Camp Closing and (Delayed) Return to "Real Life"

The USA WNT winter camp is officially done, however not all players and staff are done with their journeys home. Some had delayed flights, some had flights get cancelled, some got stuck in airports along the east coast, some stayed in a hotel last night watching Gator Boys and Finding Bigfoot, and at least one has to stay in Florida an extra three days. Though the trip home, for some, has been less than ideal, our journey this past week was one full of progress, intensity, camaraderie, and learning. 

Camp ended on a high note--with a match that demonstrated a high level of progress made and learning done since the initial scrimmage at the beginning of camp. Play in the second scrimmage was much cleaner and more intense than in the first, despite players spending three days, between the two scrimmages beating the crap out of each other. This was a testament to the malleability and excellent physical condition of the players. Though we, the players, were very pleased with the outcome of camp, we know we are only entering the trailhead on our journey up a mountain. 

We discussed our World Cup journey several times during camp and made plans to continue our progress and hold each other accountable during that journey (plans that we outlined on the lovely makeshift whiteboard you see in the picture). I feel really good about the foundation we've built and the steady footing everyone seems to have at this point. I also feel very fortunate to be a part of this program. We are already cogs in what has become a great machine, and we have the potential to be even greater. We have the potential to do things that some people try and fail to do, some people only dream of doing, and still the great majority are afraid to even think about doing--we have the potential to be the best at something--and I'm excited about that.