EmpoweringSoccer Newsletter: June 1st, 2011 Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 1 Empowering Soccer Newsletter

“Investing in Her Dream”

www.empoweringsoccer.com Welcome to Empowering Soccer (ES)

Empowering Soccer, LLC is a grassroots organization that was created to help raise awareness surrounding professional women‟s soccer while providing youth soccer clubs and girls the chance to experience and benefit from ES athletes, ES coaches, and other professional opportunities (mental and life skill training, nutrition, etc.). The team at Empowering Soccer wants to bring unique professional experiences into youth soccer clubs and therefore the ES team creates individual “packages” that match the needs of each club. Workshops, keynote addresses, meet and greets, autograph sessions, World Cup Game Day Experiences are all examples of what ES can bring to young girls and female teams.

ES Athletes and ES Coaches are comprised of former and current USA National team and professional women‟s soccer players, Olympic and World Cup Champions as well as professional women‟s soccer and NCAA Champions. They know how important female role models are to the youth players today and want to share their insight and expertise with the future players of tomorrow. Page 2

What’s new at Empowering Soccer?

Who is new to the ES family? (Bios on www.empoweringsoccer.com)

PLAYERS

Jordan Angeli (Boston Breakers) Karen Bardsley (NJ Sky Blue FC) Val Henderson (Philadelphia Independence) Beverly Goebel (Western NY Flash) Nikki Cross (Boston Breakers) LeighAnn Robinson (Philadelphia Independence) Kia McNeil (Philadelphia Independence) Danielle Johnson (NJ Sky Blue FC) Brittany Bock (Western NY Flash) Ali Riley (Western NY Flash) Christine Sinclair (Western NY Flash) Kiersten Dalstream (Boston Breakers) STAFF Erin Mikula (Consultant) Bonnie Young (Consultant) Sam Clark (Consultant)

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ES World Cup Game Day Experiences

Join an ES Player as they conduct a Q & A during a live Women‟s World Cup match this summer. Discussions will revolve around the following topics: -Mental preparations -Physical preparations -Game-Day routines -Locker room talk -Managing Pressures WWC Game Day Experiences will also include pictures and autographs with ES Athlete.

ES World Cup Game Day Viewing Parties

Empowering Soccer and Buffalo Wild Wings would like to make you a part of Empowering Soccer‟s World Cup Game Day Viewing Parties. These parties let you enjoy the USA World Cup games on multiple big screens in the comfort of your neighborhood Buffalo Wild Wings.

Are you interested in providing your players or club with a once in a life- time experience? If so, then please contact Jen Plante either by email [email protected] or by phone at 614-804-9646

ES would like to thank Eurosport for providing gift cards to all participants as well as their latest catalog.

ES would also like to thank Blackberry for providing us playbook tablets to aid in documenting our events. Page 4

VAL HENDERSON, GK for another girl in camp, sitting across from me, shoveling pasta as she told us about her brothers and her family, Philadelphia Independence acting out every story with ridiculous facial expressions and voices. (Then later having tooth-brushing contests before bed- who can create the most foam).

All of us away from home, we were forced to stick together. So together we learned to adapt to different styles of play and different staff, worked on being coach -able and resilient, fought to excel outside of our

comfort zones. We didn‟t know everything that was to come, but we were excited. And now here I was at Olive Garden, just turned 25 and

meeting these girls who have their whole soccer lives Empowering Soccer ahead of them. The organization that had brought the Independence We walked into the Olive Garden in Wilmington, players is called Empowering Soccer. A new and Delaware, and no one batted an eye. The room was quickly growing company, ES‟s goal is to spread soccer buzzing with 14 year-old Region I soccer players, all awareness and excitement in the hopes of creating a enjoying their last dinner together after a 3-day camp, soccer-loving country and a lasting women‟s almost too busy to notice four pro soccer players. professional league. With the professional womens Kia McNeil, Leigh Ann Robinson, Lauren Fowlkes and I clubs on board and the involvement of several pros, the had come down to meet the girls, talk about our soccer company is able to provide a unique experience to experiences, and answer any questions they might players and fans and use some creative ways to do have. But first we got to sit down and get friendly over exactly what their title suggests: empower soccer. some breadsticks and bottomless salads. This time the method was giving the youth players I found a seat with three cheerful girls, all talking a mile some face time with the pros, or as the website a minute about the fun they‟d had in camp. They asked promises: “connecting the players of today with those of me funny questions like: “Have you ever been in an tomorrow.” earthquake? Is it scary?” But for the most part they www.valeriehenderson.com were excited to tell me about their week, their family, where they come from, where they‟re heading. Inviting each other to their houses. You have to come!

