Yes, this took a long time to finish (but finishing was never our strong point.....)

I think that I’m finally ready to sum up the trip. What made the Hawaii trip special was the fact that all of us—players, coaches and chaperones—were focused on one thing—enjoying the National Games experience—and that we did it together. What makes team sports great is when the individuals give all that they can toward a collective goal. We knew going in that we would have a tough time competing against the California and Hawaii teams, so we focused our efforts on being the best that we could, on keeping positive, and on having fun. And that is exactly what happened.

If we were to do this again, and maybe we will, my expectation is that all of us would take the preparation more seriously. As a coach, I would demand more regular attendance at practices, more conditioning work, and I would try to make sure we played more games. I expect that the players would take training more seriously, and try to attend more sessions so that we could work on both skills and team play. And I certainly believe that the players would take conditioning more seriously, after seeing what the National Games did to their bodies.

While we did begin to seem like a team before we left—I’d say that the first half of our second game against Greenburgh was a turning point—the trip itself fostered the team spirit beyond anything that happened in Westchester. I credit the girls for buying into the team concept, the family concept, that I preached. The fact that we had so few adults in Hawaii required us to do pretty much everything as a team. From the beginning of this effort, I tried to treat the players as the young women that they are. I always wanted them to have input into our decisions, even if what they wanted wasn’t always what happened, although we did modify our plans regularly based on what the players wanted. And I always explained to them the reasons for the decisions that were ultimately made. I think that this method resulted in a mutual respect that kept our relationship so generally positive.

So, after we had the scrimmage with the two Hawaii teams, I didn’t have to tell the players that they could play better, or that they needed to play better (although I did—but I knew that they knew it, too). Which is why no one complained about the 7:00 a.m. practice on Sunday, even if they were a bit late, or why the team practiced harder, better and smarter than they ever had before. And why the Tuesday practice was just as good.

The girls also realized pretty quickly that the only people that they could rely on were each other, and the few adults who were with them. I think that they also realized that the adults’ focus was on making sure that they had a good time. Every morning, the girls were told what the plan was for the day, including situations where there would be individual or team options, and every evening, the next day’s schedule was discussed, and at bed check, I would go over the important issues for the next day, take comments and answer questions.

Our forced time together, in the vans, on the field, at meals, etc., caused all sorts of groupings to form, and to some extent broke down the pre-existing cliques. We encouraged the girls to have fun, and to appreciate the opportunity that they had in front of them. So, while the 5 games in competition were important, they never were the only thing that we were striving for.

Nevertheless, as I have gone over the trip in my head, I keep coming back to one moment as a favorite. Not the picnic with the Hawaii teams, or the feeling after we tied Diamond Head. Not receiving the Sportsmanship Award or snorkeling. Not swimming at the beautiful beaches or being at Pearl Harbor. Instead, I keep coming back to right before our first game. I knew the girls were excited, not only because the games were finally about to start, and because we were playing Diamond Head, who we had become friendly with, and because we thought we had a chance to win. I sat the girls down, and for probably the first time, they just listened to me. And I told them how proud I was of them, and how this was the moment that we had worked for. And I made it clear that while I wanted to win, that I would not be disappointed if they lost, but only if they didn’t play hard, and play smart.

And after that, the girls went out and played the soccer of their lives. Tying Diamond Head, and improving each game (whether the results showed that or not), playing hurt and stepping up to cover for each other, while staying positive enough to win the Sportsmanship Award is a credit to the character of the young women on the team. Seeing these kids get bandaged before games so that they could play, tossing away crutches and showing me that they could run, icing themselves on the sidelines and playing unfamiliar positions when their teammates were unable to play was really an inspiration.

