. My parents will arrive on Wednesday and you can guarantee it will be a busy week. I can’t wait! I also have plans to run around Barcelona with Rachel and Sarah Dawson, who are coming into town for a few days. And, my last adventure will be to fly up to Germany for a few days. I have a very good friend from Heidelberg that I must see before I depart Europe for the summer.
After arriving back in the states, hockey is going to consume my days. We have the National Championships in Virginia Beach in June and then it’s off to host Field Hockey Life summer camps. We still have many slots available for all the camps, so don’t hesitate and send in your registration.
Time to get outside and enjoy this wonderful weather! “Hola” to all in the states and Happy Mother’s Day to everyone!
Best,
Keli #13
Life continues to be busy and exciting here in Barcelona. I have been busy training, coaching, taking Spanish classes, and even finding time to travel with friends.
We are beginning to approach the final few weeks of league play. Only the top 4 teams advance to playoffs and my team is holding on to our 3rd place standing by a thin string. We recently lost a game that was titled an upset against Club Egara and since then, we have proceeded to win by only slight margins. As I mentioned before, our team is stacked with talent but we struggle to connect as a unit. I still have the hope that we will put the pieces together when it matters most.
With four games left in league play, the end of the season is nearing. This also means that summer is approaching the weather is warming. I love this time of year and enjoy spending my time outdoors. Last weekend after our game in the south of Spain, I took a 2 day vacation to Malaga with four teammates. We had a wonderful 48 hours exploring the southern beach city and relaxing in the sun. This city was very different then Barcelona with its relaxed way of life. The people move slower and take the time to smile when you pass them walking.
Malaga, Spain was wonderful, but I am counting the day for our next vacation. The week of Easter is very special here and schools and companies usually give the entire week off. I am fortunate to announce that my club, RC Polo, has given us the week off.
We have booked a four day vacation to the island of Palma de Mallorca. My boyfriend, 5 other friends, and I are flying to the Spanish island and enjoying the sights from land for a day. The next day, we board a sail boat that we rented and we’ll explore the area by sea. I am sure it will be a wonderful experience. With a captain driving and the wish for good weather, my chances of getting sea sick are minimized.
So, whether I am treading water off the coast of an island or kicking hard to simply make the playoffs with my team, I will be sure to write again soon.
Until then, train hard and have fun!
Keli #13
As I wrote to you on the 23rd of Feb., I was feeling a bit tired from spending so many hours traveling. Since my last blog, I can say that my time in the airports has not been minimized.
I had nine days in Barcelona to try and readjust. During the short trip, we played two games. The second match was against the #1 seed in the league, Club de Campo from Madrid. We traveled west to play them on their home turf. It is normally a 5-6 hour drive, but with the low prices of the commuter flights, our club flew us there. I am not sure if they wanted to make the trip more convenient or add to my frequent flier miles. Either way, I was happy to arrive home a few hours earlier, especially because we lost the game. It was a disappointing match because our side played great hockey that day. We had some unfortunate breaks in the circle that allowed them to capitalize on a stroke and a corner making the final score 2-0.
That Sunday, I flew back to Barcelona with my club team. I ran home to pack my bags and grab 5 hours of sleep because it was back to the airport in the A.M. I had to catch a plane to NYC in the morning. I hopped in the taxi as the sun broke over the horizon and looked at my sagging eyes. I had a moment of uncertainty while questioning why I had to get back in a plane. The reality was that I was heading back to my hometown in PA to receive an award; The Adam Smith Award from the Economics Pennsylvania Organization. I was honored to be the recipient! Excited to attend the banquet on Thursday! And, slightly nervous to give a short speech. Nervous? It is no secret that public speaking can give anyone some butterflies, but I was typically pretty calm when asked to speak. The near thought of getting up in front of this crowd gave me some nerves. But, that was the exact reason that I was getting on that plane.
The organization creates educational opportunities for schools to help prepare young people for the ever changing economic world. The opportunity that they provide students is something that I believe in to be so necessary in today’s world. The importance of their work is no secret and that is why so many honorable individuals devote their time to working with EconomicsPA (www.economicsPA.org). For this reason, I was nervous to speak. The room was going to be filled with the likes of Andy Russell (famed Pittsburg Steeler’s Linebacker), Honorable John Gordner (R-27), Honorable Russ Fairchild (R-85), and many others.
The day ended up being wonderful! I was fortunate to meet exceptional individuals, including some of the brightest students and teachers in the region. My family attended and other special people from the community that I otherwise would not have had the time to see on my short trip. You can read more about the awards ceremony at http://www.dailyitem.com/archivesearch/local_story_065003108.html
I am not back in Barcelona, of course via another flight and long day in the airports. But, one thing is for certain, the trip was worth it!
Until next time….
Keli #13
Greetings from Spain. Two weeks have past since I first arrived here and besides my lack of the Spanish language, all is going well so far. This season, I am playing for RC Polo in Barcelona. On paper, the team seems packed with Olympians and extremely skilled individuals. Time will tell how well the team can gel and if we have the potential as a unit to win the title this year.
I have the pleasure of playing with 2 Olympians from Spain and 3 from the German team. It is no secret that our team can score goals with the power of Eileen Hoffmann (Germany), Maike Stoeckel (Germany), and Noria Camon (Spain) up front. We also have an extremely talented midfield and defense, so the league will watch as our team tries to put the pieces together to come out on top.
We train four days a week, in addition to a game every Sunday. It does not sound like a busy schedule, but my time is filling up quickly with Spanish classes and of course, time to enjoy the wonderful cuisine with friends. Amy Tran was in town a week ago to visit and enjoy some downtime since the Olympic Games. It was wonderful to see her again and share many laughs. After spending so much time with my USA teammates since January, it’s very sad to be so far from them everyday. With the help of skype and a busy schedule, time seems to slip by very quickly.
Our season begins this weekend with a game against Atletic Terrassa, a consistently tough competitor. I will write again soon to update you on our results. Also, check back soon, as we plan to fill you in on the whereabout of many USA teammates that are spread across the country and some around the world.
Take care and work hard!
KS #13
It is 10:00 am here in Beijing and this is my final hour in the athlete village. The vans will arrive soon to pick up our luggage and away we will go. Back to “normal” life in the states. Leaving all of this as nothing but a vivid memory.
We have been warned that many athletes experience bouts of depression after the Games and I can certainly understand how that happens! It has been one of the most exciting months of my life. As half of my teammates departed this morning for the west coast, only eight of us still remain. Waiting for our United flight to head back to eastern standard time. I time zone that I have not lived in for quite sometime.
A lonely feeling is sitting in the pit of my stomach, as I already miss many of my friends. My teammates have become my second family and in some ways, they know me better then anyone in my life right now. Some of them have decided to retire from field hockey and others will continue on. One thing is for sure, this group of people was special and as a whole, we will never be the same.
I am excited to return to central PA and see my friends and family back home. The support that I received from everyone has been overwhelming and I can never thank you enough. It is no secret that I would not be here if it weren’t for all of you!
After a brief visit on the east coast, I will head to Barcelona, Spain to play for a club team. It is time that I learn some Spanish and take the year to reflect. I look forward to keeping everyone updated on my field hockey experiences abroad.
I will leave you with just one last photo from the Games. Enjoy and take care!
Keli #13
