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By: Shaine Millheiser

Sunday July 29^th:  On any other day, waking up at 5am (3am California time) would be daunting task. On any other day, rousing sixteen additional teenage soccer girls would be impossible. However today was unlike any other day. Sure, some girls needed a minute or two to rub the sleep out of their eyes, but once conscious of their surroundings, it was only natural for all to dress as quickly as possible and hurry downstairs, even if no rush was necessary. Whether it was nervous butterflies or stirring excitement, everyone seemed to have it, some more than others.

For some, today marked the second National Championship that Eagles would be vying for (2004 National Champions). For others, like myself, today’s game would be the first National Championship match we’ve ever played in.  Regardless, each Eagle wanted to win it just as badly as the next, and I know it was our destiny to do so.

I can remember back to U12’s when I first heard about the various older teams competing in Florida for a national title. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that someday I would be in that same position. It all just seemed so far away and impossible, but like our favorite adidas ad campaign tells us: impossible is nothing. Adidas was absolutely correct.

The last two minutes of the championship game was probably the most nerve-wracking two minutes of my life. But once that whistle finally blew, a new feeling emerged from within me that I had never felt before. People sometimes label their emotions as “indescribable”, and at that moment I was feeling just that. Not because I couldn’t find the right adjectives, but simply because what I felt seemed to be thousands of emotions all rolled into one. Happiness, contentment, nervousness, gratification, purposefulness, excitement… and the list just continues. “Indescribable” seems to be a more time effective description. As for the rest of the team and coaches, I feel confident in saying that they felt the same way, as no one word alone could ever describe the feeling of becoming a national champion.

As I leave Frisco, Texas, I know I will take a lot home with me. Sure, I’ll being bringing new hats, medals, tee shirts, and bags along, but a lot of my new baggage proves to be intangible. First off, the experience of becoming a National Champion is one thing that will always stay with me. The three-month road of constant competition we chose to travel was one of the most difficult, yet satisfying experiences of my life. Second, I will be brining home an elevated understanding for true teamwork, as every single member of our Eagle squad contributed each day to our ultimate success; on and off the field. Lastly, I finally know what it’s like to follow a path all the way to its end, without straying or quitting before that end is met. In all of my other National Cup experiences, the State Championship marked the end of my National Cup path. This time, however, my team and I did what no one thought we could by winning a second National Championship. Some see one Championship as a team’s limit. What are the odds that one small club team from Camarillo, California, would make it there and back twice in a lifetime? As our coach and inspiration taught to us, there are no real limits in life. Our favorite example is the bumble bee theory. Scientists say that it is aerodynamically impossible for a bumblebee to fly, however no one has told the bee of his natural limitations, so fly he does. As for my team and me, we have no set limitations for ourselves, and aspire to be back here next year in Texas, fighting for our third National Title.

By: Shaine Millheiser

Friday July 27^th:  With our third game kicking off at 7:30pm, we had yet another lazy morning and after noon to face. Some girls got up early (around 6am) to watch the 7:30am boy’s Arsenal team play, however once back at the hotel, most of the game goers immediately slipped back into bed. Since our game the night before had been postponed by over an hour, we didn’t return to the hotel until about 11pm. After dinner and showers, most of the squad was finally able to lay their heads down for the night at around 12:30am. While most of the team planned on attending the morning Arsenal game the night before, the sound of that 6am alarm was too intimidating for many. Hitting the snooze was too easy, while turning the chirping contraption off altogether was even easier. About half the team decided to sleep in, while the other half stayed true to the original plan. An absence of team unity? Not in the least. Everyone that needed sleep got their slumber, while those who thirsted to watch soccer attended the game. It was an overall happy ending.

For the rest of the day, we followed the basic schedule that had structured the past few days: eat, nap, play cards, go to the mall, watch TV, and nap again. It was another simple day, but nonetheless relaxing, which is exactly what active soccer girls need. With night games that bring such stress, it is nice to be able to relax beforehand and mentally prepare yourself for the match. While tonight’s game didn’t bring us the result we were hoping for, we are more than ready to face the Texans in the final.

By: Shaine Millheiser

Thursday July 26^th:  With another 7:30pm game, the squad was able to sleep in for a second day in a row. Since most girls stayed up late after Wednesday night’s win, the opportunity to sleep in was greatly appreciated. Once everyone had individually stirred around 10am or 11am, most headed in small groups to the mall or down to breakfast. While some went shopping with their parents, others lounged around the hotel playing cards, watching TV, or catching a quick nap. It’s nice to be able to have a relaxing day before such a crucial game.

Today the parents decided to leave for the field at about 5:45pm, an hour later than yesterday’s departure. We arrived to the complex about an hour before the scheduled kick off. However due to rain and lightning the games were postponed by about an hour. Of course it was after we were finished warming up that the lightening horn sounded, but either way our team was too focused to let a few adversities get in our way of another win. At about 8:45pm we returned to the field, and ten minutes later the game began. Once again, we found the result we were looking for.