Most of you probably know that I spent a lot of time trying to figure out lineups in advance so that I could maximize our chances to compete, while making sure that everyone played as much as possible, and that substitutions would go relatively smoothly. However, as a result of injuries, illness, and talents that had previously been hidden, after the first quarter of game 1, this all went by the boards, and we had to improvise. From the 2 sweepers, 3 backs, 4 midfielders and one striker lineup we tried in one game, to having to play our third goalkeeper, to having Geena play “random offense” when we were desperate to score, and numerous other experiments and lineups by necessity, the team, for the most part, did what I asked, when I asked, and rose to the occasion.

After every game, the players walked, limped or were carried off the field with heads held high, proud of their efforts and, I believe, reveling in the realization that they could achieve more than they ever thought.

At our team’s closing dinner, I said that what made this special for me, initially, was that I was able to do it with my daughter, but that I now felt that I had 15 daughters, and I still feel that way. I hope that they all know that I am there for them if they need me, and I would expect that I could rely on them if I needed help.

So, I hope this isn’t the end of this adventure. I expect we will have some team reunions. And while I know that not everyone is playing AYSO this season, I hope that the core of the team will be able to do something as a team again—we will see. I would also hope that you tentatively block out July 4, 2010, and the week after, in case we get a U19G invitation to the National Games in Palm Beach, Florida (at the International Polo Club, no less).

Finally, I wanted to thank all of the parents who made it possible for this special group of girls to become a team, and an ohana, and go on the trip. I want to thank Kate Wall for dealing with the money, a truly thankless job, and to Eugenie Allen, for organizing our team’s concession sales. I want to thank Jim Huvane for his help and counsel, Hossein Fassa for all of the hard work he did as Regional Commissioner to make this happen (much more than I ever did for National Games teams when I was RC) and Peter and Beth Van der Heijden for all that they did to organize things. I’d like to thank my captains, Sarah and Sara (and the rest of you who were team leaders—you know who you are) for helping to keep order, harmony and organization. I want to thank Adam Becker, not only for his astute soccer insights and for helping with the heavy lifting (even with only one good hand), but also for being the team “big brother.” I want to thank Ginger Curran for all that she did to help prepare the team to compete, for her questioning of my strategic decisions, which forced me to really understand what I was trying to do, and especially for dealing with our injured and sick players at the tournament. And finally, I need to thank Katharine, for doing everything that otherwise would have fallen through the cracks, for caring about the girls as much as she did, and for just being her usual amazing self.

Hudson Independent Article

Here is a link to the article about our team in the Hudson Independent:

http://hudsonindy.typepad.com/blog/2008/08/finding-the-alo.html

Katharine's Photographs

More than 400 of Katharine's photos are up on Flickr at:
http://flickr.com/photos/69333708@N00/sets/72157606254763036/

Catch Phrases

Here are a few from the trip--let me know if you have any more:

Shawlett
Hiroooooooooooshi
Alooooooooooooooha
Bust it
Jailbreak
Good job, good job
They have that here?
In the morning?
I'll really miss palm trees
Drop, drop, drop
We play as a team and we lei as a team
We drew hearts on our hands to remember to be compassionate to others
Pull down your shirt
I can play, coach
Have it
Team Silvervan
Switch it
What are we doing for lunch?
What are we doing for dinner?
Where's [Player]? Aimee/Geena is braiding her hair.
A very capable waiter
Magic Japanese pain medication
Don't you know me well enough by now?
Put the B's on their A's
Are the boys coming?
POG
FROM THE WHISTLE GIRLS
c-o-b-r-a-s, c-o-b-r-a-s, c-o-b-r-a-s, We're not the cobras!/gooooooo Shooting Stars!
Breaking the rules again? Sigh.
I'm crying because it hurts, but I'm also crying because I love you guys.
Do you have your breakfast ticket?
Can we go to the ABC store?
I need to go to the first aid tent.
I need to get our ID cards because I forgot to get them yesterday.
Off the balcony
I can say that because we already won the Sportsmanship Award
We out.

Pictures from July 14

Charlotte, Anna, our capable waitress, and Adam at Eggs 'n Things.

