April 19, 2009 Scrimmage: First let me say for essentially a month off from competitive play, I think we played well. Some players had the best game of their season, possibly their career. It definitely goes to show their mental toughness. On that note, I’ve been putting more pressure on them during practice, because I think lately they’ve been straying too far into social hour and later in HS or college when they’re lacking some skill they need, they’ll regret that choice. So hopefully they come home a bit more tired from practice!
Those of you who were at the game, know what the rest of this email involves. I received word on Friday I was accepted to the FIFA Master’s program for Sports Management. Its 4 months in England, 4 in Milan, and 4 in Switzerland near the FIFA headquarters. I go in September, but will most likely be leaving NJ in early August to sort things at home. This is an opportunity of a lifetime and I’m still in shock I even got in, but I did and as much as I’ve settled here in NJ, I have to take this chance.
I’m not one for public emotion so I apologize if I was not as eloquent yesterday after the game. This team has always been “my girls.” I’ve trained almost 15 different teams to some extent in NJ, but ask anyone in the office, and the JET Power were always “my girls.” I even have the Burlington tournament champions plaque up in my cubicle! It has been such a joy to get to know you and your daughters. It made me fall in love with the sport again, kept me connected to human side of soccer as I prepared spreadsheets and excel files for work. Anyway, I wanted to say thank you. For being patient with me, for believing in my methodology. I only hope your daughters stay dedicated so they can see the results of the hard work they’ve already put in.
So its been a pleasure, and I’m so glad I get to finish the season with them. There’s plenty of time for more soccer this season, and see you all tonight if the weather holds off!
Cheers,
Natalie
March 22, 2009: First and foremost I want to say thank you for letting me coach you today. Natalie came down with a really bad fever last night and then found out she was contagious so even though she really really wanted to coach you today she decided it was best not to get any of you sick...and from our depleted numbers already, I agreed that was the best conclusion.
I just want to take the opportunity to tell you how proud I was of each and every one of you in this game today. For those that weren't here we lost 7-1 to a pretty good South Brunswick team who played us 11 on 9 for most of the first half. Like I said to the girls, obviously they thought you were pretty good too and didn't want to take the chance of playing you even, or 1 up when Kelsey went down. The coach told me he would pull players off as he got the lead and then didn't deliver on that promise and that is a testament to your hard fight...and scoring a goal! You played as a team and worked together and did your best and that's the stuff Natalie and I have been trying to get out of you. I saw it today! Just before the half we were able to cause so much havoc that the players on the other team were fighting with each other....anytime you can cause that - its a small victory.
If you were there you may have noticed that the game was closer than the score reflected and we had several good scoring chances. Most of the goals we let in were lucky chances and not the result of good quality team play (on their end). I know your daughters may be dissappointed and even angry right now and I need your help to pick them back up. I have never been prouder of the effort and the hustle shown as I was today from any other team that I've coached/trained and I've been doing this for 12 years now. I know that each of them have grown as a person and has a player for sticking this challenge out today and not giving up.
Specifically here are some examples of the toughness shown....and i'm a firm believer of that which doesn't kill you makes you stronger....so we all got a lot stronger today. Great job and keep your heads high.
Nicole G. Started off in goal and played tough but then unleashed all kinds of fury on the field when she got in. She battled anyone that wanted to get in her way and I think (it was hard to judge) she got our goal or at least was part of getting our goal. She hustled to chase down anything that came her way and as a result of her demeanor and physical play they gave her a yellow card! I'm never a proponent of getting penalties or dirty play-but that's not what this was...it was just good old fashioned toughness.
Kelsey H. Took a major shot to the head and had to come out of the game because she literally couldn't see. In talking with her on the sidelines and telling her how much we needed her, she sucked it up and played the whole second half for us and played it tough. She went right back to her normal self in attacking loose balls and trying to block clears from the other team. Despite her injury she did not back down one bit.
Marissa L. Without any warning from me she got placed in the goal and played most of the first half and all of the second at that position. She did not complain and she played it to her best ability. She really stepped up today for the team and helped us get through this tough spot.
Niki P. Controlled the middle of the field and was able to work out stealing and distributing the ball despite the fact that she always had at least two players on her. She assisted our only goal and provided us with several other scoring chances. She was all over the field and had to make several runs both offensively and defensively and I know it had to be tiring.
Kerri R. Did a great job defensively for us and was able to keep the defense and midfield in check. She helped to sort out our mismatches with marking up (since the other team had more players). She also disrupted alot of their chances by stepping up on thru balls and chasing down long balls.
Lizzie E. Has remarkable speed, which i'm sure you all have noticed right now. She was able to take more chances and step up on defense because even if she got beat, her girl had no chance of getting to the net. I'm excited to watch her grow on this team-i've seen a ton of improvement already.
Imani C. Another speed demon who was able to make runs down the right side and cause scoring chances for us. She played aggressively and smart and helped us to get things going on offense.
Elise T. Just tenacious, hounding, never give up, style of play that was able to disrupt the flow of the other team. She played left mid, which i know she is not used to and we really tested her endurance today. On several occasions she had to retreat back (again due to their extra personnel) and slow down the ball and she was able to do it every time. I'm excited about her speed and endurance as well-another vast improvement.
Courtney K. Great effort up top....She created chances for us and had some shots herself. Also, much like Nicole she was getting physical in her fight to get the ball and that's exactly what we needed. She tried to shield the ball and use her body to keep the other team on the defensive.
Nadine P. Another great effort on defense. She has improved her speed as well but also got smarter by judging which ball she could step in front and which she had to contain. She made several good decisions today and (along with the other defenders) allowed our offense and mids the luxury of getting open once she won the ball instead of still thinking defensively.
Again I just want to reiterate how proud I am of these girls and their effort today. The other thing that I saw which I just kind of mentioned regarding our defense is that you are all starting to trust each other...you are starting to depend and rely on each other and that is making us better as a team.
For those of you wondering why the other coach was such a jerk and wouldn't play us even until he was already beating us pretty bad, the simple answer is it's within his rights. Techically you only need 7 players on the field for it to count as a legal game. If we only had 7 he maybe would have played us 11 on 7 who knows! But, I know that Natalie and I have standards and we've done it before that if the other team has less players we play them even or only one player up. I think he did his players a real disservice today by playing the way he did and each of our players learned so much more than the players on the his team. The guys name is Carl Spataro and the team was South Brunswick in case you guys happen to run into him in your life endeavors. I just looked at the schedule and unfortunately we don't get to see this team again this season. I really would have enjoyed watching us spank them later when we have a full squad.
Anyway, sorry for the really long email I just don't have that much interaction with you guys anymore so I wanted to let you know what I saw....and I think Natalie is doing a great job with you and I think you are all giving your all and that's all we can ever ask.
Thanks, Coach Jen
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