Nikewomen NFR Blog

Champions Don't Just Win

LaurenBrill — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:45:40 GMT

If you can imagine what it would be like for a young boxer to have had the opportunity to spar with Muhammad Ali, or a street baller trying to make it big going one-on-one with Michael Jordan, than you can understand what it meant to me to attend the Women’s Sports Foundation 30th Annual Salute to Women in Sports dinner at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. The Women’s Sports Foundation Annual Salute to Women’s Sports dinner is a night where the most accomplished female athletes of both the past and present come together to acknowledge and celebrate their accomplishments. I was there on the red carpet to chat with all the star athletes, including Brandi Chastain, Jessica Mendoza, Angela Ruggiero and Jackie Joyner-Kersee.

With a strong appreciation for female athletes and a love for sports, I hope through my own work to level the playing field for women, expand women’s participation in sports and help female athletes continue to gain the respect and attention they deserve. To be in the presence of women like Billie Jean King and Brandi Chastain, was an experience of a lifetime because these women have already knocked down a door that I am now simply trying to walk myself and others through, as they have already changed the game for women through their own athletic prowess and commitment to the cause.

Each athlete that I spoke to had a unique story that consisted of various challenges and a number of impressive accomplishments. For example, Brandi Chastain reflected on having no fear taking a penalty kick with the 1999 World Cup on the line against a Chinese goalie who had previously blocked her penalty kick. Ice Hockey Gold Medalist Angela Ruggiero found it motivating when a male she played with or against felt she shouldn’t be on the ice. Despite their distinctive journeys, they all shared my passion and my dream, to see the young women of the world have an equal opportunity to participate, and excel in sports and reap all the benefits of existing in a competitive environment.

While I was among these determined and talented women, I realized I was among not just winners but champions. As those who are just winners simply strive to be the best in the world while true champions also use their gift to make a better world.

-Lauren Brill

Big Kids Sports: Bringing it back to the old school

AshleyCeaser — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:24:36 GMT

I don’t know about you, but I have to admit I miss the days of lunch and recess. Those were the times in elementary school when I would eat my lunch as fast as I could so I could go out to the playground, and continue the never-ending tournaments of tetherball, ball wall, dodgeball, 4 square and kickball. But then, I grew up (and so did everyone else).

Meet Big Kids Sports (BKS). Founded by Justin Vavuris and Sean McDermott in May 2008, BKS was formed to encourage/foster social networking and community building.

“Currently, there’s no real, organized space for adults to socialize other than the local bar scene,” relayed Vavuris. “BKS provides that alternative, so that adults in Palo Alto can go out, meet new people, and have fun without bars and alcohol as the only focal point. It’s a self-selecting group too, so the likelihood that you’ll meet someone with a similar interest in an active lifestyle is much higher.”

Based in Palo Alto, CA, BKS offers non-traditional old school sports such as Wiffleball, kickball, dodgeball. The program also includes softball, soccer, basketball and flag football leagues. And to continue the fun into the grown-up world, they offer team building and corporate events. They currently have almost 400 members with approximately half of the participants being women.

Anyone can join (you just have to be over 21) and best of all, membership is free. For more information, you can check out them out at the Big Kid Sports website or on Facebook. Who said growing up was no fun?

-Ashley Ceaser

Abby Did It!!

SarinaMorales — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:35:26 GMT

I'm no psychic, but I knew all along Abby Wambach was going to score her 100th goal.

The majority of the game went nil,nil. Canada played some tight defense, especially on Abby. Haters. It became pretty nerve racking, but I'm sure Abby just wanted to keep her hometown fans on their feet. It was the only goal made in the entire game and it couldn't have happened at better moment. I was sitting next to Katrina, winner of the Hope Solo Sister One Limited Edition sneaker, when Abby scored! Nike hooked up Katrina with tickets to the game as part of her prize. The crowd, the excitement, the relief on Abby's face...it all came together.

It was actually a little over 78 minutes on the clock when a teammate passed Abby the game winning assist. It was such a close shot. With about 4 defenders after Wambach, I could only hope her kick didn't go too wide and it didn't. I had goosebumps. “100” signs waving throughout the stadium.