July 14-15--It Is All A Blur

It has been a blur. I know that most of the girls are back home, or with their parents, but knowing the girls, I figure it doesn't hurt for me to give some details of our last couple of days.

Our last day in Hawaii started early for some of us. Susie and Hannah were off to Australia, with Susie's family, and they were leaving for the airport at 6:30 am. Most of the girls hadn't slept much, as they tried to keep the bonding going, so we bid farewell to two Shooting Stars. At 9, we said goodbye to Zoe, who was leaving for the airport at 9:15 with her family for a tour of Asia. Then, we went for breakfast at Eggs 'n Things, where our capable waitress, Anna, took great care of us. Breakfast was delicious and filling.

The team then returned to the hotel for final packing and room cleaning (don't ask). Our luggage was picked up at 11:45 and we checked out of the hotel. We loaded up 2 of the vans, without Kayla, whose family was checking out of our hotel and moving to another one for a few more days in Hawaii, and went to Hilo Hattie's, a famous Hawaiian souvenir shop. After buying a bunch of things, we moved to the Ala Moana Mall for more shopping and lunch. Since we had no hotel to return to, we figured that this was the thing to do, rather than get messy at the beach.

We shopped as long as we could, then returned to the hotel, where all of our luggage, and most of the other Tarrytown players, were waiting. We stuffed our new things into our bags and waited for the luggage truck and then the bus (but not TheBus) that took us to the airport. It is fair to say that no one was happy at this point, as our Hawaiian adventure was nearing an end.

The airport checkin went smoothly, and our flight to LA was quiet--I think most of us slept some during the flight. There was a short layover in the LAX, where we said goodbye to Sara Rod., who was staying in LA with her aunt. So we were down to 10 girls, me, Katharine and Adam. The flight to Newark was crowded, and again, I think most people slept. There were some bumps before we landed, but when we finally did, our luggage came pretty fast, and the buses arrived not long after. As most of you know, we got to John Paulding at about 5:30, where we said our last goodbyes, and headed home.

I'm still not ready to sum this trip up. but I will say one thing--this team is not done.

Pictures from July 13

A few of our places

The Hotel--The Doubletree Alana

The Cheeseburger Place: Fort DeRussy Military Recreation Area--The Crucible Where Our Team Was Forged:

The ABC Store--for everything Eggs 'n Things--for Eggs and Things

Fifth Floor Hallway--strangely without soccer players sitting in it

At Hanauma Bay

Don't we look debonaire?

The Bay
At the Pool

Meg Waits To Receive the Sportsmanship Award


We receive our awards, with people in cow suits:

Representing New York

We ate well at Maple Gardens


Coach makes allegedly touching and humorous remarks

The Captains think of stuff to say

A better picture of the Captains:
Group Hug. In accordance with Safe Haven.

July 13-All Good Things Must Come To An End

It is hard to believe that this is likely my last post from Hawaii. I will probably have a few follow ups after we get back, but eventually, the barrage of emails will slow, then cease. Probably, much to your relief.

We got up a little bit earlier than the girls wanted to go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, a nature preserve that is the place to go snorkeling around here. Only 9 of the girls wanted to go, so we loaded up 2 vans and headed east. The bay is incredibly beautiful, and we watched a brief educational video before walking down the hill to the water. We rented our gear and without waiting, waded into the water. There is a huge area that never gets more than chest deep (at least on me), and much of it is waist deep. Once we all got comfortable with the gear, it was off to see fish. We floated around for about an hour and a half and saw abundant sea life. Lots of big and little fish (that is their scientific name), all over the place. No one really wanted to leave, but we had to, so we grabbed some food and ate in the vans on the way back to the hotel.

