Flight to Shanghai

As it always it was a scramble to pack this morning, get my gear ready to go and check out of the hotel. In am not normally a souvenir person, I had already received more gifts from the Venue Organizing Committee than I would normally have on an entire trip. Packing was a challenge and I plan to pick up an extra bag before I head home, not to imply that I ever travel light.

I knew that I was on the same plane as the US Team, but in addition to the girls and team personnel, everyone else was there too. ESPN, ESPN.com, Sports Illustrated, AP, Voice of America, Washington Post and I am sure several others. Waiting for the plane was a very informal media event.





As we are all talking, relaxing and waiting to board, the next group arrived – the Nigerian Team. I think everyone on the flight was related to the World Cup.

I had previously met Ally Wagner, who’s husband Adam Eyre I knew from his days playing for the Minnesota Thunder. I had also met Leslie, Kate and Heather at a clinic they were giving in Chicago recently, but this was the first time that I really had a chance to sit and talk to any of the team.

They are just as you would expect poised, confident, approachable and absolutely delightful. In addition to all of that, having seen them play two extraordinarily intense games, I know they are among the toughest athletes I have ever met.

This was also the first time that I was able to speak to them individually about our project. My images will be combined with the text by nationally recognized teen author Gail B. Stewart, to produce at book entitled Portrait of Passion. Each was excited and eager to help. In the next few days, I will share more information about our project.

Wishing the players well seems inappropriate, all I told each one of them was to keep on smiling. My sense is that the will be.