Countdown Beijing- One Month to Go

A few nights ago we celebrated the 4th of July. I have never been more proud to represent our country. I am not sure why. Maybe it is just being a little older and having lived longer in our great nation. Perhaps it has been coaching the team and wearing USA gear all the time. Whatever it is I am proud of the red, white and blue and while we have our share of problems, there is not a better place to live in the world.

Asthe fireworks exploded and sparkled in the air my eyes filled with tears and I had goose bumps all over my body. I am so proud to be an American and I am looking forward to representing our country next month at the Olympic Games in Beijing.

I believe that our team will be one that America will be proud of too. This is a team that believes in each other. That belief system is getting stronger everyday. It has been fun to be a part of this journey. I have watched these guys go from a very fragmented group when I took over one year ago to a team that now trusts and respects each other. The whole idea of team - this is why I played the game and this is why I coach the game. There is no greater feeling in sports than to be a part of a group that shares a common goal and comes together to work for that goal.

Just last week in Colorado Springs our sports psychologist asked our team to come up with words that described themselves back in December of last year when we had our first training camp. They chose words like frustrated and flustered. Then he asked them to pick a word that describes the team now. They picked energized and confident. We have definitely transformed into a united team. The chemistry is building and in my opinion it will continue to grow from here. We have momentum and this is a team that will become closer and stronger..

I am looking forward to seeing how far we can go. We may not win the gold –that is a reality- but I feel really good about our chances to surprise a lot of teams. Go USA!

See you at the pool!
Coach