After a quick change, and a reunion with the rest of the team, we "busted it" out to the fields, where the playoff rounds were still going on. It was much quieter there then it was during pool play. We received our Sportsmanship medals on a podium, with a couple of people in cow suits (Meadow Gold Dairy is the main sponsor of the National Games) and received the adoration of the crowd for our remarkable sportsmanshipness.

Then, back to the hotel for relaxation, packing, the pool, or whatever, until dinner time.

We had reserved a private room at a local Chinese Restaurant, Maple Gardens (which still sounds to me like a hockey arena). The food was plentiful and delicious, and we had very capable waiters. After we ate, I took my last opportunity to address the whole team, and make a few remarks. I handed out gifts to all from the coaches, Katharine and AYSO, some serious, some not. Then, our captains addressed the team, and after making some poignant general remarks, they made positive and funny comments about all of their teammates, chaperones and coaches. Their good humor and grace reminded me of why I enjoy their company so much.

After dinner, it was back to the hotel. The kids are hanging in the hallway, socializing and enjoying themselves, although, I am about to do bed check and send them to bed.

Hannah and Susie leave early tomorrow for Australia, and Zoe leaves a couple of hours later for Tokyo. So, the 2008 Shooting Stars will be breaking up. The rest of us will have the big breakfast from Eggs n' Things, check out of the hotel and spend the rest of the day shopping until we are picked up at 5:45 pm for the trip to the airport, without Kayla and Ginger, who will be staying a few extra days. Sara Rod. leaves us in LA, so our diminished band will return on Tuesday.

I don't think I want to sum up the trip now. It is too soon, and I need a bit of time to get perspective. This trip has been everything that I was told it would be, and, at the same time, totally different. And if that makes sense to you, then maybe you were here.

Lots of pix will be up on the blog at some point.

Mahalo

Captain's Post 3

Aloha everyone!
It is 10 pm on our last night in Hawaii and I think it is safe to say that nobody is ready to leave. This has been an amazing experience for everyone involved, despite the many ups and downs. There was definitely some fighting and some crazy stuff going on, but it's all part of becoming an ohana and we know we are stronger for it. Our team has come such a long way since we all first got together last fall. We obviously had some difficult times and disappointment on the field, but we pushed through it and grew a lot as a team.

Life is not going to be the same after this trip. Some of us were talking in our room last night about how we don't think we are going to be able to function without each other. Every single person on this team has become a part of one another and we share so many memories and good times.

Today was our last full day and we had a blast. About half of the team went snorkeling this morning at Hanauma Bay and it was incredible. We saw so many beautiful fish and coral and everyone who went had so much fun. We had lunch at an awesome salad and hamburger place and then returned to the fields one last time to pick up our sportsmanship awards. We got nice shiny medals and some other cool gizmos from the sponsors.

We then came back to our hotel and rested for a while and then went out to our last team dinner. Jordan gave us each individual gifts which were both funny and meaningful and a few of the girls were even crying. Then us two captains talked for a while and said something about every girl (and adam). We ended with a huge group hug and a lot of tears.

Everyone on the team deserves to be so proud of themselves because we have all come so far. We will never forget the Shooting Stars.

We out.
Sarah and Sara

Pictures from July 12

Our regular hangout at the fields

View of Diamond Head from the beach

At the Old Spaghetti Factory

Coach and Mrs. Coach

Placemat Art

Goofing around

July 12-We Will Be Bringing Home Hardware

So, the National Games are essentially over for us. Hard to believe. We made it out to the fields and set up. It became kind of routine. 14 of the girls were able to play in the last game--unfortunately, Meg's ankle was too sore to play. We knew that North Hawaii was a strong team, and I told the girls that this was their last chance to win and to score a goal. Also, I knew going in that we were leading in sportsmanship points, and made it clear that we needed to be positive and sportsmanlike in order to win that award.

I spent countless hours over the past month working out lineups and rotations, but between injuries, and things that I saw here, the lineup that took the field was nothing like the ones I thought I would use.

