As a result of my continued involvement in the world of fitness and sports performance training, I learned from my mentor Brian Diaz of the importance of training logs. Hence, below are my attempts to accurately document what I do as a collegiate soccer player, both on and off the field. Enjoy!



Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Bittersweet Ride Into the Sunset

Always tough to end a season much less a career and a huge chapter of my life.  I cried a lot after our loss on Saturday night in the first round of the NCAA tourney but reality didn't really set in until we started cleaning out the locker room yesterday afternoon.  It was an emotional day with the boys and in reality we all cried not because we lost but because it is all over.  We all gave our farewell words and packed up our things...an afternoon of closure for a career where I couldn't ask for too much more - 3 conference rings, 4 NCAA tournament appearances, a number of individual awards, and countless memories and friendships.

Again as always many many thanks to my close friends and family for their undying love and support through it all.  Soccer has had a lot of ups and downs for me, especially in college.  I'm glad I could end on a positive note individually with my best season yet and be at peace with my career.  A bittersweet ending knowing it's over but that there are many new things to look forward to.

A farewell view of the locker room (wonder who will hold the Einstein poster next!?)


And now it's time to ride on to new endeavors in the great tour of life! 



Monday, November 5, 2012

Ups/Downs But Still Alive

This past weekend was tough on the team since we dropped our USA South semi final game to Greensboro.  Their goalkeeper won the game for them - making 10 saves...one of them on me with a shot I definitely thought was going in.  Collectively, we outshot them 21-8 however, like I've always said, shot counts don't necessarily matter.  I twisted my ankle pretty bad in the first half but played through it in the second...we just couldn't seem to get over the hump.  Needless to say I was scared that our season and my soccer days were over.  On a positive note I received some exciting news over the weekend about an academic all-district award.  Here's a link to the published article.  I was very honored to hear about this, however, my main concern lies with our team's success.

Luckily today we received some great news from the NCAA that we would be playing in the big dance for the fourth year in a row.  I was pumped.  Opponents, game times, and locations to be confirmed/decided.  Here's a link to the article with the official bracket.  Thankfully with some solid rehab this weekend my ankle is on the mend and feeling strong as we kicked off another week of practice this afternoon.

Shouts to T and CUA on a successful season - hard to not make the tournament but I know a bright future lies ahead of them.  Very proud of his first season in the collegiate ranks!

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Hurricanes and Tournament Games

Saturday we played our first round USA South Conf tourney game against Piedmont at home.  Thankfully with hurricane Sandy rolling in we pushed it to an afternoon game and got it in.  We won handily (4-1) and played some solid possessive soccer, particularly in the first half.  After the game we grabbed a bite to eat and headed south/west back home to avoid the storm.  Enjoyed spending time there for a few days catching up with Nana and Pops, Brian, Meredith, and the family.  It was a nice mini break to have before the chill of winter and the post season sets in.  This weekend we will continue tournament play in Martinsville.  Thoughts and prayers go out to those hurt/affected by the storm.  All-conference awards were also announce today - click here for details on how the team ended up.