Kicking off July ...

Hello again!

How are we all doing today?

Have we all recovered from the shock of Tasha’s departure?

No? Me neither. … But, as they say: you don’t get over it, but you get through it.

And for me, the World Cup has helped.

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I love Soccer. Or football, as most people call it.

I love the fitness and the skill.

Hope Solo (The US Women's Goalie) Training

I love the uniforms and the fans.

I love the players and their stories.

I love the drama and action of it all.

"Papers label French team a bunch of mutinous fools"

It is, simply, my favorite sport.

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But the world cup brings it to a whole new level. Club competitors become national teammates. Club teammates become international competitors.

Older players face the inevitability of younger stars taking their place. Rising stars get a humbling reality check from the more experienced players.

"Grings finally emerges from golden Prinz's Shadow"

There are always underdogs and surprises … both on the field and off.

Paul the Octopus correctly predicted the future outcomes.

During their first game, the Japanese team held up a big banner thanking the world for all of the support Japan received after the earthquake and tsunami. One of their players, Aya Miyama, has spent the past few years playing on various club teams in the US, but she was in Japan during the tsunami and went missing. All of her teammates, both past and present, called her and sent letters to her family until she was found. These are the same players who pull her shirt and tackle her legs and would gladly push her out of the way for a shot on goal.

What I’m trying to say, is that soccer/football is a game that captures humanity and puts it on a field. And, no matter where you’re from or what language you speak, you can learn something from playing and watching because this sport teaches in the language of the game. You learn to put aside differences and work together with your worst enemy or against your best friend. You learn to push yourself to your limit and beyond. You learn to see opportunities, no matter how small, and to face off against great odds and daunting numbers in order to get that one shot at success. And when you miss your shot, you learn to keep your composure, pick yourself up, and try again. Patience, communication, keeping your head up, and following through … these are all essential elements of a successful player … and person.

I could keep going, but I don’t want to bore you. I just want you to keep in mind how much of this ISA experience can relate to this sport. We are a team, and it is our individual strengths that make us great, and our drive and dedication that will make us successful.

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Now it's your turn: Do you have a favorite sport? Has it taught you any valuable life lessons? Are you a soccer/football fan like I am? Have you been watching the World Cup? Tell me! Tell me!