Our girls played their hearts out. There is a cliche in sports about leaving everything on the field, and this team really did. The quality of play, the decisionmaking and the courage of this team was unbelievable. However, when faced with a much stronger, battle tested team such as North Hawaii, we had no chance to win. The game ended 5-0, but our girls walked off the field feeling like they had achieved an enormous amount. I think that many of them found things inside them that they didn't know existed.

After the game, we watched our U16B team lose to Ontario, CA, taking them out of any chance to advance to the next round.

And we waited for the sportsmanship results. The team was justifiably proud of their victory. It is easy to be upbeat and positive when you are winning, but how great is it that they could be that way when they were getting pummeled and hurt?

After the boys' game was over, we returned to the hotel, had lunch, and about half the team went to the beach for a while.

Then a dip in the pool.

Then dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory, which was fun and delicious.

Tomorrow is our last full day in Hawaii. We will try to snorkel in the morning. Then, we need to go back to the fields to receive our sportsmanship awards. We are planning a final dinner at a Chinese restaurant, and then, I guess, we need to pack.

By the way, this team wants to stay together and is already planning for West Palm Beach in 2010. Who am I to say that it won't happen.

Pictures from July 11

Mililani Game

Yeah, that's a rainbow.

July 11-Some Trouble In Paradise

This was in many ways a very tough day. Our sidelined players, except for Sarah, were all ready to play, as best they could, when we took the field against a strong Mililani, HI team--from right up the highway from the soccer park. They were as good as advertised, and we had trouble keeping up--although the team never gave anything less than the maximum effort. We even tried a new formation--5-4-1, to protect Geena's sore leg, and to try to keep the game close. It didn't work. We lost 6-0. Despite that, I think that the team continued to improve. Unfortunately, during the game, Geena had to leave and was taken to the hospital for observation. She is OK. Our other players with minor knocks did the best they could.

After the game, we had to wait until 5:15 for the next game, so we tried to take the team to a typical Hawaiian fast food joint--L&L Hawaiian BBQ. They had various varieties of the "plate lunch", usually meat, fish or veggies, with rice and macaroni salad. We saw the local teams eating this every day, and I thought that the kids would find it fun. NOT. Instead all of the traveling party whose name was not Becker or Swibold opted for fast food Chinese at Panda Express--just like the one at the Palisades Mall. Our plate lunches were delicious, and I teased all of the players for being scared. They didn't care.

We returned to the fields to set up our new canopy (the one we originally got when we arrived blew over yesterday and broke) at the field where our second game was to be played. Unfortunately, another player needed to be taken to the hospital (her parents will be called in the morning, so I can't give more info now). She is also OK.

As the afternoon went on, the girls watched our U16B team win a game, and then they relaxed, chatted with, yes, some of the Diamond Head girls, and kicked a ball around. Some iced their sore legs and wrapped their ankles.

I found out that our next opponent, Santa Barbara, had not won a game, so I thought that we had a chance for victory--or at least a goal. Even without Geena and our other missing player, we were dominant in the first quarter, but could not score--but they did, against the run of play. As the game went on, we continued to play well, even when Sarah had to leave the game, yet Santa Barbara kept playing better as we tired and weakened. We lost, 4-0.

After a brief team meeting, we returned to the hotel, to order in Pizza Hut, and went to bed.

Tomorrow, believe it or not, the National Games will be over for us. We play a tough North Hawaii squad at 9:15, and since we have no chance to move on to the next round, we are done playing--soccer that is. More fun is expected to follow, before we leave for home on Monday night. I should also mention that it appeared that, after the first day, we were in a close second place for the sportsmanship award. Not sure where we stand after today, though--it hasn't been posted yet.

I feel like I need to say again that your daughters are remarkable young women in so many ways. I wish you were all here to see how amazing each of them is.

Pictures from July 10

Kayla makes a decision:

Layla makes her move

Tough D

Coaches Jordan and Preston are happy

Friends again

Trying to move upfield

Throw in

Today's pix courtesy of Martin Wilson.

