Postcards from California

Read what the players have to say about their days at the NAIA Women's Soccer National Tournament in Santa Barbara, Calif.

Another wonderful day in California. Waking up this morning was not very hard because we still were carrying the same smile on our faces that we had when we left La Playa stadium last night after a great game. And the only two words everyone could think of were “Final Four.” We had the morning off and the beautiful weather pretty much invited us to relax outside or do rehab in the hot tub. Other people decided to go church.

Graceland University alumni John and his wife Kathy prepared a very tasty barbecue for the team and for all the families that are with us on this trip. It was a big feast on top of Santa Barbara’s mountains which gave us a beautiful view over this amazing city. One of the cars that we drove up the mountain had a little problem getting up the hill. Unfortunately Whitney was in that car and she is just a little scared (right Whit??) of heights. Still shaking Whitney made it to the table, convinced that she would walk down the mountain and not put one foot into the car but after reminding her that there is a big game coming up she changed her opinion. (Honestly, she did not really have a choice!).

John, our host, has been taping all of our games so far, so we all gathered together in the living room in front of the big TV. The funny thing was though that he had not just taped the games but also the warm up and everyone’s personal game preparation. With amusement we watched Jocelyn doing her “ready to fight” dance and Nav’s verbal pump up. You can’t get away with anything on that tape and so we caught Lara disagreeing with the referee in a very emotional but entertaining way. We ended this fun afternoon with watching Saturday’s winning goal in slow motion. (Go team!!!) Thank you very much Kathy and John!!

And here they are again, the favorite words of the day “Final Four”, because after the barbecue we had about two hours to get ready for the Final Four Banquet. For a few hours we were honored to exchange our soccer outfit with straightening and curling irons, make up kits, skirts and other dress clothes and everybody looked great. When coach was walking down the stairs modeling his outfit, the ladies “cat called” from the vans with excitement.

The banquet was held at Westmont College and the host did a wonderful job decorating the gymnasium-turned-ballroom. We enjoyed a nice dinner while listening to several speakers. A highlight was the slide show that was presented and I got goose bumps while seeing all these players with soccer written on their heart.

After the official banquet we gathered around for a group picture with everybody dressed up. But if you want to know something about our team, we love pictures and so the photo shoot took as long as the banquet (well, almost!!).

This was Sunday and we are looking forward to Monday’s game.
by Sabine Schwittay

So we woke up this morning with out music blaring and our room boiling (thanks Julia). The next event was heading to breakfast that we all savor as long as we can. While walking there we noticed that today the mountains weren’t as visible, but the sun was still shinning. After Meghan established her everyday goal of getting that “Styles” bag full of croissants and muffins that you would think could last a week (don’t be naïve), we went to the Enterprise Room for a team meeting. In this one of a kind room we reviewed our past game, then regained our focus for the new challenge at hand on a board where our plays will never be fully erased.

Before we met at 11:30 a.m. you would find us all hanging out in our rooms but the puzzle for many is trying to figure out who belongs to what room. We have many getting their hair done by the braiding pro, our own California girl. The there’s the one who uses each room for any means necessary (Nav). You’ve got the rehab room full and pumping, and yes, of course, homework is getting done…for some.

When 11:30 rolls around, the vans are back on the road with the same crew each time. I must say though that our Ford van is always kicking even if coach isn’t singing “Kharma Chamillion.”

We arrive at Destination Beach for a stroll. When looking down from the top of the cliff to the ocean and beach, you see life in everything growing down there. We also have our team which is constantly growing and coming together on the field or off – especially when trying to fit everyone on a small rock at the beach just to pose as surfers for a million cameras. There are family members and friends sharing and inhaling this time we all have in this moment. There are others on the phone sharing as much as they can through wireless detail. Oh and don’t let me forget the internet.

While on the beach I must say the best part yet was when our “Little Mermaid” (yes, the on with red hair—Louisa) was afraid of seaweed and Tara took a trip (if that) into the water of waves which demolished her. I give mad props to our own David Lee, a.k.a. Nicole, who caught it on video.

Lunch came and where else would we be but Luigi’s. Everything is so tasty and quick for that matter. After we ate the time flew by and we were off to our second game versus Simon Fraser.