The most amazing part for me is that this is a snapshot of me 10 years ago. I played for region IV (West coast instead of East), but the idea was the same: excited soccer players all thrown into a training camp, thrust upon their soon to be lifelong friends from around the neighboring states and eventually around the country.

I re-lived meeting Chioma Igwe for the first time. She went on to play 4 years of Division 1 soccer and 3 years of professional (so far), but back then she was just Page 5

morning to the facility with a mindset ready to put in work. On **Monday’s with McCall** Thursday, we showed up to the facility for work, but instead we got to play a little :) The Buffalo Bills had an off-season training camp last week and were training at our indoor complex. So when we Monday, May 30th, 2011 arrived in the morning and they were on our field... we took 'em on! We played soccer with the Bills, it was soo entertaining. We were trying to teach them a few things and we were in awe of their natural athleticism. (They're quick learners) It was awesome to get to know No0o0oo. Could it be?!? Another week together?? them and feel a sense of pride that we together, will represent Woohooo! Yall make me :) I so love you people! Every day I do my professional sports in the WNY area. They're a great group of guys best to GIVE LOVE because afterall, everybody just wants to be and it was nice to know that even though they are excellent with loved! I hope yall realize the power of Your love that you can share their hands.. they still can't save our PK's :-P each day :) Let's kick off this week, right now, by being kind and affectionate to those around us. Ok done dealio. We had another fabulous week of preparation and fun. The Allllrighty, I gotta tone here is so positive and determined for greatness that we just be honest with you I continue to build each and every week. Of course we are faced with kinda feel like a new challenges and situations, but we handle it as a unit and martian right now. maintain a successful environment. We arrived home here in Western New We made a mid-week trade with Atlanta last week, which was York this morning around 5am from tough to handle. Both Parker and Sitch were a part of this family and our roadtrip back it's difficult to watch those two awesome individuals go. I am happy from Philly and this for them as I think it was a good thing for both of their careers. And I lack of sleep has got know that they will enjoy it, Atlanta is lucky to have them and the me feelin' funkyyyy. women will also find that there is a lot of great people in the Atlanta Such an experience area. though. I feel like a traveling warrior.. driven to the battle ground as we plan our attack.. Ok so here's a little funny thing I wanted to let yall in on... We released on the field for combat.. winning the war.. and returning played in Philly yesterday right.. and every game we're walked out, home safely to our Buffaland with peace, victory and honor! It lined up, and announced player-by-player infront of the crowd was our first time traveling for a game in over a month so we forgot before the game. So visiting team goes first... "Number 3 Ali Riley".. A.) exactly what it entails and B.) how much we truly enjoy each *clapping*.. "Number 8 Kandace Wilson"..*clapping*.. "Number 10 other. We jumped on the road Saturday morning, which also Marta".. *boooooo*.. we were kinda like haha omg did they just boo happened to be the same day of the UEFA Champions League Final- Marta? wowzers. You just don't do that. I looked over at her and she - Manchester United vs Barcelona. was not impressed... We huddle up to break out before the start of the game and Marta says "You give me boo, I give you goal." HaHaHa and guess what?? That's righttttt SHE GAVE THEM GOAL. We were freaking out like omg are we going to miss perhaps So awesome. I hope the 3,456 fans enjoyed that. 'Cause I did’. the largest event of world class soccer ever?? Ahhh we weren't about