July 10-Let the Games Begin

This was quite a day in so many ways. Everyone was so excited today to actually get started. As you know, we have been managing expectations because we knew that the competition would be fierce, and because we understood that our team has limitations. Nevertheless, we have had some strong practices, and as I said yesterday, soccerfest made it clear that we could compete.

We got to the fields early, set up our canopy and began to prepare for our first game against our new friends from Diamond Head. I told the girls that they needed to give a maximum effort, from the opening whistle, if we were to have any chance. We came out hot, firing on all cylinders, and knocked the Diamond Head team back on its heels. But we could not score. After the first quarter, the game seesawed back and forth, with both teams getting some chances, but not scoring. Charlotte was awesome in goal, and made a number of amazing saves. Geena anchored the defense, which played wonderfully. The entire team possessed the ball and passed and cut with surprising aplomb. At one point, Adam said to me--"who are these people wearing our uniforms?" Late in the game, Diamond Head put on pressure, and we held on for a 0-0 tie. So, yes, we got points at the National Games. This was, without a doubt, the best I have seen this team play.

After the game, we took a joint picture with the Diamond Head team, which you can see in the blog. But all was not great. Sarah needed medical attention for her breathing issues, and Adam needed to get his wrist x-rayed from yesterday's injury, so Katharine took them to a medical clinic. We are still waiting for Adam's results, and for more info on Sarah. In fact, our team, like many in the tournament, is suffering from a number of sprains, strains and bruises. This is clearly the most intense tournament that most of these players have ever participated in. In fact, it is unclear who will be able to play tomorrow, but we hope for a full roster.

Between games, the girls watched our U16B team beat Diamond Head 1-0, and had lunch, and explored the National Games site. The excitement built as we prepared for our second game, against Central Torrance, the birthplace of AYSO. The girls were confident that they could do at least as well as they did against Diamond Head. But it was not to be. Torrance played beautiful soccer, passing and moving the ball with ease. We were quickly playing desperation soccer, clearing the ball away from goal, and not being able to get much rhythm. A number of our players needed to sit out some or all of the game with injuries, resulting in a jury-rigged lineup, that, nevertheless, played hard and well. Although we were ultimately able to get some flow to our game, Torrance was just too much, and we lost 5-0. Again, Charlotte was amazing in goal, making great saves. Kudos also to Susie for some amazing defense, and to Kayla for singlehandedly getting the ball up field and giving us chances. It was a courageous performance by our team, out classed and undermanned, but still playing hard until the final bell.

We limped back to the hotel, Katharine, Adam, Hannah and I went to dinner with Katharine's friend and her family (the ones with the great beach house) at their regular house in the hills above Honolulu. Great view. The girls dined at the Cheesburger Waikiki around the corner and returned to the hotel for a well deserved rest.

I have to tell you that this is one tough bunch of girls. All of the injured players insisted at bed check that they would play tomorrow. They have pulled together as a team and are really a sight to see.

Tomorrow, we play the fearsome (or so we hear) Mililani team at 11, and Santa Barbara at 5:15. Wish us luck.

Pictures from July 9

Scenes from Soccerfest:

No, that isn't one of your daughters hogging the camera, it is Kapua, from the Diamond Head team.

Yeah, this is fun!!

Watching Adam play:

Resplendent in their Soccerfest jerseys:

July 9--Soccer Breaks Out

Today, we played soccer. It was Soccerfest, a wonderful AYSO tradition where the teams are scrambled and the kids play 2 short games with new teammates before the competition begins. We pitched our canopy at the team formation site and the somewhat chaotic process created 10 teams, all given new, and in some cases, garish uniforms. Ginger served as our head coach today, and I think she had fun trying to learn everyone's name, create lineups and substitution patterns and generally keep track of the craziness. This also gave me a chance to walk around and watch our players perform with their talented new teammates. I saw some great stuff, and I think that the girls not only made new friends, but got new confidence in their ability to compete. The only person in our group to score a goal today, though, was Adam, playing in the U19 division. And Katharine and I, and most of the girls, were there to see it and cheer him on, in appreciation for all that he has been doing--and will continue to do this week.