Surreal! The game was a challenge on both sides but we fought hard for the win to the very last second. I love the heart our team gives. We ended tonight on two highs: Going into semifinals and getting to eat at Outback Steakhouse. Red meat AND dessert. Two times we have had dessert…in the same week! Wow! Good times.
That’s all, Calea Bourne

What a day! After five days of hanging out in California (life is hard, I know!!!) we finally were able to do what we came here to do – play soccer! And what a dramatic way to start off our run at the national tournament – an advancement to the quarter finals after a grueling 110 minutes of regulation play and a nail-biting penalty kick win. But, I’m getting ahead of myself. I’ll start at the beginning of the day.

We practiced at 9:00 this morning and were able to get a little of the nervous tension out of our legs. We then went and ate lunch at our new favorite place, Luigi’s Italian Restaurant. We have now eaten there three times; the food really is that good! Plus, would you believe that the owner attended Graceland in the late 1970s? Small world…

Anyway, after lunch it was mostly just relaxing and waiting around for the game to start. After what seemed like an eternity, we took the field and played one of our toughest games yet. The game was so tight that no team scored, though I will say we had more chances and they barely got a sniff at our goal. But hey, I am slightly biased! Anyway, the PK’s happened and though I had complete confidence my teammates would score their goals, I wanted to puke, cry, and wet myself all at the same time. It’s a good thing we won because that would not have been a pretty sight!

After the game we went to eat dinner. A lot of our parents came out and it was great to just hang out with the team and our families. We packed the restaurant and had a great time! Well, this has gone from a postcard to a letter, so I’ll wrap up. We play Simon Fraser tomorrow in what should be a tough game- wish us luck!
Chelsea Woodger

Today we had the morning off, so some of the girls decided to go down to the wharf for some shopping while others shopped around the hotel and some spent the morning just hanging out in their rooms and relaxing. We then proceeded to lunch at Luigi’s, an authentic Italian restaurant with great food.

Then it was off to practice. Practice today was lighter than usual in preparation for game day. We are all concentrating and focusing on the present and playing in the moment. We are not looking ahead, but focusing on our game tomorrow. After practice we watched William Jewell lose to Simon Fraser 2-0. It was a tough game and we now know just how worthy the opponents are.

After the match our host, Michael, took the team for dinner at the Mesa Café. It was a wonderful dinner and we even got DESSERT! And if you know coach, that’s a big deal. A big thank you to Michael for his hospitality and generosity, we really appreciate it.
Well, that was Thursday in Santa Barbara,
Reily Madigan

Today we went to the Santa Barbara Zoo. It was so much fun! Though the zoo had no hippos (my favorite animal at the zoo) there were plenty of animals to see. My favorite animal at the Santa Barbara Zoo was the giraffe. One of them had a crooked neck – by far one of the craziest things I’ve ever seen. All in all we had a blast and we recommend you stop by.

After the zoo we had practice and then we headed down to the game stadium to watch William Jewell play Oklahoma Christian in the first round of the tournament. During the game, Ina ran into some of her friends from Japan and Chelsea, Heidi and I ran into a buddy from home.

After the game we had opening ceremonies. We all lined up and they called “Graceland” and we walked around the track – much like the Olympics. After all of the teams had been called out, the Canadian national anthem was played (one school, Simon Fraser, is from Canada). When the anthem started to play it was cool to hear all of our Canadian teammates singing their national anthem. Then we sang our national anthem. Some people spoke about the tournament and Champions of Character, then we went to eat. Food never tasted so good because we were so hungry. The day was so tiring I think most of us were fast asleep by 10:00 p.m.
by Katrina Sumsion

Hi guys,
This morning I woke up and yep, the sun was shining. We were down to business straight away this morning, after breakfast at 8 a.m. we took off to the practice ground, many of us broke a sweat just getting out of the vans. Come on, it was 60 degrees!! After lunch at a BBQ place, we went to beach and walked along the pier. And oh my, to top off the day we thought we’d roll by the stadium to check it out. Just letting you know that the there are 42 rows in the bleachers and stands run at least 100 meters long. Lots of fans are needed to fill those bleachers, a problem that we at Graceland would not have to worry about, I bet. Ok I must go now, going to finish off me mango and coconut milk.
See you later,
Nav Boparai

We left for California today, how exciting?!? Would you believe that the airport was littered with celebrities? We met the Kansas City Wizards and I got my picture taken with Tony Meola and Chris Klien. Then we met Tony Gonzales and Dante Hall from the KC Chiefs, and I got my picture taken with them too. I never really believed in the whole “jet lag” theory until we landed. I felt cranky and tired, but when I looked at the clock it was only 5:30 p.m. I still cannot believe we are here for the National Tournament. Well I guess that is all, California is great, the weather is warm and the sun is shinning.
by Sam Clark