Probably one of the things I loved best about being a sports writer through the late 80s and most of the 90s was covering girls’ and women’s soccer. Watching it in person is so heady sometimes. I marveled regularly at what those athletes could do.
But another great part of it was the opportunity to help advance awareness and coverage for a surging sport. Interviewing Michelle Akers remains one of my favorite moments in a truly fun career.
And now we have United States Olympic goalie Hope Solo sending up disrespectful Tweets about commentator and former player Brandi Chastain. I keep shaking my head. Come on. Really? Let’s focus on that gold, shall we?
Today’s Game Plan: Life Coaching U.S. Goalie Hope Solo
As I watch these young people, I can’t help but think “who is going to help them? If they win, how are they going to maneuver the demands and seductive benefits? If they lose, how will they turn this adventure into an opportunity? ”
No one apparently told young Hope about being a good sport, staying positive and focused. Hope-fully, someone will.
Hi, Donna! Great to hear from you. I love how you put that in your first paragraph. Indeed. That’s a difficult transition for adults much of the time, so imagine without the maturity. The world stage is a heckuva place to experience growing pains.
Nancy