By: Shaine Millheiser and Courtney Goodson

Wednesday July 25^th:  With our first game at 7:30pm, the squad was relieved to finally have the opportunity to sleep in. While most were awake by about 11am, we had clearly missed breakfast at the hotel. With few choices, most opted to walk to the mall and eat at the food court. The Galleria, one of the largest malls in the country, had numerous dining options as well as many shops. Both Courtney and I chose to eat at Roma, an Italian eatery, before making our way to the stores. As to-be Texas Longhorns, we spent a majority of our time shopping for UT apparel and Bevo longhorn plush toys. After about an hour or so, we headed back to the hotel to catch a quick nap before finally meeting up with the team.

Once the squad had gathered in the lobby at about 5pm, we headed to the field about two hours early. Since we got there before the parking lots were open, we had time to kill. The team decided to pay a visit to the USYS headquarters building and see the various National Champions Cups. With our own team name inscribed on the 2004 Elmer Ehler’s Cup, it was nice to have the opportunity to see it once again. Upon exiting the headquarters, we grabbed our stuff and headed out to the fields. It was game time!

By: Shaine Millheiser and Courtney Goodson

Tuesday July 24^th:  Today started a bit earlier than we anticipated, as we all had to be down in the lobby and ready to go at around 10:15am. Of course 10:15 for some is often interpreted as 10:30 for others, as was the case for many of the Eagle girls this morning. However all were forgiven, as it sometimes takes a few extra minutes of preparation when dealing with formal attire so early in the morning. Only once in a blue moon will you see a team of seventeen athletes dressed up and elegant, but it was a beautiful sight. Even the parents were impressed!

Our vans arrived to the banquet at around 11:30am, leaving us with just enough time to eye down other scattered cliques of teams that were more than content with keeping to themselves. There was no mingling between regions, but how could one expect such rivals to befriend one another with so much at stake on the field? It was apparent that every team had the same desire to ultimately be crowned a national champion. However the banquet was still a success, even in spite of underlying animosity. It was a nice way to begin such a surreal experience, as everything from the food to the speakers was amazing. Even the highlight videos sparked constant cheers amongst the diverse teams. The best part, at least for our Eagles squad, was being able to look at the various trophies of past national champions, and find our own team name inscribed on the 2004 Elmer Ehlers’ Cup. It was an indescribable feeling.

Directly following the players’ banquet we had about 6 hours of down time before our practice. I think everyone would agree that down time is always the best time. While some went to the mall, others chose to relax in the hotel by taking a nap or watching TV. Lunch fell somewhere in between, however most were still full from the luncheon. At about 7pm, our team was fortunate to begin practice with the absence of the stereotypical Texas heat. With most of our games taking place at about this time each day, we all pray for this pattern to continue.

Our second team dinner of the event took place at Macaroni Grill, an Italian cuisine. Everyone enjoyed the meal, but much like the night before a few doggie bags were needed for the left-overs. No matter how full our stomachs told us we were, we all made room for BJ’s pazookies for dessert; a perfect way to end the night.

After team Dinner at Macaroni Grill

Macaroni Grill

Speak Soft Act loud team motto

By: Shaine Millheiser

Monday July 23:  Aside from being a bit groggy after waking up for an 8am flight out of LAX, our Camarillo Eagles squad was more than fired up for the week to come. Early morning smoothies, cinnamon rolls and breakfast burritos also helped to cover any last minute butterflies and filled seventeen growling tummies.

Our arrival to Houston greeted us with just enough to stretch our legs and walk to our connecting flight. Of course we somehow found time to squeeze in our second favorite hobby next to soccer: snacking. With just enough time to punctually board the flight, we all took our back row seats and set off for our final destination, Dallas, Texas.

After deplaning and gathering over-packed luggage from baggage claim, our team and our three vans began a final hour long van ride to the hotel. With music blasting, appalling singing, and two cars shaking with girls dancing in their seats, one couldn’t help but feel the team’s excitement. We arrived at the hotel and soon after had a quick team meeting, followed by a team jog around the neighborhood. After sitting in cars and planes all day, we all needed a taste of the outdoors, as well as a feel for the local whether. Dallas seemed to be a bit cloudy, but nonetheless just as hot and humid as we had imagined. It didn’t matter though, our team was too determined to capture a second national title than to let a bit of unfamiliar whether stand in our way.

Before the jog.

After jog.

Our first team dinner of the tournament took place at Steak and Ale, a local steakhouse restaurant. The team seemed to give an overwhelming thumbs-up to the meal, although some of the parents might have been leaning towards a thumbs-down on the price.

All in all the day was quite delightful, even in spite of our timely plane and van rides. Hopefully a successful day one will only feed into the next six, bringing a positive experience matched with a victorious outcome.