It was obvious Abby and her team wanted her to score her 100th that day. It makes a world of a difference to achieve something so great with fans who watched you from the beginning. She had her whole family and hometown friends in the stands. It was, as she said, “A picture perfect” ending to a rough start. She just came back from a bad leg injury in 2008 and now she is the fifth American with 100 career goals.

Congratulations Abby!

-Sarina

Abby Wambach: Hometown Hero

SophieSchillaci — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 23:20:26 GMT

Nearly a month after her entrance to the “100 Club,” everyone in Rochester, NY is still talking about Abby!

Ms. Wambach was born and raised right here in my hometown, and we’re so proud to have her! She has been a wonderful role model and an inspiration to young girls everywhere. To have Abby score her centennial goal right here at home has been a major highlight of the summer for all local soccer fans!

While Abby’s impact can be felt all over Rochester, one place that her presence is possibly the strongest is at her High School alma mater.

Emily and Megan Rigoni are sisters and recent grads of said school. They both played soccer there and say that Abby gave them the drive to succeed on and off the field.

For them, Abby set a precedent for hard work and dedication. Every day they passed the “Wambach” jersey hung in a hallway. They made "What Would Abby Do?" cheers during games and often heard stories about how Abby would play any position needed, even stepping up to play goal in penalty kicks for a sectional game. The fact that someone who was once in their shoes had made such a profound impact on the athletic world, gave them the courage to reach for their goals, no matter how high.

While in High School, Abby played Soccer and Basketball, and was the best on both teams. Yet somehow, every story told about her revolves around the hard work and commitment that she showed each team. It was never about cockiness.

No matter which sport the ladies of her alma mater choose to play, Abby is the prime example of what any young woman can become if she works hard to accomplish her goals.

Abby doesn’t only work hard on the field; her dedication to the community is truly admirable. She frequently hosts free soccer clinics right here at home, and even a broken leg in 2008 didn’t stop her from working with local girls on their soccer skills, as well as encouraging healthy and well rounded lifestyles.

There’s no question that professional athletes put in time, effort and extreme dedication to their sport; but what really counts in my eyes is when they have the character, the drive and the passion for being a true role model. When they consciously make decisions in the hopes that it will lead someone down a positive path, that’s when I respect them the most. Abby has all that and then some… so, Thank you, Abby! And of course, Congratulations!

-Sophie Schillaci

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

LaurenBrill — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:04:04 GMT

Since I left for college at 17, I have lived in four different dorms, three different apartments and two different countries; while I can count on one hand the amount of times I have returned to the house where I grew up. However recently I ventured back to my old stomping grounds to attend a semi-professional soccer game between the Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues and the New York Magic. The teams consisted of some of the country’s best college players as well as former collegiate athletes reaching to make it to the professional ranks. With my former traveling coach at the helm of the Lady Blues, I lost my voice cheering for the local squad.

In the stands I sat with my best friend and former teammate along with my parents and my extended soccer family. On the field I watched several players that I once played against, compete at an extraordinarily high level of soccer. In the media guide, I read about the accolades they’ve received and the journey they’ve traveled since we last faced-off and I couldn’t help but feel proud of the accomplishments achieved by the players who once shared the field with me. To support my former coach, we held up signs, we wore shirts supporting the squad and we screamed until we were blue in the face. Our efforts paid off, as the Lady Blues ultimately defeated the New York Magic 6-0.

While I myself do not compete at the level I once did, through my career as a sports writer and reporter I have been able to remain in the game. Frankly, I never really thought too hard about my decision to work in sports as it happened very naturally. However, as I turned to my left and saw my former teammates, then glanced to my right and saw an incredible support system consisting of family and friends and then looked on the field and felt pure joy, I realized no matter where I live, if I am near the game … I will never be far from home.

