Saturday, June 2

If you take a look around my room you'd see many soccer pictures, trophies, a jersey from three years ago with autographs from the USA Women's team and other items that make it clear I'm a soccer player.  Being a soccer player defines a part of who I am but I'm also a daughter, sister, friend, Catholic, student, and much more.  Not any one of these alone defines who I am.  That's how I look at our loss today in the semi finals of the Sate Cup.  I don't want any game, most especially today's game to be the game that defines our season.

I tried to do everything right leading up to this weekend.  Going into the day I tried to get a good night sleep, eat right, drink a lot, and pack my bag.  Bethany and I would always like to listen to "D the Heisman" and a bunch of us did yesterday, it’s the type of song that really pumps us up.

 The week leading up to the weekend the team tried to do right by having practice Wednesday and Thursday, with a team dinner at Jalapeño’s following training Thursday. 

Back in the winter when our season began we began by working hard and listening to our new coach, Mike Fulton.  Some of had to learn new formations but through it all knowing the ultimate goal is to win the State.

In2006, we tried to do right and win it all but lost in the Finals to Mockingbird 1-0.  I played it out in my head that we'd see them again in the Finals this year and avenge that loss.  I hated the feelings I had last year when we lost.  They were the feelings of disappointment and sadness and the horrible feeling of letting your coach and teammates down.  Unfortunately, I left the field with the same feelings yesterday as it didn't play out like I hoped.  Sometimes doing everything right isn't enough. 

Sometimes taking everything you've ever learned and loved about soccer to the field with you isn't enough.  Working hard all season and being totally dedicated and committed as all of us were didn't help in our game against Northern Kentucky.  They were one of the better teams we played against all season and it was our worse loss of the year with losing 5 - 0.  But, with a loss like yesterday we have to do right by being good sports and learn from it to come back a better team next year.  

Above my bed in my room are cut out letters that spell the word D - R -E - A - M.  I will still dream for our to team to win State and though my team may not be 2007 State Champions this year I carry great pride and honor being a part of this team!

-Chelsea Smith

-Chelsea Smith

Tonight we played our third game and we need to win to advance.  The game started with a 30 minute delay because of an injury on the game before. 

Early in the first half we scored on a corner kick and we kept the 1-0 lead up until the sight of lightning with 33 minutes remaining.  After what seemed like forever in waiting to get back to finish the game it was called and is to be played tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m.  

So, we don't know how this will all play out yet but we have to come out and play our butts off.  I was inspired to play soccer from my sister and from all past and present coaches who encouraged me and gave me a chance.   

Mostly, they I continue to play because of my teammates.  This season we've been to places like Tampa, Richmond, Nashville, and Ft. Wayne.  All team come from all areas of Lexington and play at 10 different high schools. We're all different and we all have different things to give to what makes our team what it is.  We have our share of good times and tough times and some I will never forget. 

I'll never forget how Harrison (Courtney Grannis) took one for the team when she lost her front tooth.  I will never forget our BOOT CAMP practice where our team had to run 40 minutes down Iron Works Pike and come back and learn more about what TEAM is all about.  

I'll never forget Coach Mike and his airborne coffee.  I will never forget the screams and the laughs when Kristen Bowlds found the dead duck stuck in the goal.  It's all these and times spent together that I know I'll remember most about my team. 

My teammates Katrina, Awbrey, Kayla, Amy, Kristen, Sydney, Courtney Hall, Sally, Manu, Jessica, Selena, Harrison, Dani, Abby, Bethany, and LT are great on and off the field and we've shared so much of a great season........let's fight hard to keep the season alive.  

At the end of every huddle we shout the word "TEAM" because that is what we're all about!  

-Chelsea Smith

-Chelsea Smith

Saturday, May 26, 2007

Last night our team had a dinner together and it was a great bonding experience. 

We had a blast and our team always manages to have a good time together. Our mind was set for this game and I think last nights team dinner helped as did our Coach Mike's talk to the team. 

Today we started the tournament against Bluegrass Soccer Club in our first game of this years State Cup. Our team really wanted to win this game to get off to a good start, and it showed on the field. 

I felt we moved the ball well.  The offense got a lot of action and our defense was tough like they've been all season.  We won 6 to 0. 

Hopefully we can play like this throughout the weekend and never give up because we ALL want this.  More to come tomorrow night. 

Wish us luck.

-Chelsea Smith

Thursday, May 24, 2007

This weekend is State Cup and everyone on my team is really looking forward to it. 

Most of my team has been playing together since we were 11 and we’ve had several opportunities to win state cup, but never have.  I don’t only want this for myself, but also for my teammates and my coach, who have worked hard all season.  

We began preparing for this tournament several months ago and are willing to give the effort to succeed, knowing the effort and dedication our team has put forth. 

I think our team is closer than we’ve ever been and have had a great season even though our wins and losses might not say that.  Not everything shows in a score but I believe and hope that all our team has worked for will show that we're ready to win State Cup.  

Wish us luck this weekend.

-Chelsea Smith