We have continued to be friends with the girls from Diamond Head, who have hung out with us under our canopy and around the fields.

It was a hot day, and we made sure the girls drank plenty of water and applied lots of sunscreen.

After Adam's last game, we cleared our area and rushed back to the hotel for a quick change and turnaround to the Hawaiian Waters water park for the "Youth Event". The place was packed, and some of the girls had a blast in the wave pool and on the other rides. Others were less impressed, but it was fun seeing the new Soccerfest friends, and, of course, the Diamond Head girls.

We got back about 10, because we have a game at 9:15 tomorrow. Considering the terrible Honolulu traffic, we will be leaving for the fields at 7:15. Our first game is against our Diamond Head buddies, and we play at 2:15 against Central Torrance.

Our girls have great spirit and think that they can win tomorrow, and I refuse to disagree. But I have told them that I will only be disappointed in them if they don't give a great effort. What happens in the game is less important than them knowing that they did their best.

Pictures from July 8

Scenes from the Opening Ceremony

July 8--Opening Ceremony

Another fun filled and action packed day here in Hawaii. We started early--at 7:30--with a spirited practice at the field across the street. I have seen amazing progress over the past few days and I hope that it carries through to the games.

We then treated the girls to a full breakfast (not just the pretty good continental breakfast we have been having at the hotel) at a local landmark around the corner from the hotel, Eggs & Things. We had eggs, and things. In large quantities.

After breakfast, the team went to the nearest beach for a swim and some more beach time. And yes, they are wearing sunscreen, although the sun is so strong that some of the girls are getting a bit of sunburn anyway.

It was a quick lunch, then back to the hotel for showers and changing into uniforms to go to the opening ceremonies. We headed out to the fields, ran into bad traffic, and finally arrived at the fields, which are beautiful, and spent a bit too much time waiting around. We met kids from other regions, traded pins and waited. Finally, we marched into the stadium with all of the other teams. It was fun to walk into a crowded stadium, with people cheering.

The National Games provided some more Polynesian style entertainment and fireworks.

Then, we crawled out (great field complex, not enough roads), and ordered pizza. Which we are waiting for.

Tomorrow is Soccerfest and the youth event at a water park.

Pictures will be up on the blog soon. Most of today's pictures are by Hannah (except for the one of the team sitting on the field, which I took.)

Actual soccer gets played tomorrow!!!

Pictures From July 7

The Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor:



The ruins of the Arizona:

The team at the Arizona Memorial:

At the luau, our dinner, or part of it, at least, is prepared:

The fire twirling guy:

By the way, all of the pictures that I have posted so far, and those above, were taken by Adam.

July 7--Not So Much Soccer Today

Well, after two amazing days, an only great day almost seems like a disappointment. And yet, it was still a great day.

We started with an early breakfast and a trip to the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. We were lucky that we had arranged to have a group admission, allowing us to not only jump the long line, but have a talk by an educational specialist, who was clearly not a tour guide (at least, he made that clear to me). After the talk, we saw an interesting movie about the Pearl Harbor attack, including Japanese film footage of the bombing. Then we took the boat out to the Arizona Memorial. While I think that this may have bored some of the girls, most of them seemed interested, even moved, by the visit.

Then, the plan was to visit the field complex where we will be playing the Games, then grab lunch, make a quick trip to Wal-mart for supplies and souvenirs, then check in at registration. So, somethings don't go as planned.

Apparently they have changed the road numbers here since the map I was using was printed, so we got lost. Then, we finally found the fields, which are massive, beautiful and well maintained. Just like WI Lower.