-Lauren Brill

Sneakers with an Extra Kick

SarinaMorales — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 21:35:34 GMT

For such a small woman, Katrina Galsim has such a huge heart for the game. Katrina, winner of the Hope Solo Sister One Limited Edition sneakers, was chosen out of hundreds of women because of her eagerness to get back into shape despite doctor's orders to decrease her soccer playing. Katrina suffers from serious iron deficiency and finds at times she hardly has enough strength to get through her day-to-day activities. In fact Katrina“was sitting in the hospital with an IV in my arm when I got the email telling me I was the winner.”

It's no surprise Hope picked Katrina as the winner; Hope was equally frustrated she couldn't play in the USA vs Canada game the next day. This was the same game Abby Wambach scored her 100th career goal. Hope was still getting over a bug. I could see it in Hope's face, she'd be out there playing if she could.

Katrina is one of the six women in the world who will actually own a pair of the limited edition sneakers. The Sister One Limited Edition sneaker was created as a Nike initiative to encourage young women to work hard toward their training goals. Each sneaker represents one of six Olympic female athletes and includes a piece of their actual uniforms. Katrina not only pledged to become active again by joining her local soccer club, but to work on her endurance so she could get back to playing soccer after her time away from the game due to her severe anemia.

Katrina impressed us all with her overall knowledge of the game and her strong allegiance to her hometown soccer team. “I'm kinda glad you are still sick and not playing in the game today so my team can win.” Hope, due to illness, also had to miss one of her regular season games. Ironically, the game was against Kat's favorite team.

Hope was amazed Katrina had so much confidence in her hometown team, a friendly bet was made on the game. (I have the pictures! They shook on it.) If Katrina's team lost, she'd have to ask Hope's coach for an autograph at the game the next day. If Hope lost, she'd have to ask the Canada's goalie for an autograph. Do'h! Guess who lost...Poor Solo.

-Sarina

Congratulations Abby!

NFReporter_Team — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 22:15:26 GMT

Abby you rocked the WNT vs Canada game yesterday in your hometown of Rochester,NY. You truly were the star of the game, scoring the only goal of the match and making history with your 100th international goal! Welcome to the century club.

GO ABBY!

*Photo courtesy of Bob Conlon

Playing The Game

LindseyDisher — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:03:37 GMT

At my university intramurals are a big deal, the last of which is soccer season. Now, I have never been that into soccer. Aside from my 2nd grade career where I got to move up a league and play with the 5th graders, I have never aspired to be the next Mia Hamm. But since I have come to college, I decided to play with some friends, just for fun. The thing is, it’s hard for competition to JUST be fun.

I have always been extremely competitive – having an older brother will do that to you. My level of comprehension doesn’t seem to include losing. In turn I built a really bad habit. As I got into high school I had a hard time even playing sports if I didn’t think I was going to win. Or if I knew my team was not going to win I had to ensure that I was going to play well. So I skipped out a lot. Anytime I was somewhere and people wanted to play a pick up game, I was hesitant to jump in; afraid I would loose. I only wanted to play if I had organized the game, knew my competitor,and could guarantee I would come out on top.

When I came to college I knew I had to break myself of that habit. So I signed up for lots of intramurals and just reminded myself to HAVE FUN; a concept I heard often, but never really made myself follow. The thing is that most of the intramurals I’ve played I have done a fairly good job at, until soccer. And this week it wasn’t just that I was playing a sport that I am unfamiliar with, but the girls who played had all once played on the club team or the varsity team at my university. These girls were not just pretty skilled at soccer; they were top of the line athletes, great soccer players. After the first couple times that I got ‘juked out’ and their leading forward did some fancy footwork to get around me and score; I asked myself why am I getting so angry? I thought about how much I have learned about soccer over the past three years, about how I had challenged myself physically to try and develop skills at a sport unfamiliar to me, and I came to the conclusion that it really is fun. It didn’t matter that I wasn’t going to be the best one out there. What mattered was that I was playing the game, that I was pushing my self, and most importantly, that I was having a good time!

