Pressure Makes Us: Abby Wambach

There's no question how much I love the US Women's National Team.  I feel like their game is so pure, meaning they are there to play and to do their best.  Always.  No antics.  No flopping.  No egos.  And although Carli Lloyd is my favorite player, I truly respect Abby Wambach.  She handles a tough loss with such dignity and pride it's almost more inspiring than winning.  She knows how to rally her team.  She even controls their emotions when she gets punched in the face.   She is the epitome of a true team player.  She shares the ball with her teammates, will run her guts out to make any pass or play work, will put her body at risk for a 50/50 ball, and will play any position on the field for the greater good of the team.

As a player, I always try to be that team player.  I'll play anywhere on the field, mostly because I know I'll find my chance to get in that attack and all I really want to be is a difference maker.  Wise words from Megan Rapinoe... "I go where the game tells me."  As a coach, I only wish parents and players are open minded to see it too.  Not glorify any one position, or look down upon another just because it's not the attention grabber or "lesser skilled" position.  For some reason everyone thinks if you play defense, you lose your skill, your confidence, all you do is kick the ball.  I see just the opposite.  Defenders learn early on the definition of a mistake, and the consequence one brings.  They become smarter faster.  They play a simpler game true, but cleaner and more precise.  My cousin played Center Back, and his coach at the time made a comment on when he would dribble the ball up the field, he would just hold his breath because you could tell something great was about to happen.  You learn to pick your opportunities to display that hidden skill, and when you get your chance, that's what everyone remembers.  That's the excitement this game needs.  Proud defenders.

"It's taking care of the small little things that make the whole succeed and move forward."
-Abby Wambach