Yes She Can

During the summer months, when all the local schools are closed for a recess and the traveling all Girls Soccer Team is taking a break, my beautiful, smart and athletic daughter Taylor, chooses basketball to keep herself fired up. Its not as though we as a family are just sitting around doing nothing and getting bored, its just that she has so much competitive desire to achieve, that I would literally have to physically restrain her to keep her still. God knows its a blessing that her mom does most of the going here and there, while I the other parent... well, lets just leave it at that.

It all started way back when she started to learn how to walk. The next question should be, how fast did it take? Try fast.......real fast. This incredible feat didn't last to long either, because before I could get the hang of the video camera, she was up and running. Soon after the toddler track meet, swimming lessons started which required her to wear those plastic arm floatation thinga-ma-jigs. Personally, I thought this would slow things down a bit, but I was wrong again. She soon ripped those arm things off and to my surprise, was swimming like a fish.

This brings me to what she calls her featured event, "Basketball".

This is probably her true "I LOVE THIS GAME" sport. Of course, I assume this because, she talks about it, dreams about it and plays very well at it. She presently plays the point guard position and really has great ball handling skills.

This school year, she'll more than likely play both soccer and basketball, providing she can keep pace with her academics.

Who knows, perhaps in a few years, high school MVP; Then collegiate player of the year; and ultimately... the WNBA!

Champions

Today was truly a special day. Americans across this land and abroad were taking a moment to remember the the true Hero's of our time. It's all about the many men and women who've made the decision to sacrifice and fight for what they believed in, which was unrelenting and everlasting FREEDOM!

Today, I also want to introduce you to a present generation of young women, who are making a huge and significant statement right now, rather than wait for the unknown possibilities of tomorrow. Today they collectively decided to become and remain CHAMPIONS. They are learning at a young age, to do the things that are right and to take a stand against those things that are wrong. They are learning what it means to persevere, to have child-like faith and to be strong in the face of overwhelming odds. It's about being competitive, yet understanding and exhibiting respect and good sportsmanship toward others. The have learned that there is no "I", in TEAM and they've demonstrated over and over again that there is a major difference between Winners and Whiners. This extraordinary characteristic of theirs, is reminiscent of a book I've read, that bears a similar title, authored by Keith Cameron Smith.

These Young Hero's are known near and far as the West Pines United Adidas Girls U12, Soccer Team.

This weekend they defended their Championship title, defeated all of their scheduled competitors, at the Disney Wide World of Sports Tournament, in Orlando, Florida.

I am very proud of each and every player on this team, as well as all of their wonderful parents.

Special thanks and congratulations to head coach, Wayne Smith and his assistant Danny Amador.