-Lindsey Disher

For The Love Of The Game

LaurenBrill — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:22:59 GMT

It can’t be for the money, because there is no pay. It is not for the fame, because that is not guaranteed. So why does college graduate Katie Kelly play soccer for the professional amateur team Quickstrike FC? It is simply because she loves the game. The Quickstrike FC play in the W-League and is a feeder team to Women’s Professional Soccer’s NY/NJ Sky Blue squad. Kelly, who is a defender and starred on a division 1 college team, tried out for the WPS’ FC Athletica team in St. Louis but with the final cuts Kelly failed to secure a spot on the roster. Rather than trading in her jersey for a business blazer, the Kansas City native refuses to be complacent and plans to improve her playmaking abilities with the Quickstrike this summer.

Born to an athletic family, Kelly’s father played professional soccer. Inspired by the former pro, Kelly recognizes her dad as one of her greatest inspirations as well as one of her toughest critiques as she pursues playing soccer at the highest level. After years of winning accolades and starring on elite teams, Kelly said she must put the past behind her, as she is now an underdog, competing with the best in the business for a coveted spot on a WPS team.

The 22 year-old may have fell just short of reaching her dream to play professional soccer, but with hard work and determination Kelly believes her time will come. As she shoots to achieve her goal of being a pro, Kelly advises anyone who has been cut from a team or told no to their dream, to never quit and stay confident. Practicing what she preaches, Kelly cannot predict her future in soccer but with a passion for the game she promises soccer will definitely be in her future.

-Lauren Brill

Nike's End Of Season Bash!

BrittanyJonesCooper — Thu, 28 May 2009 21:00:41 GMT

Where can a person see the latest Nike gear, talk to superstar athletes and learn to dance like a robot? It's Nike and Seventeen Magazine's End of Season Bash: The coolest place for teen girls!

I got to the event early to watch the all-girl dance crew, Beat Freaks, warm-up. They are seriously amazing! After practice, they sat down with me to talk about their amazing rise to fame. The crew shared how excited they felt every week performing in front of millions of fans on television. They are "Freaking their dream!" and want young fans to do the same! I fulfilled a dream of mine a little later, when I danced with the Beat Freaks! They taught me a really cool robot move, and for a brief moment, I felt like a part of the crew!

At 7 on the dot, hundreds of girls filed into the Montalban Theatre. Singer/Songwriter Anya Marina kicked off the night with a show stopping performance for the excited crowd. Meanwhile, I snagged a moment with each of the all-star athletes attending the event. Kara Lawson and Candace Wiggins are both professional basketball players who are passionate about encouraging girls to perform on the court and in the classroom. My interview with Dawn Harper was also a lot fun. We laughed the whole time. She won a gold medal for hurdles in Beijing and during our interview; she pulled it out and let me wear it! Those medals are way heavier than they look.
After the fashion show, the crowd participated in a Q&A with all of the athletes. Soccer star Stephanie Cox and softball powerhouse Lisa Fernandez gave the girls really great tips on overcoming obstacles.

As the night sped to a close, it was time for the grand finale. The Beat Freaks exploded onto the stage gave a jaw-dropping performance for their fans! It was the perfect way to end a perfect event!

-Brittany Jones-Cooper

A New League for the Next Generation

LaurenBrill — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:00:51 GMT

There may be a recession but soccer sensations Abby Wambach and Hope Solo just enjoyed their first days at their new job. Both star athletes are playing in the newly formed Women’s Professional Soccer league. Wambach is headlining the Washington Freedom while Solo owns the goal in St. Louis.

The league is in its inaugural season and consists of talent that spans the globe. It is the premier league for women’s soccer and has arrived on the heels of the now defunct WUSA league, which disbanded in 2003. With a new business plan, a stellar product and an abundance of great personalities, the WPS hopes to withstand the test of time and grow exponentially in the years to come.

As a former soccer player, I remember idolizing players like Mia Hamm but sadly never had the opportunity to watch them play with my own eyes. The highest level of soccer I ever witnessed was a legendary college squad when my team went on a road trip for a college showcase tournament. There was no pro league that allowed me to entertained by and learn from the best in the business.

With the new league, I believe a new generation of athletes will dream bigger as they play harder, knowing that upon college graduation their soccer career doesn’t have to cross the finish line.

