Shanghai
7/13/11
We arrived safely in Shanghai tonight. I feel we are ready to do something special. We have been training very hard for the past few weeks at home and the guys have been working hard. We had some excellent trainings at home. Good physical conditioning in the pool and the gym, with a good balance of team tactics. We have placed a big emphasis on team defense, 6 on 5 and 5 on 6. If we are going to win a medal here, these areas of our game will be big keys.
When we left practice on Sunday, I left the team with a thought. Perhaps it is a mantra that they will buy into as we go forward (at least that is my goal with it). The idea or thought was to be the “best ever” team in USA Water Polo history. The guys are well aware of our teams in the 80’s that won two Olympic silvers (1984 and 1988). That team never won a medal at the World Championships. In fact, no USA team has won a medal at the World Championships. So if this team is going to take on that challenge of becoming the “best ever” than it starts now with a medal here in Shanghai.
The other accomplishment that would put them in the category as being the best team in USA Water Polo history, would be to win the gold medal next summer in London. So that is our challenge - to win a medal here and to win the gold next year.
In 2008, we all were well aware of our mantra which simply said “Back to the Podium”. Here we are four years later - looking to make a statement that would certainly leave a legacy behind for this team.
I am excited about these games. The hotel is wonderful, food seems great. We just need to get some rest now and get our bodies ready for the task in front of us. Our first game against Germany lies just 5 days away. They will be very tough - no doubt.
Time for some rest.... We will see you at the pool!
Coach
We arrived safely in Shanghai tonight. I feel we are ready to do something special. We have been training very hard for the past few weeks at home and the guys have been working hard. We had some excellent trainings at home. Good physical conditioning in the pool and the gym, with a good balance of team tactics. We have placed a big emphasis on team defense, 6 on 5 and 5 on 6. If we are going to win a medal here, these areas of our game will be big keys.
When we left practice on Sunday, I left the team with a thought. Perhaps it is a mantra that they will buy into as we go forward (at least that is my goal with it). The idea or thought was to be the “best ever” team in USA Water Polo history. The guys are well aware of our teams in the 80’s that won two Olympic silvers (1984 and 1988). That team never won a medal at the World Championships. In fact, no USA team has won a medal at the World Championships. So if this team is going to take on that challenge of becoming the “best ever” than it starts now with a medal here in Shanghai.
The other accomplishment that would put them in the category as being the best team in USA Water Polo history, would be to win the gold medal next summer in London. So that is our challenge - to win a medal here and to win the gold next year.
In 2008, we all were well aware of our mantra which simply said “Back to the Podium”. Here we are four years later - looking to make a statement that would certainly leave a legacy behind for this team.
I am excited about these games. The hotel is wonderful, food seems great. We just need to get some rest now and get our bodies ready for the task in front of us. Our first game against Germany lies just 5 days away. They will be very tough - no doubt.
Time for some rest.... We will see you at the pool!
Coach
posted by Dr. Terry Schroeder at
9:06 AM
1 Comments:
Hi, Terry!
Just a quick note to let you know how much your flight crew enjoyed escorting you across the 'big pool', and on to your next endeavor. What a delightful bunch of men...fully equipped with manners, looks, fitness, finesse, discipline, and overall attitude of humble greatness that will thrust you all into the next victory. (This would be the players, trainers, and coaches as well, of course!).
With a new adoration and appreciation for the sport and the sportsman, and those who drive and inspire them... Godspeed to you all in Shanghai and beyond!
Lisah Brown
United Airlines
International Flight Attendant
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