Flashing…Lights (Lights) Flashing Lights (Lights)

Flashing…Lights (Lights) Flashing Lights (Lights)

I had the privilege of experiencing the PUMA kit launch for myself last week. Quite the experience! I mean I’ve met Steven Spielberg, that guy on the O.C. and one time even bumped into (luckily not literally or she would’ve easily broken in half) Lindsay Lohan and her “gal-pal” Samantha Ronson at around 3am down in AC. But these sad versions of brushing with fame, will never prepare a person for seeing Summer Sanders in person! Okay, to be honest, I’ve never had a particular affinity toward ol’ Sandy (thoughts on my assigned moniker?) but when our marketing manager asked me to take photos at the event, this dormant fandom of 90s Nickelodeon tv show hosts came bubbling up to the surface of my psyche. I may never be the same.



Okay, joshing aside, it was just a fun event. The highlight of my night was the surprise appearance of Louise Waxler, a major role model in my life (AND my facebook friend!). Its so great to meet the new WPS staff and reconnect with some old ones as well. Hahaha, old ones. That was not meant to an age-ist joke.

Anyway, I digress. Christian Siriano was incredibly funny and basically exactly the way he was in the show! There were numerous WPS players there not on the runway. Natasha Kai showed up. With a hilarious belt buckle. Joanna Lohman with a rockin’ new hair cut, stopped to chat with her Freedom teammates. And I had the pleasure of riding the train into the city with NJ’s own Jillian Loyden, who just headed off to St. Louis. It was fun to see her meet some of her new teammates, including her new intra-squad competition, Hope Solo. Bum bum bum… Also from Sky Blue FC, Domenique Esposito was there. Sky Blue-er, Christie Shaner came up from Philly for the event. I’m convinced she’s attempting to win some sort of nicest person alive contest.

There may be more names, but I can’t remember. The whole Sky Blue FC staff came for some fun. I’m currently trying to convince our staff to let me put up a hilarious clip of them on youtube. Oddly, I’m not getting a lot of support….


Shout out to: Gayle Bryan from Fair Game. The kids from my former employer, the Women’s Sports Foundation. The guys from First Touch. Wonderful guys who want to support us!


Just a final word: I had the pleasure of speaking with all the players present and they certainly do range in personality. Isn’t that great? There is no cookie-cutter responses, or empty phrases. Yes, maybe there could be a bit of polishing from the PR departments with a little media training. But I’m a bit proponent of diversity, of uniqueness. Some are good with kids, some aren’t. Some love the glare of the camera, some you can tell thrive on a simple one-on-one conversation. One can speak of the current political or economic climate, the other talk only of soccer. A few love the “wrap” (skort), a few tried to hold back their laughter. Some have facial piercings, others have crosses featured prominently around their neck. Women who celebrate goals with zeal, and those who only give a nod as they jog back to their half. But each player will impact a child in a way no parent could. Their unique personality may reach a young girl struggling with confidence, body image, or even more serious issues, in a way maybe another player with another personality couldn’t. These players aren’t perfect, and are very different from each other, but they also exemplify hard work, dedication, and one of the most important for young girls, confidence. Not bad things to teach a kid.


You might disagree. I’ll still buy you a beer, or an orange juice, anyway….



PS. I believe Sky Blue FC has the only Division III player invited to preseason camp in the country. Can anyone confirm or deny that? Personally, I think its amazing. Its not about where you came from, but who you are today.