to let that happen. So as dedicated football fans ourselves, we woke up extra early to get on the road so we could make it in time to watch the game. Now, you have to understand, this was like the We came out a little slow against Philly but in the end I think we Superbowl of soccer, even bigger! So it got a little aggressive... we showed a different side to our squad.. that we can deal with have some die hard Man United supporters and some serious Barca adversity and get the job done no matter what. That was the first fans. (I'm a United fan of course!!) I was actually legit nervous for the time this season we had trailed in a game, and knowing that we can game. Haha I know lame, but it was a big deal!! Congrats to Beverly stick to the task and come back from behind is a very good aspect to Goebel for getting it right on the mark! She predicted Barcelona a team, especially against a well organized squad like the would win, and exactly what minute they would get their winning Independence. That performance showed focus and leadership... to goal. Impressive. keep our cool and just trust in our game and what we're best at. To be honest I wasn't worried for one second.. I have so much faith in Last week one night we were all hangin' out together in the this team. Our abilities are limitless. I feel like I say this every week but it's true so what can ya dooo- I'm so very proud of my team for apartments just enjoying each other as we naturally do and Boom, a dance party erupted. It was so super hilarious and fun. Our that win. brazilians, Marta and Maureen, put on some brazilian-style music and were teaching us how to get down like they do in their I want to leave you with something to remember throughout this homeland. Some of us were gettin' it some of us were... not. You week.... Wherever you go, no matter the weather, always bring know a few of us have that West Coast flare so we were teaching your own sunshine! :) them a few things too ;-) Everyone brought their culture with them Have a grrrrreat (Tony the Tiger voice) week and we'll check in to our apartment-living-room-table-dance-floor and it was so cool to together next week! watch unfold. Great people, great music, great fun.. and we may or may not have gotten a noise complaint called on us. Oopsy. XoXo

~ ~ Obviously a lot of work goes on behind the scenes before you McCall see our product on the field every weekend. We are all very, very hard workers and our dedication is off the charts. We show up every www.womensprosoccer.com/wny/news/press_releases Page 6

One Door Closes, Another Opens play competitive sports). But then I opened my journal By YAEL AVERBUCH to a fresh page and wrote: “Olympics 2012.” U.S. Coach Pia Sundhage named her Conquering my fear of failure has been a monumental roster Monday for this summer’s Women’s step in my development as a person and an athlete. World Cup. Actually, maybe no one really ever conquers the fear of

Our intrepid blogger was not named to the United States failure. Maybe it‟s all about reframing one‟s definitions roster, which was announced Monday, for this summer’s of success and failure. How can I ever truly fail if I do Women’s World Cup in Germany. She nevertheless filed this assessment. my very best? This process has led to significant growth for me as a player, and I feel very proud of what “It‟s interesting to contemplate how our lives build to I offer on the field. The only way I could have failed is these special, pivotal moments — the moments we to not have grown along the way. dream of, work toward, and emphasize so heavily. But, in truth, the bulk of our lives are in the in-between time, I don‟t mean to gloss over the the waiting. The „off moments,‟ so to speak. The disappointment I feel, or in any special moments are only minor reference points along way diminish the great the way. … I don‟t play this sport for the moment of accomplishment of those glory. And I think the people who do are missing out. players who have made the Yes, I love the roar of the crowd, the championship roster. But my reasonable side game and the thrill of performing when it really matters continually reminds me that — but I love the preparation — the process — equally this is just another one of as much.” those moments — a blip on the radar screen that maps my unique path. Playing in a Women‟s World Cup is ON THE ROAD TO BUFFALO — The above passage one of my ultimate goals, yet doing so will make me no is from a speech I gave in January 2010. My journey greater of a player. Likewise, not being in Germany this has been full of these reference points. But sprinkled summer makes me no less of one. among many wonderful, exhilarating moments, has been my fair share of disappointments. So, as this chapter of my journey ends, another one begins. I am heading up to Buffalo to join my W.P.S. When Pia [Coach Sundhage] said to me, “You are not team, the Western New York Flash. I‟ll have the on the roster for the World Cup team,” my heart opportunity to train and play alongside some of the dropped momentarily. In the minutes after, reality sank greatest female players in the world (Marta and in. I scanned my memory in search of anything I could Christine Sinclair, among others). As the door to one have done better or differently. I felt angry, sad, opportunity closed for me, another one opens. The only embarrassed. way I could possibly fail at this point is to focus so I had poured my heart and soul into a goal that I didn‟t much on the past as to miss out on what presents itself achieve. In my journal, “Germany 2011” is written in big on the road ahead. letters and in multiple places. So, yes, I felt all of the emotions that come along with failure (the day I don‟t feel that way is the day I‟ll know that I should no longer Page 7

