Brandi's Blog
Thoughts After The NCAA Women’s Soccer Championship
Since I am an ambassador for The Capital One Cup, it is my responsibility to go to the women’s soccer championship weekend. As you all know, I am a Santa Clara University volunteer assistant and FAN. So I thought it would be hard to see other teams there vying for the title (and on some level it was) but my jealousy, envy and personal disappointment turned into butterflies and excitement after going to the NCAA team banquet the evening before the first kickoff to share my thoughts, best wishing, and encouragement to all the participants. Having been to three championship weekends, I couldn’t help but be happy for all those women that that dedicated themselves to their personal and team goals and reached the last two games of the collegiate season. I reminded myself that to be a champion, you have to not just want to be a champion (because let’s face it, who doesn’t?). But you have to have actions that backup your desire and words. When I arrived to the stadium the following day to play some games, sign some autographs and have LOADS of fun with young players from Mississippi, Illinois, California, and Texas to name a few, I was unintentionally reminded by these countless players who were playing in their own tournament on the same weekend that though we are all competitive and desire championships, that the real outcome that we all walk away from after all the games have been played is a stronger, more self aware, focused, educated self, as well as more in tune with teammates and a greater responsibility to them. Now I can honestly say that as a young player, I didn’t know this was happening but as an adult I see it everyday and am so grateful that my parents got me involved, and stayed involved by coaching, cutting up oranges and going to my games to cheer me on (sometimes I thought it was too much, just go to my book, It’s Not About the Bra, to see the photo of my mom standing on the sideline cheering through a four foot megaphone). I learned that becoming a champion is not being afraid to try but combining all the things I mentioned and putting it all out there, EVERY time, and then being satisfied you did. So go out there, rain or shine, training or game, and be awesome!
Your friend, on and off the field,
Brandi #6
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Great post Brandi! As a fan, it’s inspiring to hear about what the competition really means to you. As a collegiate athlete, it’s a good reminder of what’s important.
Posted: 12/05/2011 @ 7:33
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