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

Keli Smith (RC Polo de Barcelona) fights for the ball against Carla Rebecchi (Club de Campo, Madrid)

Hockey has been keeping me active, but our revolving door of guests has been keeping me busy.   Fortunately for us, many friends and family have made the trip across the ocean to visit.  With visitors, comes travel and lots of sightseeing.  Our trip to Mallorca was amazing.  The seven friends survived the small boat quarters and had a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  The boat’s captain taught us the basics of sailing.  The views from the water and the deserted islands that we explored were something that words cannot describe.  I will be certain to post some pictures soon.

Besides entertaining, playing hockey, and coaching my team, I am also getting prepared to move back to America in June.  It is unbelievable that the summer is quickly arriving.  The change of season also means that it’s CAMP TIME.   We still have slots available for each camp.  The deadlines are approaching, so send in your registration form or contact us to reserve a spot.  We want to see you guys this summer and share our hockey life. 

It is time to hit the gym.  I will write again soon and in the meantime, enjoy the warm weather.

All the best,

Keli #13

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

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

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

After landing into Philadelphia International Airport on August 23, I could not wait for my head to hit the Marriott pillow.  It was my first night in an American hotel, but there was many more nights like this to follow. 

The alarm soon sounded and it was time to get up because Junior FC was flying in from Barcelona that afternoon and I wanted to make sure we had everything organized.  I was excited to tour around the U-18 club team for the next ten days.  We would see Washington DC, Philadelphia, and end with 5 days in New York City. 

Our first stop was Bethesda, MD where we would stay for the next few nights.  The time in the DC metro area was packed with lots of hockey, sightseeing, and of course, great meals.  We played the University of Maryland, Georgetown University, and American University.  It was fascinating to watch the eyes of each player as we toured around the campuses.  They were in amazement at the enormity of the school’s athletic facilities, dormitories, and mainly the cafeterias.  They have never seen so much food in one room in their lives.  A common phrase often slipped through the lips of each girl, “this is like the movies!”

Much fun was had in Washington DC as the team was split into groups and sent off for a treasure hunt around the White House and monuments.  Pictures were taken and the staff would evaluate the photos and decide on the ultimate champion.  The kids were exhausted from chasing the prize and we were awarded a great laugh just peaking at their pictures.

No rest for the weary!  It was off to Philadelphia to take a look at Constitution Hall, the Liberty Bell, and of course, more hockey games!  We played Drexel University upon arrival and at Temple the next day.  The Temple hockey team gave us a wonderful tour of the city.  It was nice for the two teams to interact and great for the Spanish players to learn about the city from “the locals.”  The next day, we would make a pit stop at the Philadelphia outlets so the players could spend their dollars wisely with the hopes of topping off the shopping in New York City.  

Our next five days were more then the group could imagine.  It was all smiles as they won the Big Apple Hockey Tournament (granting them a $5,000 check), explored nearly every inch of Manhattan, and took their first ever Limo ride through the Big Apple.  It was an exhausting trip for me, but worth every minute of it to watch the excitement on their faces.

What can I say?……it’s time for some rest!  Until next time, Take care!

Keli #13

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

One morning, I woke-up and started my normal a.m. routine.  I turned on the coffee pot and changed the television to the Today Show.  In a moment’s time, it dawned on me!  I might get to meet Matt and Meredith.  I grew up watching the Today Show every morning with my Mom.  Therefore, I knew that during Olympics they broadcast from the hosting city.   In a weird way, I associated the Games with the Today Show.

I had since put the idea of meeting the show’s crew in the back of my mind.  Until Sunday’s practice when Tiki Barber showed up to hangout.  He walked onto the pitch, with the cameramen in toe.  Mr. Barber stayed the entire practice, collected balls, and even threw football with the coaching staff while we warmed down.   For something that would have seemed so exciting a short while ago, it was all too normal that afternoon.  He was soft spoken and blended in like part of the staff. 

As we departed on the bus, I remember thinking that it was cool to meet him and unfortunate that I did not have my camera.  But, back in the village just minutes later, something more unexpected happened!  I met Meredith Vieira in the doorway to my apartment.  There she stood just waiting for the elevator as I walked in with my stick bag in hand.  I did a double take, and then pinched myself to see if I was dreaming.  By the time I woke-up, the elevator door was closing and all I could do was wave good-bye.

As much as I wanted to wait for her to come back down, I restrained myself.  I jumped into the shower and joined a few teammates for a little game of wiffle ball in the front lawn. 

It was strike 2 with only 1 out, when she walked out the front door and yelled, “I am up next.”  I do not think I could pick my jaw off the freshly cut grass as Meredith Vieira swung the bat, hit the ball, and started running the bases in her three inch heals.  As she rounded second base, she flung the stilettos off her feet so she could get to home plate without causing an out.  It was going to be close, so she dove into home without getting grass stains on her white linen top. 

I know that it sounds like I am writing a bad fiction book, but I swear to you that is the truth.  Meredith Vieira came to interview an athlete on the sixth floor of my building and stopped to play wiffle ball, have a quick chat, and tell us how proud our country is of the American athletes. 

I have always loved the Today Show, but now I have a deeper admiration for the program and the people that NBC hires to be in front of their cameras.  If it is not your program of choice, it’s ok.  But, on Thursday morning you might want to tune in.  Tiki Barber will be interviewing our own Tiki (Kate) Barber.  And, our entire team will be on the Today Show, with a special interview with our captain. 

From China to the USA, I hope you have a wonderful “Today”

Keli #13