Kendall Fletcher that is no excuse for how poorly you are playing or losing your starting position. What Anson believes doesn‟t matter. What matters is whether YOU believe you are better than that freshmen and deserve to be out there and if you do, then prove it, not to Anson, but to yourself.”

“And he ended with a phrase that would hang in my

locker the rest of my college career. „Quit being such a girl, get pissed, and fight!‟

“As you can imagine when I read the email, I was a little taken aback. My dad had never spoken to me like that before. He didn‟t sympathize with me at all. He didn‟t even say he thought I was better than This Saturday I will be giving a speech and I the freshman or that Anson was being even just a thought I would share a snippet of that speech with little unfair. In fact he took everyone out of the all of you for this weeks blog. equation and put it all back on me. Now to help you understand the kind of impact this email had on me, “…Not knowing what to do I went to my dorm room it‟s important that you know something about my and in tears wrote an extremely long and emotional dad. He rarely speaks without a great deal of email to my dad, venting my frustrations and thought behind what he says, and he rarely gives explaining to him, how it wasn‟t fair. I lost my his opinions unless it is something he feels is of starting spot because I had one bad game. What value to discuss or talk about. So when I received am I suppose to be, perfect? What about all the this email I knew I had to deal with what it said, and games before that when I had played great. Do what it said was that if I wanted to change my they not count for anything? I mean how was I circumstances I was going to have to deal with me. suppose to keep my starting position if Anson (Dorrance, University of North Carolina head coach) “What my dad was telling me was that I had to take believed in the freshmen more than me? As I sent responsibility for my mistakes. They were no one the email, I felt a big weight lift off my shoulders, if else‟s fault but my own and if I wanted to prove that nothing else, it just felt good to get out all that I should be out there on that field I had to prove it to frustration that I was feeling and I was fairly myself first and foremost. What he was telling me confident my dad would have some words of may have seemed a bit harsh, but after getting over wisdom to help me figure out how to set Anson the initial shock of it, I realized just how empowering straight. Let‟s just say Anson wasn‟t the one that what he told me was. He was basically telling me was going to get set straight. that my success on the field or in life wasn‟t going to be determined by what others thought of me, but by “The next day I received an email from my dad that what I thought of myself. It wasn‟t about how many would change my life for ever. He very simply said mistakes I made or if I failed, but how I would take the following to me. responsibility for them and learn from them rather than making excuses for them. By telling me I was “Kendall, Anson is not the problem here, you the problem, he showed me that if I was willing to are. Sure you have had some good games, but accept responsibility for and learn from my mistakes your last game wasn‟t the best and you are going to and failures then I would also be the solution. From have to realize you‟re only as good as your last this point on in my life I realized that even though I performance. You cannot rest on your wasn‟t always going to be in control of what laurels. Even outside the soccer field, when you get happened to me, I would always be in control of a job, your boss is going to expect that you keep how I responded to things in life and THAT more performing and keep producing. You have to be than what anyone thinks of me or any mistake I able to bring your best every day and every time might make will determine who and what I am going you step on the field. That is never going to change to be in life. And when you realize that, you realize with Anson or in life, so get used to it. And as far as that you can face just about anything that comes Anson believing in the freshman more than you, your way.” www.equalizersoccer.com Page 8

day one until they are back,” Guadalupe said. “Not only do we oversee the rehab process, but we develop close relationships and become a strong supportive pillar to the rehabilitating athlete.”