-Lauren Brill

Lindsay Tarpley and Carli Lloyd: What Inspires Them?

meghanbrennan — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:30:59 GMT

When MJ went pro he didn’t completely leave his college days behind. Tucked quietly beneath Chicago’s red and white uni, Michael always wore his favorite pair of Carolina blue shorts.

On Sundays, while his competition sports khaki pants and argyle prints, you won’t see Tiger in any color but red.

Superstitions? Perhaps, or maybe inspiration. What causes an athlete to establish these routines?

Maybe for MJ it was a reminder of the game winning shot he made during the 1982 College Championships. A moment he calls, “the turning point of my career.”

Did you know, in Thailand, the birthplace of Tiger’s mother, red stands for energy, war, strength and power? Making the color choice optimal for a strong finish on Sunday.

A few weekends ago I sat down with Women’s National Team members and gold medalists, Lindsay Tarpley and Carli Lloyd. In front of an audience of 40 plus Nike Girls Team members, we talked about training, superstitions and of course inspiration.

Like MJ and Tiger, these two have a routine all their own. “I shower before every match,” says Lindsay “and I always kiss the crest on my uniform.” Carli can’t hit the field without a pre game rinse either and sometimes bathes in the ever pungent Tigerbalm, resulting in a team evacuation from the locker room.

For more on Carli and Lindsey’s crazy, quirky habits and sources of inspiration grab a seat and sit in on this tell all interview with two of soccer’s brightest stars.

-Meghan

Coaching The Boys

DanaFine — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 20:27:18 GMT

It is not unusual for a girl's junior high, high school or college team to have a male coach. However, for many people it seems weird for a boy's team to have a female coach. All over the country, women are starting to coach boy's varsity teams and not only gaining the respect of the boys, but also teaching them that women are just as capable. For the past three years Shannon Etnyre has been the boy's varsity soccer coach in a northern suburb of Chicago. These young men love playing for her so much that they work hard in school in order to do so.

Melissa Malmed, American Literature and Composition teacher at the school that Etnyre coaches, said, "I think the only reason they sit though my class is to play soccer."

Etnyre played soccer from when she was little all the way through college and only had male soccer coaches. She only had one female soccer coach, an assistant coach, in college. Etnyre knew that after college she wanted to be a science teacher and coach. While she was student teaching she was the coach for the boy's JV soccer team. After the varsity team's head coach left they asked her to fill the spot and she jumped at the opportunity. All she wanted to do was teach and coach and it didn't seem weird to her to coach a boy's team.

Malmed said, "The inspiration she offers on the field spills over in the classroom."

Etnyre also coaches the girl's freshman team and while she enjoys it, she said it is very different than coaching the boys because of the age difference, they are at different skill levels. She works mostly on skills with the freshman girls and with the boy's varsity team she is developing strategy. Her dedication to soccer goes beyond gender. All she really wants is for people to understand the game and enjoy playing. When I asked one of her players to describe her as a coach he said that she is fun and serious, but that most of all she is a really good coach.

I am pretty sure that Etnyre herself doesn't even realize how amazing it is that she is coaching these young men. She is single-handedly helping make these boys into men who will realize that women can do anything athletically that men can. These boys will help raise daughters who they will encourage to play sports, and all because Etnyre is such a positive role model.

Etnyre doesn't think it is unusual that she is coaching a boy's team she just wants to coach. If more coaches had that attitude I feel like there would be less gender inequality in sports.

-Dana Fine

Lindsay Tarpley: 2 Golds by 25

KelleyFerro — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 21:26:31 GMT

Lindsay Tarpley, National soccer team gold medalist squared, and current forward for the Chicago Red Stars, is a cute blond and more importantly a serious athlete. Lindsay came by Midtown's Niketown to headline a forum on soccer training with teammate, Abby Wambach. As she graciously chatted I was impressed by what she had accomplished by age 25. I mean she already had her first gold when she was my age—at 23! This Kalamazoo native really proves that it comes down to determination and hard work. For a few minutes before Lindsay was about to lead a forum on training, she clued me in on the woman behind one of America's great strikers.

Kelley Ferro: What was the best moment in your soccer career?
Lindsay Tarpley: Standing at the podium and accepting that gold medal. We had lost three key players before the {Games}, and we still overcame.

