The Hunger Games (netball style)

I just got back from a press conference and it was an awesome experience. Before the conference, I was coached on what the media might ask, how I should sit, and presentation (should my warm up jacket be zipped up or down?). It reminded me of a scene from the Hunger Games where Katnis is getting ready to be interviewed. This is all a little bit like the Hunger Games actually. We've been training to be the best of the best for a competition where nations come together. We're fighting on the court, not to the physical death but for our country. These games could be the start of a new beginning for netball in the US. We are the underdogs in this, the district 12 of the netball world, and no one really knows what to expect. The media had a lot of questions about that. They asked about our recruiting process and what we expect from our team.

When they asked Team Namibia sitting next to us about their recruiting, they went into detailed length about how the schools feed into their program and the solid 2 month long training camp that players experience and the final selection process of whittling the pool of 20 to 12. In America, we have no schools feeding into this process and no university netball programs. We're competing against girls that have been playing since they were 5 or 6. There's a lot up against us but the victory in all of this is that we're here. We're showing the world that netball in America exists and we're worthy opponents. We are the first ever team so we have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Our team will bring our 100% to the court tomorrow and fight for every ball. I'm excited to show the world what Americans can do with this sport! We've improved immensely over the past few days especially and I can't wait to hit the court in the morning against Zimbabwe.

It's been especially fun getting to know the girls from all around the world. On the way back from the press conference, I sat next to Great Britain in the bus ride back and it was so fun. We talked about all of the tv shows we have in common. Every time I meet someone else from another country, they usually ask about our country. My favorite question from the Brits webt like this, "We love to watch Glee! Are high schools in America really like that?" It was funny and my sisters would have laughed out loud if they were there.

Before the conference this morning, all of the teams coached clinics for local middle school girls which was awesome! I love to coach and getting to see how other countries coach girls in netball is fantastic. It also fans the fire I have about seeing netball explode in American schools. I can imagine a day where American girls grow up with the sport and that makes me very excited!

Right now is nap time before we get all dressed up for the opening night dinner. It's at the aquarium and we'll be dining along side the fishes and sharks! For the rest of tonight, we'll be eating dinner and then getting to bed early to prep for our game tomorrow. Our game will be broadcast online at http://livestream.com/rugbyafricatv :)