Goal Celebration The recovery timeline for an injury varies depending on physical progress, emotional willingness, and trust in yourself to perform certain tasks. I worked towards set goals throughout my rehab to build up these aspects. I remember being tested by a one-inch high foam pad. It took every ounce of mental X-Factor Performance Article of the Month strength I had to do one single-leg jump. But every goal that I reached, I celebrated. Author: Manya Makoski, ES Athlete Extra Work I knew that if I wanted to come back at full strength, I had to put the time and effort into my rehab. And that meant mentalTOUGHNESS going to training a few hours early to start the training room exercises. During training, I did what I could out on the field with whatever training room materials I could carry. That foam pad Soccer is one of the most dangerous contact sports. No player became my best friend. In team meetings, I brought a towel to ever wants to get injured, but we still play the game we love work on my range of motion. After training, when everyone went despite the risks involved. When it does happen, whether it is a home, I stayed in the training room with Guadalupe to nurse minor sprain or a complete tear, there are physical, but mostly whatever pain we had inflicted on my knee that day. Toward the mental repercussions involved. Mental toughness is a key end of my rehab, I lifted in the weight room. As a competitor, I component in what gets us through our rehab and back out onto thrive on mental trials and physical activities. A huge part of my life the field. had been taken away. But I found a way to keep it there and

improve my game. In my rehab journal, you will find every My Own Twist Four days into the 2010 Women‟s Professional completed exercise and every feeling that emerged. Throughout Soccer (WPS) Atlanta Beat preseason, I unexpectedly the pages are also motivational quotes, short-term and long-term experienced a season-ending injury. I planted my foot the wrong goals, and observations from watching games on television. way and tore my ACL. Rehab was one of the hardest things I‟ve “Rehab is a great time for a player to grow mentally, to develop ever had to go through, but my recovery was successful. I patience, and acceptance,” Buffalo Flash Technical Advisor Emma educated myself. My focus was on balance, training and Hayes said. distraction. And I relied on my mental toughness. Withdrawal everyday I would be reminded that I was out for the whole season. Green Light After being cleared to play, a lot of players tend I was angry, depressed, and cranky. The game I loved and lived rush back out onto the field without even being 100 percent ready, for was taken away from me. I experienced a constant emotional physically or mentally. Jones says that as females, we tend to relapse. Sports psychologist of X-Factor Performance Consulting, worry about what our teammates or coaches are going to think, so Dr. Tiffany Jones reassured that this is normal. “Players are we may push too hard. “But we are in control over our own addicts in a way,” Dr. Jones said. “You love sports and you are professional development because no one knows but us how our getting that kick through sports, and now you can‟t do it.” body and mind feels,” Jones said. Guadalupe realized this, so

Swedish National Team and WPS Buffalo Flash player Caroline when I was cleared to play, she emphasized this to me: “Once you Seger experienced similar feelings with her recent surgery to fix an decide to do a movement, commit to it. If you go in not sure, you‟re out-growing bone in her heel and an inflamed bursa. “For me, it‟s more at risk to be hurt.” been a struggle because I‟m not used to being injured, and I‟m Boston Breakers Head Coach Tony DiCicco always makes sure definitely not used to being without soccer for such a long time,” injured players have enough time to come back properly. For Seger said. “Mentally it‟s tough to see everyone else playing and example, he gave Brazilian international Fabiana some games in to motivate yourself to go to the gym everyday.” the Women‟s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) to get some confidence and minutes, before she officially came back in with the Pre-habbing To give myself any advantage possible for after Breakers. surgery, my athletic trainer (ATC), Cookie Guadalupe, gave me many strength exercises to build up the muscle. I was soon to Mind Over Matter Mental toughness doesn‟t establish itself on drastically lose. We also talked about different surgery and rehab its own. Healthy or injured, players must work hard to develop a options. Guadalupe said that ATCs are very important in the rehab strong mind. But once a player reaches that threshold, she has the process. “They are the ones who will be by the athlete‟s side from capability to come back even stronger than before. Page 9

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