KF: So, this past August marked your second gold medal in a row. How did this gold medal feel different than the first time?
LT: In Athens I was a lot younger. I learned a lot form Mia and Julie, but I was still learning. This year I was more mature and much stronger.

KF: When did your training really pay off and you said to yourself, "That was awesome"?
LT: In 2004 {at the Athens Games}, I had the first goal. I had really been working on my long-range shots. I was practicing them a lot. And all of a sudden the chance was there and I kicked a 21-yard goal. The training had really paid off!

KF: When you are having a rough day and don't feel like practicing, what gets you up and out there?
LT: My teammates. Knowing that my teammates are out there and practicing—that's what inspires me.

KF: Who was the role model that really inspired you to go all the way in soccer?
LT: Tracy, my U19 coach. She was an influential coach at an important time in my life.

KF: What do you do in your free team? whenever that is!
LT: Well since I don't get a lot of free time, I like to be with my husband. We go to coffee shops, play basketball, and hang out.

KF: If you could be better at one sport (other than soccer) what would it be?
LT: Golf

KF: What's your favorite indulgence?
LT: Junk food. As much of it as I can get! If I had to pick one, it'd be ice cream.

KF: What's your personal motto?
LT: Just to get after it. Dream big.

KF: So what's next?
LT: I just hope to keep doing well. And next up, World Cup.

-Kelley Ferro

Abby Wambach: Broken Bone's Won't Stop Her

KelleyFerro — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:45:29 GMT

"I'm always struck by the irony that it's the things you don't achieve that push you to try harder," says U.S. National Soccer star Abby Wambach during our chat at Niketown in midtown Manhattan. Abby had jetted from L.A. only a few hours earlier, and here she was, with teammate Lindsay Tarpley, ready to speak to a crowd of 120 young girl soccer players about being a female athlete. Between bites of her sandwich, Abby gave us her thoughts on recovery, GameChangers, and what it takes to be a soccer superstar.

The crowning moment of Abby's athletic career was, as you might guess, winning the gold medal in Athens. "It was pretty cool," she admits. But her mistakes are what has made her run faster, practice harder, and get better. This determined attitude has led Abby to become one of the world's top female athletes, with 99 goals under her belt and two gold medals. Her determined spirit has taught her how to overcome obstacles, particularly the one she faced this past July.

Just weeks before Abby was to board a plane bound for the Beijing games, a collision shattered her leg in two places. Beijing was out. "In one second, everything changed—everything flip-flopped," she says. Despite that harsh realization, Abby has still managed to find the silver lining.

"My leg injury was devastating, but it just added fuel to the fire. It made me realize it's not about me. It's about us. And I can't complain, we still won a gold medal."

Abby has always been a talented athlete, but while growing up, she had no idea that it was even possible for a female to become a pro soccer player. It wasn't until the greats came along, like Mia and Brandy, that she realized professional soccer was a possibility. She had no idea that she'd eventually be playing alongside them, as one of the greats herself.

"The life of a professional is 'Go, go, go!' It's at such a crazy pace but it feels normal when you are in it." During her recovery period, Abby's been able to take a step back, and discover the changes she needs to make in order to make her life and career more sustainable.

"These past four months have been the longest time not playing soccer in my life!" she says. So what does a soccer star do now that she can't be kicking balls? Abby finds safe ways to remain active, like swimming, biking and other non-impact sports. She's also recently joined on as one of the guest judges of Nike's GameChangers competition. GameChangers invites applicants to nominate those who are "changing the game" for women in sports.

"I really grow as a person when I read those stories," Abby says, referring to the inspiring applicants who have been sharing their contributions to social change. She is excited for all the great entrants and hopes the competition will benefit not just the finalists, but all the nominees by giving them the opportunity to get their message heard.

In the next two to three months, Abby hopes to be back on the field, gearing up for her next challenge, the 2011 World Cup. With Abby's fierce determination, goalies don't stand a chance.

For more information on GameChangers, or to nominate someone whom you feel is "changing the game" for women in sports, check out: Nikewomen.com

-Kelley Ferro