What an Experience…

Wow, is all that comes to mind.  All of the worlds greatest athletes in
one village, at the top of their game, competing for one thing and one
thing only….the gold medal.  Even better, the chance to do this wearing
you countries colors, knowing that you are representing something much
bigger than yourself.  I don’t think I quite grasped this concept before
attending this Olympics.  I am just so honored and proud to have completed
this feat, not only for myself but my family, teammates, coaches, friends,
and every field hockey fan out there!

Sitting there watching Holland v. China in the final game was definitely
bitter sweet.  For a first Olympics, I think our team did really well.  We
tied the bronze medal team, Argentina and were a strong contender every
time we stepped out onto that field.  I don’t think we were quite at the
same level as that final game, but it just gives me so much hope for this
sport in America.  To see the level of play field hockey is at this
moment, and how close we are to competing and beating these teams, just
drives me every day to work harder.

Going into this Olympics my Mom asked me “What are your plans after
this?”   I actually wasn’t quite sure.  Was it time to go out and get
a real job, go back for graduate school, go coach somewhere?  It felt as
though I was just graduating college and finally faced with that dreaded
question, “what do I do with my life now?”   Luckily it became
clear.  I want that medal in the Olympics.  I want to put USA on the medal
stand in Field Hockey.  It’s amazing what this team has done in the past
three years, now imagine what it can do in the next four!

Until next time…
Lauren Powley