The past nine years have been an incredible Blues journey! When I was 8 years old and Larry convinced me it would be worth my while to play club soccer for the Blues. Back then what could be more wonderful than playing All-Stars and Spring Select...little did I know. Today, more than ever, I look back with huge appreciation for Larry taking the time to guide me in what has turned out to be one of the most important and impacting decisions of my life.

My fondest memories began with Coach Mary Naimie and the "Baby Blues." Back in 1997, there were only nine Blues teams and playing club soccer at 8 was considered young! One day in front of Sports Chalet after one of my first games the nicest man took time to stoop down and say hello to me. Although I didn't know him, with great enthusiasm he asked how my game had gone. I came to learn it was Dave Mildrew, our current club general manager, who proved to me even back then that the Blues were an organization whose members cared about and supported one another, regardless of the level of play. Some of my greatest friendships were formed on the Baby Blues, and two of these girls, Krissy "Sparky" Munoz, and Lauren "Fly" Leslie, are my U18 teammates today. There was an immediate feeling of family even with this youngest of teams, and Mary treated us like we were always vying for the World Cup Title. We took our soccer seriously; just as we did being on time for practice for fear Mary would fine us 25 cents with the pot of money going to the one who could juggle the longest. No one wanted to lose! Mary was the perfect role model for us: extremely smart, athletic, dedicated, driven to win, and compassionate toward all her players. She established an impressive foundation for us to build upon, and she will always be among my valued mentors.

The next phase of my Blues experience was life-altering. Tad Bobak became our coach at the U11 level and continued with us throughout our journey to this day. I have grown more as a person through my association with Tad and the Blues, both on and off the field than I could in any classroom. There was so much to learn between the Seven Powerful Parts and the repertoire of "Tadisms" we suddenly had to absorb. How excited my U11 teammates and I were after one practice convinced Tad had promised to "pay" us for scoring goals... "Did you hear that, we'll be 'cashing in!!!'" they squealed! In our innocence, we had no idea "cashing in" simply meant putting the ball in the net. Then, there was the infamous "mountain" we would climb. Tad asked us if anyone knew the tallest mountain in the country...of course he was speaking in figurative soccer terms. I did my homework diligently, however, and came back with the answer of Mt. McKinley. Of course I was wrong as the name of the mountain could only be revealed upon reaching it's peak, which we are still on a mission to do. Tad's vocabulary has also become part of my own. I find myself saying "frickin" all the time I am so used to hearing him say it! Yes, there was much to be learned, and step by step we climbed that mountain together as we achieved two state championships and were regional finalists. Our adventures together in Hawaii and Washington were unforgettable. My Blues teammates became the sisters I never had. Our bonding experiences occurred in the best of times and the worst of times. We celebrated with victories, sleep-overs and holiday parties, and we visited injured and ill teammates in the hospital together. It's amazing how close I have grown to these girls. We have formed deep friendships that will remain strong no matter where we end up in college, or what we do with our lives. Our endless memories and stories will forever bring a smile to my face and always be part of me. Through it all Tad, consistently yet quietly, set forth a supreme example of incomparable human character. From Tad we learned to be a "class act" by respecting others, our environment, and by showing integrity at all times. Along with integrity, we also learned some pretty awesome riddles! Tad's lessons will stay with me forever, and I could not be more grateful to him. It is one thing to have a great coach, another to have someone you respect both as a person and as an example by which you choose to lead your life.

The philosophies I have acquired through being a part of the Blues transcend my soccer experiences as they carry over into my everyday life. Today, as I find myself looking forward to attending Yale University and playing Division I soccer for the new Ivy League Champions, I can only say thank you to the Blues for enabling me this great opportunity. My recent college recruiting experiences confirm that the words "So. Cal. Blues" carry very powerful connotations as they are spoken across the nation. I could not be prouder. As I look back at that naive little 8 year old girl who wanted to continue playing All-Stars, I certainly count my blessings for Larry's advice. It has been one incredible journey and I THANK YOU ALL!