We did hit Wal-Mart, and the mall food court for lunch (my thai food was quite delicious, actually). Then, we went to team check in, which took forever, requiring us to rush back, change w/o showering and go to the luau, which was a 5 minute walk from the hotel. The luau was about what you'd expect. Cheesy entertainment--although the fire twirling guy was great, but the food was good (at least I thought so).

Some of the kids walked on the beach afterwards, but most came back, and a few had a quick swim.

So, lots of fun, if a bit hectic. Tomorrow--practice, snorkeling (probably), and opening ceremonies. Let the games begin.

July 6-The Aloha Spirit Blesses Us Again

I had the girls up early for a 7 am practice. There is a large field across the street from the hotel that is part of a military recreation facility, and they don't seem to care if we use it. The team gave me a spirited practice and worked hard for an hour and a half. Which was followed by showers and breakfast.

We loaded up the vans and hit the road at about 10:30 for an around the island tour. Katharine's college friend Carol grew up in Hawaii and her father had sent us his suggested tour, which we modified a bit. The first stop was the Pali Lookout, a gorgeous spot up in the mountains with an amazing view. It is where King Kameameha won a battle to consolidate his control over Hawaii.

From there, we visited the Byodo-In Buddhist temple, a replica of one in Japan and enjoyed the beautiful building and setting, the koi pond and the large Buddah.

We then drove through interesting scenery and great sea views until we stopped for lunch in a small town, Hauula. There were two places open, next to each other, a Domino's pizza and Papa Ole's, which served local food. Most of the group opted for pizza, but those of us who risked the local food were rewarded with a great, and reasonably priced, meal. And to top it off, apparently because I told them we were a group from NY, the owner gave us a sheet pan full of some of the best banana bread I ever ate as a gift. The aloha spirit blessed us again.

A few more miles down the coast, was the beach house of Katharine's friend Carol's family. We pulled into the driveway and in about 5 minutes were on an essentially private beach with small waves. We all jumped in and the kids used Carol's familiy's boogie boards and had an amazing time, which ended with a little soccer on the front lawn.

We reluctantly left Carol and her husband Peter and continued to head around Oahu. We passed beaches famous for surfers and sea turtles, but neither beach had anything to see, so we continued to the quaint town of Haleiwa, and visited Matsumoto's, universally considered the best "shave ice" place in Oahu. We braved the line for delicious snow cones with flavored syrup. Mine was watermelon, honeydew and banana cream, and was delicious.

By then, we were all exhausted, so we drove straight back to the hotel, through pineapple fields and other great scenery. After another round of showers, we went a few blocks down Ala Moana Road to the Wailana Coffee House, which did not blink at our large party and assigned us a very capable waiter. The Wailana is basically a diner, but one that has kimchi and seaweed in the salad bar. A bunch of the kids had pancakes.

The camaraderie and bonding among the girls has been fun to watch. The car rides have been hilarious.

Tomorrow, we have a visit to Pearl Harbor, team check in and a luau.

Captain's Post 2

From Sara Rod.

Hey parents, Today we started off with an early practice, everyone was still jet lagged but we pulled through it. After we all showered and ate breakfast we went on a island tour, we saw beautiful landscapes such as mountains and amazing beaches. We went to a Buddhist temple which is made without nails!!! In the temple was a giant Buddha and many fish. Then we went to a beautiful beach house which was amazing, the water was hotter and the waves were bigger then the beach we went to yesterday. We were all beat from the beach so we decided we would get shaved ice(it was awesome). Then we headed to the hotel and got ready for dinner. It was a fun day =D!

Pictures from July 6

Apparently bees are a problem at the Pali Overlook



View from the Pali Overlook:


At the Pali Overlook:

Thanks for the bags, Hossein:


The Byodo-In Temple:

On the semi-private beach:



Car ride hijinks:

Dramatic scenery on the way to the hotel: