BYU Women's Soccer

The Cougs Wait for the NCAA Tournament . . .

2011-11-06T15:00:00.001-08:00

The Cougs just finished their regular season with a win against St. Mary's, 4-1. The Cougs had goals from Carlee Payne, assisted by Colette Jepson and Lauren Crosby, goal from Jessica Ringwood off a pass from Payne and Jennie Marshall, goal from Niki Fernandes off a cross from Jepson, and Rachel Manning had her first goal of the season off a set-piece from Lindsi Lisonbee. The Cougs finish the regular season with an 11-5-3 record, 5-2-1 record in their first season with the West Coast Conference. The NCAA Tournament field of 64 will be shown live on the NCAA web site Monday afternoon at 2:30 PM.

The girls have had a great regular season, and look forward to post season play. A special thanks to all the seniors for their hard work and all the parents for their support! Check back to see pictures of the Cougs in their great Halloween Costumes!

Auna Doria

Nicole "Georgia" Jackson

Jennie Marshall

McKinzie Olson

Lauren Crosby

Megan Fereday

Seniors 2011

Cougs Continue Conference Play

2011-10-17T23:17:00.000-07:00

Lo Crosby

The Cougs just returned from their road trip in California and Washington. Their first match was against Santa Clara where both teams went scoreless for 110 minutes. The Broncos are the fourth team this season with a top 25 ranking to go up against the Cougs. It was Niki Fernandes first game back and she had two shots on goal. The girls then headed to Spokane to play Gonzaga. There were no goals in the first half, and Gonzaga came out early in the second half and put one away. The Cougs answered back with a goal from Lauren Crosby. Kyleigh Royall scored the second goal shortly after on a cross from Carlee Payne. The third goal came off a cross from Niki Fernandes and it was an own goal in the 81st minute of the game. Gonzaga fought hard, and put one away with a few minutes left in the game to keep it exciting up to the very end. Mckinzie Olson became BYU's all-time career saves leader with 261 saves. The Cougs are now 8-4-3, 2-1-1, and continue conference play against LMU on Thursday, October 20th at South Field. Come out to support the Cougs, and cheer them on!!!

The girls studying in the airport

Cougs Win Both Home Games

2011-09-26T21:59:00.000-07:00

The girls at the football game

Football game

The Cougs returned from their road trip in Oklahoma and headed back to South Field, where they played Idaho, and Utah State. They came out fired up and knocked off Idaho 5-0, with two goals from Carlee Payne, a goal from Jaiden Thornock, and Jennie Marshall. Senior Megan Fereday headed in her first career goal. The girls played great, and went on host Utah State Thursday night. Lindsi Lisonbee scored the only goal of the match off a header on a corner kick in the 71st minute of the game. The girls battled hard and will now head into their conference play. Their first game will be against the Portland Pilots on October 6th at 7:00 PM!

The girls had the opportunity to go to the General Relief Society Presidency mtg, Conference, and then have amazing treats at the Quinton's (Megan's grandparents) beautiful condo overlooking Temple Square. Thanks so much to Matt and Lisa Richardson for arranging and organizing such a special day for the girls!!

Cougs Return Home From a Tough Road Trip

2011-09-18T14:07:00.000-07:00

The Cougs just returned from Oklahoma with two losses on the road. The Cougs faced off against Oklahoma State last Thursday and took the #2 team in the nation to overtime. Jaiden Thornock scored a goal in the last three minutes to tie the game. The girls had an outstanding game, and Oklahoma State scored in the last minute of overtime to win the match. The girls then headed to Norman, to play Oklahoma University. They walked away with a 2-0 loss, and head home to regroup. The Cougs play University of Idaho, and Utah State this week at home.

GO COUGS!!!!

Here is a few things we did in Oklahoma:

The girls having fun at practice

We had to practice at a park, compliments of Erica Owens for the photography

We celebrated Jennie Marshall's 21st birthday

Stretching by the pool, to rainy outside

Our faithful fans cheering on the Cougs at Oklahoma University

Cougs warming up for their match against Oklahoma University, it was a beautiful day for soccer

BYU Continues To Roll With the Wins, and Bring In The Fans

2011-09-08T11:39:00.000-07:00

The Cougs continue to win games, and continue to bring in fans! The girls picked up their first loss against Miami, 0-1, then knocked off Idaho State 3-1, with goals from Jennie Marshall, and two from Colette Jepson. BYU then defeated Cal State Fullerton 2-1, with a goal from Auna Doria and a game winner from Jennie Marshall. The Cougs played Arizona on Monday, and won their fourth game, out shooting the Wildcats 21-5, and winning 2-0. Goals came from Lindsi Lisonbee, and Kyleigh Royall, both firsts of the season.

The Cougs continue to bring in thousands of fans for each home game, being in the Top 10 four times. The BYU vs Miama ranked second, with 4,633 fans, right behind the North Carolina-Notre Dame game, which was 5,236 fans. The Cougs also had forth most fans, BYU vs Utah, 4,437 fans, sixth most fans, BYU vs Cal State Fullerton, 4,265 fans, and ninth most fans BYU vs Arizona, 3,374 fans! The girls continue to get better, and continue to keep the fans on their feet! Make sure to join the Cougs as they take on Rice, Saturday September 10 @ 7:00 PM. Come out and support the Cougs, and enjoy the awesome atmosphere!

See you there!

BYU vs Rice

Saturday - September 10

7:00 PM

COUGS BEAT UTAH . . . SET TO PLAY MIAMI TONIGHT!!!

2011-08-26T16:06:00.000-07:00

The first home game of the season proved to be just as exciting as any other Utah, BYU rivalry! The weather was perfect, the field was perfect, and over 4,000 fans came out to cheer on the soccer team! The first half went scoreless, with chances on both sides. The Cougs were able to put one away early in the second half with a goal off a free kick by Jessica Ringwood. Then another followed from Auna Doria, then Jaiden Thornack. Niki Fernandes scored her first goal of the season, to put the Cougars up 4-0. The girls will face Miami tonight at South Field!

COME SUPPORT THE COUGS TONIGHT AT 8:00 PM

BYU vs MIAMI

The Cougs Bring Home A Tie Against The Huskies

2011-08-21T15:05:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful, clear, sunny day in Seattle, and after 110 minutes of physical play, the Cougs come home with a 2-2 result against the Washington Huskies. The Cougs went up 1-0 in the first half with a goal from Carlee Payne. The Huskies answered back with a similar goal and then one more to end the half 2-1. The girls came out fired up and put one away to tie it all up at 2-2. It was Dana Oldroyd’s first goal of the season. The game was back and forth, and the Cougs had some good chances. It was an intense game, with the Cougs out shooting the Huskies 21-15.

The Cougs first home game is Tuesday, August 23 at 7:00 PM, against Rival University of UtahCome out and cheer on the Cougs!!!!! Their next home game will be Friday, August 26 against Miami at 7:00 PM!!! Look forward to seeing all our fans!!!

Here We Go . . . .

2011-08-12T19:52:00.001-07:00

Here we go . . . the season has started! The Cougs stepped onto the game field for their first game, the Blue & White! The girls have been working hard during two-a-days, and were looking forward to playing on South Field with fans cheering them on. The girls are headed to Colorado College to play their first exhibition game.

The pre-season is full of two-a-days, meetings, and fitness tests, but it is also full of team bonding activities. Every year the girls have an annual slip-n-slide day, where they slide down a giant slip-n-slide at rapid speeds. This year, our dear Erica Owens unfortunately broke her leg a day before the season started. She has been in good spirits, and has been a positive, encouraging support to her teammates.

The girls also had their annual retreat at the Manning’s cabin, where they embarrass the freshmen, eat good home cooked food, and play funny games. A special thanks to the Manning’s for taking care of us and letting us stay at their cabin. The girls also gave a fireside at a stake in Spanish Fork. The girls clean up nice, and they did a great job speaking to the youth and their families.

We have a great group of girls on and off the field, and check back to see how the Cougs are doing!

So It Begins . . .

2011-08-05T00:30:00.000-07:00

Yes folks . . . . It is August and for any of you that know soccer, know that teams around the nation are preparing themselves for the 2011 season. The Cougs started two-a-days this Wednesday, and have ben working hard. The Cougs return nine starters, highlighted by 2010 All-Americans Carlee Payne and Lindsi Lisonbee, and keeper McKinzie Olson. Also returning are Mountain West Conference Tournament MVP Jessica Ringwood, senior Lauren Anderson Cosby and forward Jennie Marshall, who led the team in goals for 2010.

The Cougs begin action in their new conference with five games in August, seven games in September, seven in October and one in November with seven home games televised nationally. The West Coach Conference match-ups will feature top-ranked teams such as the University of Portland, Santa Clara, the University of San Diego and more.

Check back throughout the season to see what the girls are up to on and off the field!

BLUE/ WHITE GAME - AUGUST 10 @ 7 PM

GO COUGS!!!!!!!

SOCCER CAMPS!!!!

2011-05-15T13:21:00.000-07:00

Summer time is just around the corner, and it's almost time for soccer camps! Camps are for boys and girls, ages 5-18. Camps start June 6th and go through the whole summer. Here is a little bit about camps.

Enjoy four days of fast-paced training in the world's most popular sport, soccer. Join BYU women's soccer head coach Jennifer Rockwood and BYU men's soccer head coach Chris Watkins for an exciting experience to refine your soccer skills while increasing your technical and tactical knowledge of the game. Participate in demanding training sessions, small-sided games and plenty of team scrimmages.

BYU soccer camps are available for all levels of soccer players, from those just beginning competition to those who have had a high level of experience (premier club level and ODP). Many campers also attend to showcase their abilities in the hopes of someday earning a spot on a BYU soccer team roster. Camps not only will help you improve your overall knowledge of the game, but also will prove to be a valuable scouting and recruiting tool for the head coaches. All four weeks of camp are structured identically, where participants are grouped together by age, ability and gender.

Goalkeepers are also welcome and will have keeper training sessions under the direction of BYU goalkeeper coaches/players. If you want to attend as a goalkeeper, please indicate that position in your registration.

Come join us for a fun and exciting week of camp while playing the most popular sport in the world!

Open to any individual that meets age requirement.

Benefits

Receive personal instruction from BYU's head coaches
Receive training in technical and tactical aspects of the game
Increase knowledge of offensive attacking
Gain insight from current and former BYU soccer players
Train and compete at your specific skill level
Receive valuable feedback from coaches
Enjoy social and spiritual opportunities

Special Features

Specialized Nike camp ball for girls and Adidas ball for boys
Soccer Camp T-shirt
Youth fireside with current BYU players
Discounted sales of BYU soccer merchandise
BYU training facilities
Training videos and special lectures
League competition
All-Star awards
Coed games and activities
Great campus recreation for housing participants
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided for housing participants; lunch provided for non-housing participants

Click here to get registered for camps:

http://www.byucougars.com/SportsCamps/Soccer/

Spring Comes To An End

2011-04-10T23:36:00.001-07:00

The Cougs finished their spring season yesterday against Utah and UVU. Don't be confused by the title "spring season", it was not a very springy day! The field was covered in snow, and snow was still falling. The first game got pushed back an hour, hoping that the snow would melt, so the girls could play. They ended up toughing it out in the cold weather, and the falling snow. They beat Utah 1-0, with a goal from Lauren Anderson, assisted by Jennie Marshall. The best part of the game was the unforgiving puddle in the corner of the field, where Carlee and Bazz both took a spill in the standing water!

The Cougs played UVU in their second game in the indoor practice facility, where it was warm and dry! Both teams went scoreless until the final minute of the game when Colette Jepson scored the game winning goal off a cross from Jennie Marshall. The defense picked up their 8th shutout of the spring season, and held their spring opponents to 1 goal. The girls looked good, and will now turn the page and start preparing for the fall. Good work Cougs!!!

One last thing, the Cougs held their annual Alumni game after the Spring Tournament. They had a great showing, with 28 alumni playing and some others, pregnant ones or ones that just had babies, there cheering them on. They had quite the crowd with friends and family of the alumni, and it is always great to get together and reminisce about the glory days! It is amazing to see all of our alumni all grown up with kids of their own! Thanks to everyone who was able to make it, the game was awesome, the food was awesome, and the company was awesome! Go Cougs!!!

SPRING CONTINUES . . .

2011-04-03T13:18:00.000-07:00

The Cougs just got back from Grand Junction Colorado! It was so warm there, and then we woke up to snow! The girls played 2 games, the first one against Denver University, and we won 3-0. Jennie Marshall, Amber Wadsworth and Lauren Anderson all scored goals. The second game was against Mesa State, the Cougs won 3-0, with goals from Colette Jepson, Lauren Anderson, and Jessica Ringwood. The girls played great, and the defense held their opponents scoreless. The Cougs defense has only allowed one goal in 7 games!

We stopped in Moab on our way down because Jen wanted to do some hiking. She took us on the longest hike to see the Double Arches. It was fun to get outside in the sun and hike around. The other highlight of the trip was our bus driver Ron! He was great, he was so funny, and you could often hear him refer to Jen as "young lady". He tried to keep all the girls safe, and when some of the husbands came around he made sure they knew they were not to stalk his girls. He made the bus ride a pleasurable experience, thanks Ron!!

The Cougs play their last games this weekend, against Utah and Idaho State. Make sure to come out and support the Cougs. Games start at 10:30 AM when the Cougs kick off against Utah. They play Idaho State at 2:30 PM. Go Cougs!!!!!

The Cougs Return from Arizona

2011-03-07T19:26:00.000-08:00

The Cougs just got back from Arizona from their second game day of the Spring. They jumped on a bus on Thursday night and drove all night to Arizona where they had the opportunity to play University of Arizona and Arizona State. The grass was green, the sun was shining, and the weather was awesome. The girls played great, and played UofA in the first game. They won 4-0 and had goals from Lauren Anderson, Amber Wadsworth, and Gel Dickson. They went on to play Arizona State and tied 1-1. The girls had a good weekend, and are looking forward to their next spring games. Check back to see where the Cougs are headed next!!! Go Cougs!!!

Let The Spring Begin

2011-02-26T07:06:00.000-08:00

The first games of the Spring Season kick off today, February 27, 2011, at 1 PM in the IPF. BYU is hosting it's annual indoor tournament where teams from all over Utah come to play. The girls have been working hard, running and lifting, and are ready to finally get out there and play someone besides themselves. Come watch the girls as they face off against Weber, Westminister, and Utah State. The schedule for the Cougs is:

BYU vs Weber State @ 1 PM

BYU vs Westminister @ 5 PM

BYU vs Utah State @ 9 PM

Come cheer on the Cougs and check back to see how the Spring Season is going! Games will be going all day in the IPF with other teams from the state playing each other as well! GO COUGS!!!!

BYU Drops a Heartbreaker to UCLA in the NCAA Tournamaent

2010-11-15T23:03:00.000-08:00

The Cougs met on campus on a Monday afternoon to hear who they would face in the NCAA Tournament. BYU was one of the first teams to hear the brackets, and they were headed to California to face UCLA in the first round and then if they won that game they would take on the winner of Central Florida and Fresno State. The girls cheered with excitement, partly because it was somewhere warm, and partly because they were excited to be matched up with one of the best teams in nation. UCLA had a few great looks and the Cougs had 2 balls cleared off the line. It was a great game by both teams, and would remain scoreless during regulation time. Keeper McKinzie Olson made some big saves to keep the Cougs in the game. Both teams fought til the end of overtime, and were set to end the match in PK's. The girls started off strong, and made their first shot, and would miss their second. UCLA converted on all of their kicks. BYU had to make two saves to stay in the game. McKinzie came up big for the Cougs, and made two big saves. BYU was unable to covert their final kick, and ended up losing in the shootout. The girls fought hard,and had a great year!

Great Season Cougs! To our seniors, a special thanks for everything they have done on and off the field. Mercede Koning, Kristi Jackson, Nicole Gilliam and Kassidy Shumway, we will miss you! Here are some fun pictures from the season!

Cami, Krisiti, Megan, McKinzie

Nicole, Bazz, Lynda, Kristi, Kyleigh

Kristi, Carlee

Georgia, Hallie

Hallie, Stacy

After the Utah game, Lauren, Carlee

Jennie, Lauren, McKinzie

Halloween, Lauren and Carlee, "The Food Room"

Halloween, Kristi and Jen Rockwood

The team at the airport on Halloween

The team at the San Diego Temple

Seniors: Kristy Jackson, Nicole Gilliam, Kassidy Shumway, and Mercede Koning

MOUNTAIN WEST CONFERENCE CHAMPS!!!!!

2010-11-07T22:06:00.000-08:00

The Cougs picked up another MWC Championship with a victory over New Mexico. New Mexico had beat the Cougars in conference play, giving the Cougs their only loss in conference. It was a hard fought game on both sides, with the Cougs ending the match with 12 shots, and the Lobos with 10. Jessica Ringwood scored the only goal in the game, which came from a deflected shot from Jennie Marshall, and then a pass from Carlee Payne. The girls worked hard, and played a great tournament. Carlee Payne, Jessica Ringwood, Lindsi Lisonbee and McKinzie Olson were all named to the 2010 MWC Tournament Team. Jessica Ringwood was also named the MVP of the tournament! The Cougs will get an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament, and will find out who they play on Monday, November 8, at 4:30 ET on ESPNU.

McKinzie Olson

Here are some of the pictures from our traditional Halloween practice:

Tom in his Halloween costume and the team

Jennie, Lauren, McKinzie, and Hallie

The Juniors

Jen made an entrance on her motor cross bike

Jen in her motor cross gear

To The Bay Area

2010-10-24T22:00:00.000-07:00

The Cougars have just finished a six game stretch of Mountain West Conference games. They remain undefeated at home and just picked up their fourth win in conference against San Diego State last night, 1 - 0. The Cougars are now 4-1-1 in conference play, and are headed to Santa Clara to take on the Broncos. The will then return to play Utah, Saturday, October 30, to close out their conference.

Saturday night was senior night, and four seniors were honored. Nicole Gilliam, Mercede Koning, Kristy Jackson, and Kassidy Shumway. They have brought a lot to the program, on and off the field, and they will be missed. They have left their legacy and we appreciate them for all they have given to the program. Come support the Cougars as they take on Utah, in Salt Lake City, October 30, 2010 at 7:00 PM. Keep up the good work Cougs!

Kassidy Shumway

Kristi Jackson

Nicole Gilliam

Mercede Koning

Headed Home

2010-09-27T22:29:00.000-07:00

The Cougs will be playing back at home on Wednesday, September 29th. They will take on Idaho State at 7:00 PM. Make sure you come and support the girls! They just returned from their trip to Houston, Texas where they played Rice and brought home the win, 1-0. They then headed over to Austin where they played Texas. The Cougs picked up their first loss, and ended up losing 1-0. This past Saturday they took on instate rival, Utah State, and won 3-0. Kassidy Shumway, Jennie Marshall, and Auna Doria. The Cougs improve their record to 9-1-1, and are looking forward to being home before they take off to Wyoming. Come out and support the girls Wednesday at 7:00 PM!

Another Great Weekend In P-Town!

2010-09-12T21:35:00.000-07:00

The Cougs bring home another victory and a tie from this past weekend! The Cougs had their hands full with LSU on Thursday night, and Marquette on Saturday night! LSU took the Cougs into double overtime, and they came away with a scoreless tie. We had some good looks at the goal, we were just not able to put any away! Then the girls played a hard fought game, until the very end against Marquette. The Cougs picked up another win, 2-1, with goals from Lindsi Lisonbee, and Linda Hercules had her first goal of the season.

Lindsi Lisonbee

The Cougs will now get ready to head to Texas, where they will match up against Rice and Texas! Check back to see what the girls have been up to during the season, and perhaps a little sneak peak into their skit night :) Go Cougs, keep up the good work!

Keep 'Em Coming

2010-09-05T20:46:00.000-07:00

Celebrating after a goal against WSU

Jennie Marshall

The Cougs just finished another weekend at home! They had the opportunity to play two great opponents, Northwestern, and Washington State. Both games were intense, and fun to watch! The Cougs came out strong, and went up 1-0 in the seventeenth minute with a beautiful goal from Jennie Marshall. Northwestern came back with a goal to tie it up! In the 55th minute of play, Kassidy Shumway played Carlee Payne a beautiful ball, and she put it away to win the game! It was Jennifer Rockwood's 250th win! The girls played WSU Friday night, and it was a similar situation. The BYU Cougs went up 1-0, with another goal from Jennie Marshall, and then the WSU Cougs would tie it up. Jessica Ringwood then scored a sick goal off a free kick to put the Cougs up 2-1, and then Jennie Marshall would secure the win and put the Cougs up 3-1. The girls played great, and were challenged by two very talented teams. Make sure you are at the next BYU game, it is Thursday, September 9th @ 7:oo PM, against LSU! Come cheer the Cougs on, while they try to keep their season undefeated!

Girls at Six Flags

Here are some pictures from the girls on their Six Flags adventure, while they were in Long Beach. In one of them you can sort of see Carolyn, she looks so happy, and then the next time around not so happy! She was quick to get off the ride :) By the way, something I forgot to mention in the Six Flags post, Jen, Coach, Carolyn, and myself (BUG) purchased a "Fast Pass" which allowed us to skip lines and ride every ride twice in a row. By the end of the night, we had ridden 19 roller coasters! It was a great day, full of coasters, some food, coasters, a little cotton candy, and some more coasters!

Carolyn before the "accident"

Coach wearing his Moose Ears! Great thing about those, he wore them on a few coasters, until a piece broke off and hit Carolyn in the face! Ha ha, then they just didn't look right!

Here Come The Cougs

2010-08-31T01:08:00.000-07:00

BYU vs Cal State Fullerton

Jennie Marshall

The Cougs have started their season, and they are off to a great start! They have knocked off Long Beach, 2-0, Cal State Fullerton, 3-0, and then they pulled off the win against Weber last weekend, 5-1. The Cougs have goals from Jess Ringwood, Kassidy Shumway, Carlee Payne, Jennie Marshall, Auna Janis-Doria and Lindsi Lisonbee! The Cougs are ranked #12 in Soccer America, and they are set to take on #14 Northwestern tomorrow evening at 7:00 PM. Come watch the Cougars as they try to defend their undefeated season. See you at the game!

Cami Jensen

McKinzie Olson

Here We Go . . . .

2010-08-24T22:05:00.000-07:00

The Team at the cabin

We are on our way, and the season has finally started! The girls just returned from a long road trip in California. They played Long Beach on Friday, and won 2 - 0, then had a few days off and played Cal State Fullerton on Monday, and picked up the win, 3 - 0. The Cougs looked good, and they were able to put a few goals away early in both games. On their off days they went to Six Flags, Magic Mountain on Saturday, and went to church and had a Fireside on Sunday. Check back to hear more about Magic Mountain, and their adventures on the coasters. The girls did a great job at the Fireside, and people from Kristy Dow Jackon's home ward had the opportunity to hear from McKenzie Olson, Lauren Anderson, Carlee Payne, and Kassidy Shumway. It was a really cool experience, and then the Dow family was nice enough to feed the players. It was a great weekend, and the girls are now preparing for their first home game, this Friday, August 27 @ 7:00 PM against Weber State! Be sure to come and cheer the Cougs on!

The Cabin

Freshman

Team at our personal Hilary Weeks concert

So The Season Begins

2010-08-16T22:58:00.000-07:00

Team Picture Day

The Cougs have played their first two games. They had their annual Blue & White game, and then faced off in and exhibition game against some of the Alumni. They team played great in both of their matches, and ended up beating the Alumni 5-1. It was a good opportunity for some of the Alumni to step on South Field for another game, and to get into shape. The team is getting ready for the Cougar Kick-Off that takes place on Tuesday, August 17, 2010, and then they will be heading to Long Beach and Cal State Fullerton for their first two matches of the season. Check back to see what crazy and fun adventures the team has on their trip to California!

Auna

The Sophomores

Seniors

Here Comes The Season

2010-08-09T22:46:00.001-07:00

The camp coaches all nestled up in all the balls

It's that time again, time for the season to begin! The team has been working hard and preparing themselves for another great year. They just finished up summer soccer camps, and have been focusing on the upcoming season. Of course they always find a way to have fun in the midst of their running and practicing! Every pre-season the girls head over to Rock Canyon, and make themselves a huge slip n' slide. Don't be deceived, this isn't just any slip n' slide, you can catch some serious speed coming down that hill, and then top it off with a face full of mud! Make sure to check back, and see more of the crazy and fun things the team is up to throughout the season! Blue and White game is Thursday, August 12 at 7:00 PM, come check out your cougars!

The team in some sort of train

Carlee and Merc with some mud war-paint on their faces

Gel and her first slip n' slide experience, she looks so happy

Bazz and little Marshall, having a great time

Jennie, she is so talented

And now everyone together

The team, post slip n' slide

Soccer Camps

2010-07-18T21:47:00.000-07:00

Biggest Cub Camp - 230 Kids, 30 Coaches

Camp Coaches

It is that time again, time for the BYU Soccer Academy! The girls have been doing cub camps throughout the month of June, and they are down to their last two overnight Academy Camps! They recently had their biggest Cub Camp ever, 230 kids, and 30 coaches to watch over them! Camps are four days of fast-paced training, and the kids have the opportunity to train with BYU women's head coach, Jennifer Rockwood, and the BYU men's soccer head coach Chris Watkins. BYU camps are available for all level of players, from beginners to those who have a high level of experience. Camps start at 9:30 AM, and end around 8:00 PM so it is a full day of training, small sided games, and good times. The kids range in age from 12-18, and some of them come to camp to showcase their skills to the coaches, hoping to one day play soccer at BYU! Here are some pictures from the camp from the month of June! Enjoy! Make sure to check the 2010 women's soccer schedule, they have some awesome home games! See you there!

"Hunters and Rabbits"

Coach talking to all the cub campers

Wasatch Back

2010-06-22T21:09:00.001-07:00

LOCK AND LOAD

Yes, believe it, the BYU Soccer Crew decided to run the Wasatch Back! It was awesome! Jen Rockwood, Coach Watkins, Karen (Coach's wife), Carolyn Billings, Tom Mullen, Bug, Chris Smith, his sister Heather, Matt Nix, our friends Ashley Henderson, Greg Danklef, and Ken, decided that it would be a great idea to get up at 6:15 AM, and start the 188 mile race from Logan to Park City. The race team is made up of 12 runners, and they rotate through 3 different legs. The atmosphere is amazing, thousands of people, some dressed up in crazy costumes, like super heroes, or bunnies. We started early in the morning, and make our way to Park City, finishing just under 30 hours, 20 hours and 55 minutes to be exact. We placed 181st out of 600 teams, not too bad! It was so fun, running, then eating, a little bit of sleeping, and then doing it all over again. Everyone did a great job, running up and down big hills, and cheering each other on. It was a great experience, and I think I even heard Jen yell on her last hill, which was 7.9 miles long, "I am a runner", and I think I heard her say, that she really enjoyed running. Some of the best moments were Jen cheering as she ran up the hill, the sprinklers coming on while Carolyn was sleeping on the grass, Coach's face after he ran straight up a mountain for 4 miles, Tom killing his run, he might not have broken a sweat, and the panic on Van 1's face when they realized they were at the wrong exchange! Good work team "Lock And Load", can't wait to do it all over again next year, or maybe in Key West, Florida :)

Van 1 - Lock And Load

Jen running her first leg

Matt running his first leg

Coach after his LONG Hill - The "Ragnar"

Ashley at 3:00 AM, ready to run :)

Coach and Jen, about 3:00 AM

The crew, almost finished

Jen, Ashley, and Bug . . . So happy to be finished :)

Spring Season Comes To An End

2010-04-23T20:44:00.000-07:00

The Cougs recently finished their spring season with wins against Utah, 3-0, and Idaho Stated, 3-0. They will now start to prepare for their 2010 season. The new schedule has recently been released, and BYU will begin their games in California against Long Beach, and Cal State Fullerton. They will then play 5 games at home against Weber State, Northwestern, Washington State, LSU and Marquette. They will also play Texas and Santa Clara. The girls are looking forward to taking a break, and then preparing for the fall season. They have recently finished school, and will start working soccer camps in June.

Lindsi Lisonbee recently returned from training with the U-20 National Team. She headed out to California to attend the training camp. Lindsi was one of seven defenders invited to the training camp. There will 26 players at camp until April 18th. They are preparing for the 2010 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Germany.

A special shout out to our players that graduated today, Alyssa VanderVeur, Andrea Willis, Katie Fellows and Kelsea Kakadelas. Congratulations Seniors! Also, congratulations to our newlyweds, all getting married on April 24, 2010. Simone Seymour and Auna Janis.

Check back to see what the girls are up to this summer :)

Spring Soccer = Vegas = Pirate Ship = Awesome

2010-03-29T20:34:00.000-07:00

The Cougs just returned from their spring trip in Las Vegas. They get on the bus every year with the BYU Men's team and head to Vegas and play UNLV. They headed down on Friday afternoon, stopped in St. George to practice, then finished the trip to Vegas. They had to opportunity to stop at the "Pirate Ship" and enjoy the hot tub that overlooked Lake Mead, the soft serve ice cream, and the water-slide that was so scary you thought you might die. The men's and women's team had a great time at the pirate ship. There were some crazy moments going down the water-slide, and a lot of laughs. It was an awesome experience, and everyone was grateful they had the opportunity.

The girls at the bottom of the water-slide

Carlee on the rope swing

The girls also brought home two wins. Their first game was against UNLV, and they won 2-0. Jessica Ringwood scored off an assist from Merc Koning, and Carlee Payne scored the second goal. BYU also won their second game 2-0, and Auna Janis put one away, and so did Carlee Payne off an assist from Jennie Marshall. The girls played good, and it was a quick trip to Vegas. The girls will head to College Station, Texas this week play Texas A&M and Stephen F. Austin. Check back to see when the Cougs head home to wrap up their spring season!

Spring Season Has Begun

2010-03-04T19:19:00.000-08:00

The Cougs have started their spring season. They just finished their indoor tournament where they played Weber State, Westminister, and Utah State. The Cougs won their first game against Weber 3 - 0, with goals from Kassidy Shumway, Amber Wadsworth and Lindsi Lisonbee. The Cougs won their second game against Westminister 1 - 0 with a goal from Amber Wadsworth, and they lost their last game against Utah State 0 - 1. The girls played great, and they are looking forward to the rest of their spring season.

The girls are headed to Arizona this weekend to play Arizona State and Nebraska.

BYU Falls To Stanford

2009-11-15T21:34:00.000-08:00

The Cougs have just returned home from the NCAA Tournament, in Palo Alto, California. They headed out on Wednesday to Stanford after they heard they were scheduled to play UC Santa Barbara in the first round. They Cougs pulled off the victory against UCSB, 2 - 0, with an own goal, and a sick goal from Alyssa Vander Veur. They were set to face the number one seed in the nation, undefeated Stanford, in the second round. The Cougs had done everything to prepare for the game, and were excited to have a chance to upset the number one team in the nation. Stanford came out strong, and scored a goal in the first minute of the game. But, that was not enough to shake the Cougs, and they kept battling until the final minute of the game. Carlee Payne had a shot bounce off the cross bar in the first half, and Lauren Anderson had a shot that was on it's way in the goal, until a Stanford defender got a head on it. The girls played with so much effort and heart. They got off 15 shots, and it was only the third time all year that Stanford had given up double digit shots. The Cougar defense was awesome, Nicole Urry-Gilliam, Mercede Koning, Andrea Willis, Lindsi Lisonbee, Stacy Bartholomew, and McKinzie Olson, held Stanford to just 22 shots. The Cougs end the season at 18-4-2, and will graduate 5 seniors. Thank you seniors for all that you have done for the program, and for the legacy you have left behind, we will miss you!

Andrea Willis

Simone Seymore

Kelsea Kakadelas

Alyssa Vander Veur

Ashleigh Jameson

Cougs Battled Hard

2009-11-08T13:44:00.000-08:00

The Cougs battled hard in a disappointing loss in Provo on Saturday afternoon. They were matched up against San Diego State for the championship game of the Mountain West Conference. They had beaten New Mexico, 1-0, earlier in the week to advance to the finals. The Cougs played hard, and had some good looks at the goal. San Diego had some looks as well, and they were able to knock one in at the 28 minute mark. The Cougs fought hard to the end, and were unable to capitalize on their opportunities. They had 3 girls named to the 2009-All-Conference Tournament Team, Kassidy Shumway, Carlee Payne, and Lindsi Lisonbee. The Cougs will now wait to see if they get an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, which will be announced Monday night.

The Cougs also had players recognized at the MWC banquet that was held before the tournament. Andrea Wills was named MWC Defensive Player of the Year, and Carlee Payne was named MWC Freshman of the Year. They also had 4 girls named to the 2009 All Mountain West Conference First Team, Andrea Willis, Kassidy Shumway, McKinzie Olson, and Carlee Payne. Lindsi Lisonbee was named to the 2009 All Mountain West Conference Second Team.

Good work Cougs, and make sure to check back to see if the girls have an at-large bid, and where they are headed!

Cougs Clinch MWC Regular Season

2009-11-01T14:11:00.000-08:00

The Cougars secured their second regular season Mountain West Conference Championship. They knocked off Wyoming 2-0 yesterday, and will now head into the tournament next week as the number one seed. Carlee Payne, and Andrea Willis put two goals away to secure the win. The MWC Championships will be help in Provo, on South Field. The Cougs went 6-0-1 in the conference, with their only tie to San Diego State. They now have an overall record of 16-2-2, and are on a 14 game unbeaten, 6 game winning streak.

The girls also had a great time dressing up for Halloween, the costumes get more creative every year. Keep up the awesome work Cougs! Make sure and get your tickets to the MWC Championships, they start on November 4-7!

The Cougs Continue Their Quest For The Title

2009-10-18T23:04:00.000-07:00

The Cougs just finished up a weekend at home. They were faced with two tough teams, New Mexico, and TCU. Kristi Dow-Jackson got her first goal, and put the Cougs up 1-0 against the Lobo's. Alyssa Vander Veur and Kelsea Kakadelas also netted goals and the Cougs went on to win 3-0. TCU put up a fight, and gave the girls a physical game. Lauren Anderson had her first goal of the season, and Carlee Payne put one away, and the Cougs won 2-0. The girls are headed to Colorado this weekend to take on Air Force. They remain undefeated in conference, and are 4-0-1.

Off the field, the girls continue to entertain themselves, and have a good time. They recently had a Harry Potter party, where they got all dressed up and danced the night away. Be sure to check out the Cougars when hey return home on October 31, 2009 at 1:00 PM, where they take on Wyoming.

Erin Galbraith

2009-09-27T16:43:00.000-07:00

Some of the girls had the chance to go visit Erin with some good friends of ours, the Anderson's. The Anderson's soccer team, also known as the Cougars, are working on doing service for others. We were trying to get Erin to be a ball girl at one of our BYU Soccer games, but we had the chance to visit her in her home instead. Someone asked Erin what she wanted them to decorate her wheelchair with and she said soccer stuff. The soccer girls were all grateful to have the opportunity to spend a few minutes with the Galbraith family, and drop off some BYU Soccer stuff. It was an amazing experience, and I know the girls enjoyed spending time with Erin and her family. Here is Erin Hope's Story:

"On October 19, 2005 Erin Hope Galbraith was our normal, adorable, spunky little 4-year old angel who loved Disney princesses and hated broccoli. On October 20th, our world was changed when a large brain tumor that took up approximately two-thirds of her brain was discovered. After a 13-hour grueling surgery, the tumor was completely removed. During the following days her recovery was sensational and her spunkiness and innate ability to make all around her laugh returned. On October 28, 2005 the devastating news came that the tumor that was removed was malignant. Due to the highly aggressive and malignant nature of the tumor, the doctors had given Erin only a short time to live. "

If you want to read more you can check out http://www.hope4erin.com/

Thank you to the Anderson's and the mini Cougars for letting us come along and share in that experience. Thanks to the Galbraith family for having us over, and you could tell that Erin is an amazing girl. You are in our prayers!

Another Week On The Road

2009-09-13T21:41:00.000-07:00

The Cougs just returned from another week on the road. They headed out to Pullman, Washington to play Washington State University. The Cougs started off strong, and struggled to hold onto to the lead. WSU scored in the last minute of the half to tie the game. WSU scored another goal in the 60th minute of the game. The Cougs had a few chances, Carlee Payne hit the post, Lauren Anderson and Jessica Ringwood both had a good look at the goal. WSU ended up beating the Cougs 2 - 1. The Cougs re-grouped, and they were matched up against Montana. Montana had a free kick early in the game, and they scored off a header. The Cougs battled back, and Carlee Payne took a shot that bounced off a Montana player and went in the goal to tie it all up. Jennie Marshall came into the game, and beat a few of the Montana girls, and put one away to come away with her 2nd game winner of the year.

The girls had a good time, and enjoyed spending endless hours on the bus, sleeping, watching movies, passing funny notes, and singing songs. The Cougs are headed to Chicago and Arizona next week. Look for the soccer team to be back in Provo on September 23, where they will take on Southern Utah University.

Two Big Games . . . Two Big Wins!

2009-09-04T00:03:00.000-07:00

The Cougs recently returned from Penn State, where they had to chance to play 2 great teams. The were matched up against UConn, then West Virginia. Both games were a battle, and the Cougs fought to the end. Carlee Payne, a freshmen from Pleasanton, California, picked up both game winning goals. The first, against UConn was in the final 3 minutes of regulation, and she put away a header off a corner by Lauren Anderson. She then picked up her second goal of the season, and her second game winning goal of her career in the final minutes of the first overtime against West Virginia. The Cougs won the ball on their defensive end, and Kelsea Kakadelas had a great pass out, and Carlee just ran the entire field, beat their defense, and put it away to knock off a ranked team. The girls looked awesome, and they played great! Keep it up Cougs!

They also had a chance to do a fireside while they where in State College, and all the speakers did a great job. Even our awesome bus driver came and watched the fireside and said it was nice to see some good in the world. Good work girls!

The Cougs are playing their first home game, tomorrow night, September 4, 2009 at 7:OO PM. Make sure to come and check them out, they are playing William and Mary, and then playing Oklahoma State on Monday at noon! See you there!

A Little Place Called Hawaii

2009-08-24T21:23:00.000-07:00

Brother Lui met us at the airport and gave everyone Lei's, we love him!

The team just got back from Hawaii, and they had a great time. They left last Wednesday, and headed to the beaches for some time in the ocean, and getting their last summer tans. They attempted to go snorkeling, and spent some time at "Pounder's Beach", where the lifeguards quickly told them it was not recommended to get into the water. Not get in the water in Hawaii, just doesn't make sense. They did some shopping, and some team bonding. Ashley Bazzerone got stung by a Man-O-War, and it wrapped all the way around her leg, she took it like a champ!

"Lucky Hawaii Shirts"

Sweet Little Georgia

They played the University of Hawaii on Friday, and the game ended in a tie, 0-0. The Cougs had some chances, and one in the last few seconds of the game that skimmed the post. The soccer team heads to Pennsylvania this weekend to play UConn and West Virginia. They then return home for their first home game, September 4th @ 7:00 PM, against William & Mary.

Let The Season Begin

2009-08-09T21:32:00.001-07:00

The Cougs are getting ready for the season! They will be starting their second week of two-a-days, and spending endless hours together. They have been running fitness tests, sitting in the cold pool,enjoying their preseason BBQ's, and working hard. The Cougs have a competitive schedule this season, and will be playing William & Mary, Oklahoma Sate, and Oregon at home. They will also be playing UConn, West Virginia, Washington State, and Arizona all on the road. The Cougs are excited, and we are all looking forward to their fist game. Check the blog to see what the Cougs are doing on road trips, and how the season is going. Join the girls for their Blue and White game this Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at 7:00 PM.

2009-06-28T20:25:00.000-07:00

The BYU girls are keeping busy this summer. Most of them went home to spend the summer with family and friends, and others stayed around in Provo to do camps, play some soccer, and work out with Josh. Soon all the girls will start to trickle back into Provo, and train together to get ready for the season. The season is just over a month away, and the girls are working hard to get in shape and be ready for the season. Some of the girls that are still around, are playing on a semi-professional team, the Utah Starzz, in the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL). The WPSL has 50 teams nationwide with some of the best soccer players in the United States. Teams are comprised of women’s college soccer players, former college soccer players, former professional players and international players. The Utah Starzz team is comprised of some of the best current and former players from Brigham Young University, University of Utah, Utah Valley University, Utah State University, and Idaho State University. Nicole Urry-Gilliam, Stacy Bartholomew, McKinzie Olson, and Andrea Willis are playing for the Utah Starzz. They are currently in 3rd place in their division, and have 5 games left in their season. You can catch the Starzz in action in their next home game on July 3, 2009 at 6:00 PM. Keep up the good work girls, the season is just around the corner.

A LIttle Update

2009-06-21T23:16:00.001-07:00

Here is a quick update on Katie Larkin. She is currently playing for LA Sol. She has played in 10 games and started in 2. The LA Sol is currently in first place in the league, and they have only lost 1 game all season. There are only 7 games left and 2 home games. She has been doing great out in California. Of course we miss her, but she has been tearing it up. She is playing with some of the best players in the world. Good job Larkin, we are cheering for you, keep up the great work!

TIME FOR REGIONALS

2009-06-14T22:07:00.000-07:00

The Youth Soccer Region IV Championships, featuring top teams in the U-12 through U-19 age groups, begins with round robin games Monday, June 15 through Wednesday, June 17. There will be 4,500 players that take the field tomorrow for the Region IV Championships which will be held in Lancaster, California. Among these players are some of our own BYU team members. Carlee Payne (California), Lindsi Lisonbee (Utah), Auna Janis (Utah), and McKinzie Olson (Utah), just to name a few. You can follow the girls at:

http://championships.usyouthsoccer.org/regionIV/

Good luck girls, make us proud! Check back to see updates on how the games are going, and what the girls are up to in good ole' Lancaster, California!

Recruiting Class of 2009 Ranked Top in MWC

2009-06-07T22:08:00.000-07:00

The BYU Women's Soccer 2009 recruiting class has been ranked the best in the Mountain West Conference. TopDrawerSoccer.com recognized the group of seven girls who will joining the team in the beginning of August. The incoming freshmen will help the defending MWC Champions continue the winning tradition the team has established.

One member of the class, forward Carlee Payne was recognized as a member of the ESPN Rise Winter Girls' Soccer All-American First Team. Payne is a forward from Pleasanton, California, and was one of the two athletes highlighted by ESPN. She was named the Contra Costa Times Player of the Year following a 25-goal, 13-assist season.

The season is just around the corner, and the Cougars start their season off on August 12, 2009 with their Blue/White game, and then head to Hawaii for the first game of the season. The Cougars open at home with William & Mary and Oklahoma State on September 4th, and 7th. Be sure to check out the Cougs this season, they take n SUU, Utah State, Oregon, Utah, New Mexico, TCU, and Wyoming at home!

Stay tuned to the blog to see what the BYU soccer team is up to this summer!

IT'S SOCCER CAMP TIME

2009-05-31T21:42:00.000-07:00

It is time for soccer camp! It is probably one of my favorite times of the year! Tomorrow is the first of six weeks of camps that go throughout the summer. Camps range in all ages and skill levels, from our Mini Cub camps, ages 5-7, to our Cub Camps, ages 8-12, and our overnight Academy, ages 12-18. They teach them dribbling, shooting, passing and heading. The summer is full of soccer, popsicles, soccer, video, soccer, and maybe a little more soccer.

The team looks forward to working camps in the summer. It gives them a chance to coach soccer, and I know they look forward to the popsicle breaks just as much as the campers do. They do a great job, and they love hanging out all day playing soccer, there is not a better summer job out there.

If you haven't signed up for camp, there are some openings, go to: http://ce.byu.edu/cw/sportscamps/s_academy.cfm

Look forward to seeing everyone at camp!

Little More of Nicaragua

2009-05-25T18:41:00.000-07:00

Lauren Anderson:

One of my favorite experiences during our trip to Nicaragua was the fireside we attended the last night of the trip. We met with a group of return and future missionaries, and had the opportunity to listen to their testimonies and also share some of our own. It was inspiring to see the eagerness the future missionaries had to leave on their missions and serve the Lord. Many of them were doing so without the support of their families, and relied heavily on the resources of the foundation for the supplies and exams needed before they left on their missions. Yet despite opposition and discouragement from their families, these incredible young people wanted nothing more than to serve a mission. One particular young man, whose mother passed away just three months ago, had just barely sent in his papers. He shared his excitement with us saying, "Now that I have my papers in, I feel like a player on the bench. I'm just waiting for my Heavenly Father to put me in the game." He could hardly wait to recieve his call and spread the gospel.

At the close of the fireside, the missionaries sang "Called to Serve." They knew every word by heart and sang as loud as they could. I felt the spirit so strong and was moved by their faithfulness.

The whole experience really had a lasting impact on me. I realized how blessed I am to have the gospel in my life along with a family made of members of the church that support one another's beliefs and standards. I have also developed a greater understanding of the impact I can have on others as an athelete of BYU. It provides me with a greater opportunity to be an example to others and to spread the gospel. It is an opportunity that I know every return and future missionary I met at the fireside would feel so blessed to have and would take full advantage of. I hope that I can remember their eagerness to serve the Lord and do my best to serve him as well.

McKinzie Olson:

My favorite part of going to Nicaragua was meeting the people. All of them live in extreme poverty, more than anyone here could even imagine without seeing it first hand. Their homes had dirt floors and were made of things like cinderblock, sheet metal, or even tarps. They were lucky if they had electricity, running water, or enough food for more than one meal a day. Even though they literally had nothing, they were so happy! We had the opportunity to serve them in various ways and they were so incredibly grateful for every little thing that we did for them. One thing we had the chance to do was go to an orphanage in the city of Chinandega. We were able to give them stuffed animals, shoes, and bags filled with toys and supplies. These little girls were so excited just to have us there, let alone receive all of the gifts from us. It was fun to watch their faces light up as each of them opened their gifts and saw what we were giving them. I particularly amazed by one little girl who I had spent my time there with. As she sorted through all of her new stuff, the thing that she was most excited for was 3 run of the mill white toothbrushes, the kind that you could buy for 10 cents at any store. She threw aside all of the toys and was waving around her new toothbrushes like they were gold. This was one of my favorite experiences of the whole trip. She was so happy for the smallest thing that all of us take for granted. I was very grateful for the opportunity that I had to go to Nicaragua and serve the people. I learned a lot about humility and God's love for each of us, and I will take these lessons with me for the rest of my life.

Dana Oldroyd:

I came back with many memories from Nicaragua but the most rewarding lessons I learned were of living with simplicity and direction in my life. The people there didn’t have very busy lives where they had to worry about as many things as we seem to back here in the states and yet their lives seemed to be fuller. They were filled doing the important things like spending time with their family members and serving others. We visited many homes that looked more like sheds and yet I felt such strong feelings of love and belonging there. One lady we visited sold juice to provide for her family and lived in more of a hallway than a home. I felt bad for her at first and didn’t understand why she was so happy with so little but then I looked at her wall and saw that she had pictures of the temple and the prophets hanging there. It was clear that she had put the church at the center of her home and it didn’t matter that she barely had any tangible things because she had what was important. I don’t speak Spanish (but now I am asking for Rosetta Stone for my birthday) and all during the trip I couldn’t verbally communicate with the people. Although I hated this and wanted to talk with them so badly, it was a great experience to communicate with them on a different level. I have never felt the spirit so strong as I did in Nicaragua and yet I couldn’t understand what they were saying. It’s amazing to see the unity of the church all over the world and the immense faithfulness of its members. Nicaragua is a pretty dirty place where there is trash and disease everywhere and yet I have never loved a place and a people more than I love Nicaragua. I am so grateful for Cause for Hope and all they do and for the experience to have participated in it. I wish I was back in Nicaragua right now!

NICARAGUA

2009-05-17T20:28:00.000-07:00

The Soccer Girls in Nicaragua

Some of the BYU Women's soccer team had the opportunity to go to Nicaragua and do some service. Before the girls left on their trip, the team had been gathering shoes to take to Nicaragua. The girls went with some other sports from BYU, and spent a few days painting, and hanging out with the kids. All the girls said it was an amazing experience, and they all had a great time.

Andrea Willis and Karen Cook

Andrea Willis:

Our trip to Nicaragua was an incredibly eye opening experience and definitely not what i was expecting! The first whole day we were in Managua and learned all about Cause For Hope and their main goal of helping the people to become self reliant. After some meetings we got the chance to go out into the city to visit some businesses/families that Cause For Hope had helped to start. Most of their businesses were just little things like selling vegetables or little convenience stores or even selling banana chips. One of the places we visited we had to walk through sewage and trash and even dead animals to get there. Most of the houses were made of cinderblocks, had tin roofs, and most of them had no running water or toilets. Luckily our hotels were quite nice or I might have died! The next day we got to go to Chinandega to help the people there. We were all split into different teams to help different people and their businesses. My group which included Jen and Mckinzie Olson got to help a man named Hugo. Hugo fixes motorcycle motors and we had the task of helping him to increase his income and savings. The things we did to help him were to paint his house to help it stand out better since very few houses on his street were painted. We also helped make him a sign and made him some business cards and stickers to give to his clients. One of my favorite parts of the trip though aside from the business aspect was going to the orphanage and spending some time with the girls that lived there. They were the sweetest girls and even though we had some difficulties understanding each other it was an awesome experience. Even though we went to Nicaragua with the intentions of doing service and helping the people there we were the ones that benefited the most. We learned so many things from the great people of Nicaragua and won't soon forget this experience!

The Spring Comes To An End

2009-04-17T22:34:00.000-07:00

The BYU Cougars finished up their Spring Season on their home field, hosting their annual outdoor tournament. The weather was off and on throughout the day, and the teams enjoyed slipping and sliding in the rain. BYU finished up the Spring beating Dixie and Weber in the tournament. The Cougs had a great spring, and had the opportunity to try some new things and play some great teams. The girls will continue to work out throughout the summer and make their way back to Provo at the end of July to start preparing for their 2009 season. You can find the team on the field all summer working camps and playing pick up games. Make sure you sign up for the summer soccer camps, and come out and work with the girls.

BYU also had their annual Alumni game, where the Alumni had an outstanding showing. There were enough Alumni to put 2 teams together, with just a few subs. The Alumni showcased their sick skills, and played an intense game against each other. There were girls out there sliding for the ball, and busting out their competitive spirit. The girls had a great time, and enjoyed catching up with each other, and lacing up the boots and kicking the ball around. Thanks to all the alumni that came out, and the one's that couldn't make it, we missed you. Maybe next year Jen will let the Alumni enter a team in the tournament, those Alumni still got it.

Keep in touch throughout the summer to see what the BYU girls are up to, and when you can see them back in action!

Spring Tourney

2009-04-09T21:22:00.000-07:00

The girls have recently returned from College Station, Texas where they played LSU and Texas A&M. The girls had a chance to play two great teams and get a little revenge on LSU, who had beaten the Cougars in the Fall. Alyssa VanderVeur scored the Cougars first goal from about 30 yards out, and Kassidy Christensen put away the second goal off a corner kick. The Cougs went on to beat the Tigers 2-1.

The Cougs dropped a tough game to Texas A&M, 2-0. The girls played a great second half, and held Texas A&M to only 4 shots. They were unable to convert in the second half, but had a chance to play one the top ten teams in the country. The girls had a good time in College Station, and it was nice to be able to see some sunshine and play on an amazing field.

The Cougs have their final outdoor spring tournament Saturday, April 11, 2009. Games start at 11:00 AM, where BYU will play Dixie, then they play again at 3:30 PM against Weber. Games will be going all day, and the tournament will end with the annual Alumni Game that starts at 5:00 PM. There should be a pretty good showing, and the Alumni love getting together and reminiscing about the good ole' days, and love strapping on their boots and kicking the ball around and catching up with old friends. Come on out and support the Cougars for their last Spring Tournament of the year!

2009-03-30T20:45:00.000-07:00

Carlee Payne

Forward/Midfield

Pleansanton, California

Foothill High School

Pleasanton Rage

- 2008 Times High School Player of the Year

- All-league 2006, 2007, 2008

- High School Team Currently Ranked #1 in the Nation by ESPN Rise

- Tri-Valley Herald All East Bay in 2007, 2008

- High School Team Captain in 2009

- NCS Finalists 2007, 2008

- Team MVP 2008

- FHS Athlete of the Month 2006, 2007, 2008

- 13-year Member of the Pleasanton Rage and Team Captain in 2007, 2009

- Trained for 10 years with Philippe Blin

- USYSA West Regional Champions 2007

- Regional FInalist 2006

- Regional Semi-Finalist 2003

- Northern Cal State Cup Champions 2003, 2006

- State Cup Finalist 2005, 2007, 2008

- Surf Cup Finalist 2003, 2006

- GSSL League Champions 2004, 2008

- National Champions 2007

- FWRL Fall Finalist 2008

- Cal-North State and Region IV Olympic Development Program Team 2003-2007

- ODP National Pool 2007

- A Published Author, Accomplished Painter

- Four Time NCS Scholar Athlete 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009

- GPA 3.7

Erica Owens

2009-03-08T13:03:00.001-07:00

Erica Owens

Goalkeeper

Salt Lake City, Utah

Highland High School

Utah Rush South

- Deseret News 1st Team All-Stated 2008

- Academic All-State Soccer Team 2008

- 2nd Team All-State Team 2007

- Team MVP 2007-2008

- All-State Honorable Mention 2005, 2006

- Deseret News, Salt Lake Tribune 'Prep of the Week' , 2007

- 2nd Place 2006 Ice Breaker Tournament

- 1st Place 2007 Wasatch Soccer Classic

- Participated in Track and Field

- Honor Society

- Ranked 1st Overall in Class

- 4.0 GPA

2009-02-23T21:55:00.000-08:00

Defender/Midfielder

Park City, Utah

Park City High School

Black Diamond

- Parade All-American 2008

- NSCAA Youth All-American 2006, 2007

- Top Drawer Soccer Top 15 Recruit 2009

- U18 National Team Player Pool 2008

- U17 National Team Player Pool 2007

- U16 National Team Nike Friendlies, Holland Trip 2006

- Adidas ESP Camp All-Star 2007

- First Team All-State 3X Defender/Midfielder/Forward 2005, 2006, 2008

- High School State Champion 2005

- Team Captain, Black Diamond Soccer Club Team (Ranked 25 Nationally)

- Score at the Shore Champions 2006

- US Club Region G Champions 2006

- US Club National Cup Semi-Finalists 2006

- San Diego Surf Thanksgiving Cup Champions 2008

- High Honor Roll Park City High School 2008

2009-02-16T19:35:00.000-08:00

Ashley Jones

Midfielder

Draper, Utah

Alta High School

Avalanche

- First Team All-State 2007, 2008

- Alta High School State Championship Team 2007, 2008 (Rank #1 in National for Fall Teams)

- ESPN Player of the Week 2008

- Who's Who Among High School Athletes 2006, 2007

- State Cup Champion 2008, Utah Avalanche

- State Cup Champion 2006, Sparta United

- Utah Olympic Development Team 2003-2007

- Region Olympic Development 2007

- Honor Roll 2005-2006

2009-02-13T23:02:00.000-08:00

Cami Jensen

Defender

Logan, Utah

Logan High School

Utah Rush, South

- Deseret Morning News 1st Team All-State 2006, 2007, 2008

- Salt Lake Tribune 1st Team All-Stated 2007, 2008

- Team MVP 2006-2008

- Team Captain 2007, 2008

- All Region MVP 2008

- Logan High School scoring record with 56 goals

- Herald Journal Player of the Week in 2006, 2007, 2008

- Herald Journal All-Valley 1st Team 2006, 2007, 2008

- Herald Journal All -Valley Soccer Player of the Year 2008

- Olympic Development Team 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008

- Utah Premiere Division Champions & State Cup 2006 - Finalist

- 2006 Pikes Peak-Champions 2007, 2008

- All-Region Basketball Player

- High School Honor Society

- GPA 3.9

ASHLEY BAZZARONE

2009-02-09T19:21:00.000-08:00

Ashley Bazzarone

Midfielder

Vienna, Virginia

Flint Hill School

Loudon Red 90 Hotshots

- Member of Loudon Hotshots club team, ranked in top ten nationally 2007, 2008

- CASL Champions 2007

- Greensboro Adidas Labor Day Shootout Champions 2007

- Score at the Shore Champions 2007

- WAGS Cup Finalists 2008, Semifinalists 2007

- Bethesda Thanksgiving Champions 2008

- Jefferson Cup Finalists 2008, Semifinalists 2007

- Virginia Olympic Development State Team 2004-2008

- Region 1 Invitational Camp 2005, 2007, 2008

- ODP State Team to Denmark and Sweden 2005

- D.C. United Super Y League, invited to Nationals 2006

- Futsal - CYA Blast 2006-2007

- Virginia Sate and Regional Champions 2008

- Flint Hill School Varsity track team 2007, 3rd in State 4 x 100 team

- Member of the French National Honor Society

- Headmasters/Directors Honor Role 2004-2008

- GPA 3.83

MWC Champion Cougars Add Eight

2009-02-08T17:12:00.000-08:00

The defending Mountain West Conference Champion Brigham Young University women's soccer team announced the signing of eight highly talented recruits to join the team and help them bring home a third-straight conference championship.

Ashley Bazzarone (Vienna, VA)

Cami Jensen (Logan, UT)

Ashley Jones (Draper, UT)

Lindsi Lisonbee (Park City, UT)

Erica Owens (Salt Lake City, UT)

Carlee Payne (Pleasanton, CA)

Jessica Ringwood (Cottonwood Heights, UT)

Amber Wadsworth (Provo, UT)

"This is a tremendous day for the BYU women's soccer program", stated Head Coach Jennifer Rockwood. "The addition of each of these outstanding young women will greatly enhance the strength of our team and set the course for the future. We are fortunate that these talented and experienced student-athletes have a desire and enthusiasm to attend BYU."

Each new member of the BYU women's soccer team will be highlighted throughout the week. Make sure to check back and learn more about each of these talented players!

INDOOR EXTRAVAGANZA

2009-02-03T21:51:00.000-08:00

The BYU Women's team participates in a fundraiser every year where they all split up into eight different teams, and they each find men's players, friends, alumni and family to make up there tournament team. It started at 8:00 PM, and ended around midnight. It is a great time, where all the hard-core soccer players get together, play some soccer, and have some laughs. This year the championship game was Whitney Feller/Alyssa Vanderveur vs Andrea Willis/Becca Riddle. The Willis and Riddle duo pulled off the victory. It was fun to see everyone, and to hang out and play some soccer. Good work Riddle and Willis, and your teammates:)

LARKIN IS HEADED TO LOS ANGELES

2009-01-21T19:16:00.000-08:00

Katie Larkin was picked number 19th in the Women's Professional Soccer Draft by the Los Angeles Sol. She just finished her Senior year with the Cougs, and ended the season with 11 goals, 23 points, and 66 shots in 22 games. She was an All-American her sophomore, junior and senior years and the MWC Offensive Player of the Year and Tournament Player of the Year in 2008. Larkin will have the opportunity to play with some of the world's best players, and showcase her skills at the Home Depot Center, a 27,000 seat stadium which is also home to Major League Soccer's LA Galaxy.

Larkin is excited to continue her career and take off to warm, sunny, California! We wish Larkin the best and will keep our readers up to date on how things are going with the LA Sol. Their first game is against the Washington Freedom at the Home Depot Center Sunday, March 29 at 3:00 PM. Good luck Larkin!

The Cougs Go Down Fighting!

2008-11-21T23:20:00.000-08:00

Now that the dust has settled, and we can pull ourselves together, I can write about the final game of the season. The Cougs took on the defending National Champions, USC, on their home field last weekend. BYU hosted the first 2 rounds of the tournament, and USC and Boston University played, and BYU played Virginia Tech. It was a battle until the end with Virginia Tech, and they were a very good team. The Cougs came out on top, 2-0, and went on to face USC.

It was a perfect day for soccer, the field looked great, the sun was shining, and the girls were ready to go. USC would score first, of a beautiful diving header in the first half. USC had a dangerous offense, but the Coug's defense played outstanding. The team came out in the second half with a little fire under them, and Andrea Willis put one away for the Cougs. It was a great game from both teams, and each team had some good looks in the 2nd half, and into overtime. The team played outstanding, and ended up losing in a shootout. The girls had a great season, and accomplished a lot. It was a heartbreaker to lose that one in a shootout, and a handful of seniors will have to say goodbye. We had a great group of girls this year, and I speak for the team, and the seniors will be missed. Good work Cougs, that was a great season!

THE COUGS HAVE DONE IT AGAIN

2008-11-11T22:09:00.000-08:00

The Cougs won their second MWC Conference Championship on Saturday. They beat UNLV 4 - 0 on Thursday night, and then knocked off Utah 1-0, on Larkin's second half goal. They picked up some awards at the banquet. Andrea Willis was named the defensive player of the year, Katie Larkin the offensive player of the year, and tournament MVP, and Jen Rockwood was named Coach of the year. The Cougs also placed a few players on the the MWC all conference, and all tournament teams. Karen Cook, Andrea Willis, Jessica Harmon-Carter, and Katie Larkin were all part of the MWC Tournament team. The Cougs spent the week in Las Vegas, and were spent some time eating large amounts of food at the buffets in Vegas. They were also treated to a special treat and had the opportunity to see Phantom of the Opera, for motivation of course for the championship game. It was amazing!

The girls did a great job, and they will continue their quest for the NCAA Championship. The brackets were released Monday night, and BYU will face Virginia Tech in the 1st round, and the winner of that game, and the USC vs Boston University, will play each other. The great thing is, BYU was given the home bid, and the girls are looking forward to being home and defending their home turf. The Cougs are set to kick off at 7:00 PM on Thursday night, November 13, 2008. USC will face off against Boston University on South Field at 4:00 PM on Thursday night. We need all the support we can get! Come out to the game, and cheer the Cougs on! Thanks to everyone who supports BYU Women's Soccer, we appreciate you! See you guys on Thursday night!

THE COUGS GO UNDEFEATED IN CONFERENCE!

2008-11-01T22:49:00.000-07:00

The Cougs have done it, they just got back from their lovely trip to Laramie, Wyoming, where Jessica Harmon Carter scored in the last 10 minutes of the game to secure the win. The girls got back tonight, and I am sure they all had a great time on the bus, in and out of Wyoming in 24 hours. The girls head to Las Vegas for the MWC Tournament next week, where they will try to defend the MWC Championship. Congrats Cougs, job well done!

The girls also had senior night last week, where they beat Weber 1-0. It was a sad day, 5 amazing girls were honored at senior night, and it has truly been a pleasure to have them on and off the field. Amanda Draeger, Katie Fellows Hodgkiss, Katie Larkin, Karen Cook, and Jessica Harmon Carter where all honored, and thanks girls for being so great. We love you, and will miss you.

One last thing, the girls dressed up for Halloween, a tradition that has been going on for a few years, and they get more and more creative every year. Here is just a group picture, I will have to post some individual pictures. The girls love coming up with costumes, and it is a tradition to play lightening every year in our costumes, I guess some of the girls struggled striking the ball, and might have swung, missed, and fallen, bless their hearts!

Cougs Go 3-0 in Conference

2008-10-12T12:40:00.000-07:00

The Cougs are off to a great start in conference. They knocked off Utah 5-0, UNLV 1-0, and beat San Diego State on Saturday 2-0. The game on Saturday turned out to be a beautiful day. We were are dressed and prepared for the "big snow storm", but thankfully there was no snow, and even the sun poked out from time to time.

The girls are excited, and are working hard. They are getting ready to head to Texas to play TCU and then to play New Mexico on Saturday. Check back during the week for updates on what the girls are doing on their road trip. Keep it up Cougs!

BYU Takes On Rival Utah

2008-10-04T09:15:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the first game of the MWC for both BYU and Utah! It should be a great game, as it always is with these two teams. The Cougs will head up to Salt Lake City tonight in the rain to take on the Utes. Come support the Cougs, and let the rivalry begin! Go get 'em Cougs!

Two Big Games . . . Two Big Wins!

2008-09-21T21:24:00.000-07:00

The Cougs have been on fire the last week! They took off on Monday to a little place called Miami, to play University of Miami. A few things to remember, the girls have been on the road for the majority of September and have had their share of ups and downs. Miami and Michigan State are both undefeated. Miami has only allowed 1 goal on the season, and Michigan State has allowed 2 goals.

Auna Janis scored 68 minutes into the game. She received a cross from Lauren Anderson and Auna did a nice job of putting it in. The girls came out with a lot of energy and excitement for the game, and pulled of a tough win on the road.

The Cougs then returned home to face Michigan State, where they would have their hands full with a tough offense. Andrea Willis scored in the first half off a beautiful free kick to put the Cougs up 1-0. The team suffered a tough loss when Jess Harmon Carter received a controversial red card, and were forced to play a man down. With about 20 minutes left in the game, Jennie Marshall flicked the ball over 4 defenders and out ran, yes not 1 or 2 or 3, but all 4 of their defenders and slotted the ball in the back of the net. The Cougs went on to win to tough games, and will head to Cal-Berkley on Thursday! Good work team, keep it up!

Welcome Home Cougs!

2008-09-14T22:01:00.000-07:00

The Cougs were in town for just a few days, and they had a big home game against Idaho State. They pulled off great victory 2-0 and continue to be undefeated at home. Whitney Feller, and Jennie Marshall had their first goals of the season. Kassidy Christensen was all over the place, and worked hard to make the goals happen. There were just over 2,000 fans at the game last night, and the girls love the support and the energy of the crowd. The girls are packing their bags and heading to Miami tomorrow morning. They will face off against an undefeated Miami team! Good luck Cougs!

At It Again

2008-09-09T23:25:00.000-07:00

The Cougs are back at it, and on the road again. They just returned from a tough road trip to William and Mary, and Marquette. They came back to P-town, and rested up for a couple of days, and now they are headed to Long Beach! Although the girls have been on the road a lot this year, they are enjoying each other, and having a good time. The girls always know how to make any situation fun. They will return on Friday morning and will play Idaho State on Saturday night! Good luck at Long Beach Cougs!

LSU has a real, live, tiger on their campus! This is a statue right outside of the tiger cage!

On The Road Again

2008-09-03T22:49:00.001-07:00

The soccer girls are back on the road again. They are in Virginia and are getting ready to take on William and Mary, and Marquette. They just finished with their home opener, they went 2-0 at home, and beat Georgia 4-1, and Arizona 1-0. There were so many fans at both games, and it was awesome to see the new stadium filled with fans. BYU has some of the greatest fans in the country, and it motivates the soccer girls, when thousands of people are cheering and yelling at the games. Keep coming out BYU Soccer fans, you are appreciated and South Field is one of the toughest places to come and play. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing all of our fans through out the season. I will keep you updated on how things go over in Virginia! Go Cougs!

Latest And Greatest Addition to BYU

2008-08-26T22:21:00.000-07:00

The Women's Soccer team just returned from their first road trip of the season. They splitgames on the road, and had the opportunity to eat at a new favorite restaurant by Cal Poly called Firestone, they liked it so much they ate there both nights. Thanks to Shawn Olmstead for letting the team in on this little secret. I caught up with the team in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and I did not hear the end of how good this Firestone was, and how much I had missed out on.

The girls headed to Baton Rouge, where we enjoyed the humidity and the tropical storm all day on Sunday! It was a fun road trip, and the girls are getting ready for Georgia on Friday. The freshmen have been a great addition to the team, both on and off the field. The team has enjoyed having them around, and for Freshmen, they are pretty funny :) Keep up the good work Freshmen!

Auna's Game Winning Goal at Cal-Poly

So It Begins . . . .

2008-08-22T23:38:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it, the season has started. The girls have been working hard the last couple of weeks during 2-a-days, but have also managed to fit in some fun. One of the most memorable experiences we have is having the opportunity to meet Hllary Weeks. Not only did the coaches and the team get to meet her, she had us over for dinner, and gave us a special concert. It was an amazing experience that we will never forget. The girls jumped on the tramp, chased the kids around, and just loved having he opportunity for her to hang out with us. Their hospitality is appreciated and a lot of the girls were touched by the experience and motivated.

The team with Hilary Weeks

Coach showing of his sweet bicycle skills!

The team is in California right now, and just recently pulled off a victory 2-1 to Cal-Poly. The team will be traveling all over this fall, and I am sure will be up to some mischief. They recently just had their annual skit night, and clips and photos will be posted within the week.

Cougar Kick-Off

Let The Games Begin . . .

2008-08-12T23:20:00.000-07:00

It is that time again, it is time for the season! Can you believe it is that time already, just seems like we finished up from last season. The girls are busy with two-a-days, and spending time in the cold pool. The team is looking great, and looking forward to the big Blue and White game coming up this Saturday, August 16, 2008. Then the girls are off to Cal-Poly and LSU!

The girls have a tradition that during two-a-days, they create a giant slip-n-slide. They go over to rock canyon and lay out a huge tarp and let the hose run. They love it, they come up with all sorts of ways of going down the slip-n-slide. Standing up, it trains, running and jumping to see how far they can go down the slide. The best part is there is a little bump at the end of the hill where some of the girls catch some air, or yell out in pain! They always have a great time and come home with grass and dirt everywhere!

Good Times

2008-07-08T22:42:00.001-07:00

The BYU Soccer girls continue to spend their summer working out, doing camps, working out, some more camps, and probably more working out. They are lifting and running every morning, then doing camps all day, and then some free play at night. They love it, it keeps them busy, and they are all working hard for the season that starts in just a few weeks.

Some exciting things have been going on lately. First of all, the stadium is looking great. It is coming together so fast, and I think they are in the finishing stages. All the seats are up, the new lights, the grass looks amazing, and the girls are so excited to have a new stadium.

A few of the girls have been over in California participating in the U.S. Elite Player Program. Erika Woodbury, Andrea Willis, and Jessica Carter took off to California last weekend to compete with some of the top talent in the country. National team coaches are usually there, and it is a good opportunity for our girls to be seen.

Finally, Katie Larkin has been traveling the world this summer. She took off to Germany, then California and she has recently been named to the U.S. Under-23 soccer team for the prestigious Nordic Cup tournament in Sweden. Larkin has been to 4 training camps this summer, and started in the game against the U-23 German team. She will play England, and Norway in the tournament, and we look forward to hearing about her adventures with the National Team! Good luck Larkin!

The New Stadium

2008-06-09T20:58:00.000-07:00

Just a little update on the BYU Women's soccer! We just finished the first week of camp! The girls had so much fun! They did the cub camps in the morning, then mini cubs in the afternoon! It is a handful, but the kids are so cute and they love camp!

The stadium is coming right along. Everyday when I walk past I am amazed at how quickly it is coming together. Here are a few pictures of what it looks like a few days ago. It is going to look so good when it is all done!

Katie Larkin is in California at another National Camp, so when I get the details on how things are going out there, I will post an update! Good luck Larkin!

Another week of camps has started, and there are a bunch of 11-14 year olds running around BYU, it is our first Academy of the summer. The best part about camp is that Jen Rockwood is coaching a team for the League Games, it is so great to see her out there helping out those 11-12 year olds. The meet before the game, she talks during the whole game, and they meet after the game! It is so great! Anyone who beats her team is benched for the season :)

Missing Italy . . .

2008-05-14T21:31:00.000-07:00

Welcome home everyone! We have now been home for 1 week, and I am sure many of us are missing the luxuries of Italy! We didn't have to go to work, we got our exercise in, walking about 7 miles a day, we could eat gelato all day, we had all of our meals prepared for us everyday, bidays, we hung out with our friends everyday, all day, and we slept in soft, cozy beds :) I am sure that we are happy to be home, because America has some of it's own luxuries. We have ice, Dr. Pepper, Big Gulps, butter, soft bread, normal outlets that don't blow up our expensive appliances, TV in English, fluffy pillows, bigger rooms, and taller shower spouts.

I have heard a lot of good things about the trip, and the overall feeling that everyone had a great time! I will post some of the pictures that the girls have taken, they have some funny pictures. I wanted to give a little shout out to our wonderful tour guide Alissandra. She was so organized and had our days planned out from the moment we woke up til the moment we went to bed. She kept us all in line, and on time. She had an obvious passion and love for her country, and she shared that with us. She would say some of our favorite American phrases, like "Yo-Diggity-Dog" and "Get up off my grill". She helped make this a memorable trip to Italy, and everyone fell in love with her. Thanks Alissandra for everything, you are great, and I know that many of the girls and parents miss you!

We look forward to seeing everyone soon! Check the blog for updates all summer long!

Venice the "City of Water"

2008-05-08T05:56:00.000-07:00

We headed to Venice for our last couple of days in Italy! I purchased the internet, but it sent my password in my email, which I could not get unless I had the internet, so I could not post a blog on our last couple of days. We took a boat into Venice and had the tour, and learned all the cool things about Venice, like don't put your hands in the water, swim, or drink the water, that is where they put their sewage! Venice sits on millions of wooden piles pounded into the marshy ground and has sunk about 7 centimeters a century for the past 1,000 years. In Venice there are no streets, they travel all by water. Venice is built on 300 small islands and has 150 canals and is connected by an amazing 409 bridges, which only 3 cross the main Grand Canal.

It is a beautiful city, and they have shopping all over the place, and they are known for their glass from Murano, they have a glass blowing factory, and it is pretty cool to see them blow the glass into all these different shapes. We spent our last 2 days there, and it was sort of bitter sweet! It has been a great trip, and so much fun, and although we were excited to go home, we were sad to leave our big group, which was like one big happy family!

May 5th, 2008 was also Chris and I (Bug's) 1 year anniversary, and what a great way to spend our first anniversary than with our soccer family, where it all began 3 years ago! They had prepared a special little treat for us, which was slightly embarrassing! Andrea Willis, and Jessica Harmon-Carter wrote a little poem for us, and shared it in front of everyone at dinner. Here are just a few lines:

"Bug and Chris you've made it one whole year

Now it is time to "knock it up" a year

For the longest time we've wanted you to have a baby

But the only thing you tell us is "we'll see" and "maybe"

You say that money is one thing holding you back

But luckily for you, Jen is here to pick up the slack

$5,000 dollars is the price to be paid

Come on, let's go! There is a baby to be made!

It goes on to say some other things, and it was so funny! Chris was really embarrassed, but it was really nice of them. The group all chipped in to give us some Euro's to take a Gondola ride in Venice! I was really taken back, and it was a wonderful surprise! We had so much fun on the Gondola! We appreciate everyone's kindness and generosity! Thank you, it was a perfect anniversary!

I will post a blog later today, that sums up our adventures in Europe! We had a great time, and I am awake so early, my body still thinks we are on Italy time! Welcome home everyone!

Beautiful Florence, Italy!

2008-05-04T14:42:00.000-07:00

Our trip is nearing the end, and it is sort of sad. I will not lie, I am excited to come back to the states, where the soda drinks are bigger, and cheaper (in Italy, it costs 5 euros, which is like 7 or 8 American dollars for a Coca Light, or a Diet Coke, no lie), the water is free, and where we have Dr. Pepper, it has been too long! The days seem to fly by here. We get up around 6 am or 7 am, and we get on the bus, drive to our destination, where we usually have a long tour of something important, and then some free time, and then back on the bus, then back for our 3 course dinner, that is always pasta, and then to bed around midnight! Everyone is exhausted by bedtime, but seems rejuvenated by morning!

Today we were in Florence, Italy, and it is a beautiful place. We went to church and it was really cool, the Spirit was strong, and the missionaries translated what was going on. Ashleigh Jameson, and Katie Larkin bore their testimonies, and they did a great job. Nicole Urry attempted to get up, but she was stopped on her way up by the Bishop, because we ran out of time. She was shocked, and put her hand over her mouth, and stood there for a while, then went back to her seat. It was a classic moment! It is amazing to be in another country and know that although we can not communicate with the members, that we all believe that same thing!

We had a guided tour of Florence, and I wish I could state some neat facts, but my ADHD kicked in and I was thinking about all the good bargains I was going to get shopping when the tour was over, so I don't really remember what they said! Sorry! But Florence is known for their leather, gold, and I think their glass! It is a very beautiful place, and they have some good shopping! Funny story about Florence, the Harmon's (Jessica Harmon's mom, and little brother) and Jessica and Austin (Her husband), hold the record for how much spent on Gelato since we have been here. Gelato is the most delicious ice cream treat, that is only found in Italy! It is worth some Euros! But, bless their hearts, they were not sure how much that large cone of Gelato costs, and between the 4 of them, they spent about 30 Euros, which is about 40 American Dollars! Ha ha, good times!

Some people had the chance to see the statue of David, and I heard it was amazing! We are off to Venice tomorrow, so hopefully we have the internet, so I can continue blogging! Off to bed, a few hours of sleep, then back on the road :) Goodnight!

Capri and Rome . . . .

2008-05-03T14:59:00.000-07:00

We have not had the internet in days, it has been tough! Well, we had it, but they wanted me to pay too many Euros, so I refused! But, we are back, and here is a little update on what has been going on the last couple of days! We went to this beautiful island of Capri, Italy! Some people took the journey to the top of the island, by foot, or by gondola. Others went and saw the "Blue Grotto". It was amazing, you take a boat, and it takes you to some row boats that take you in a little cave, and all the water is so, so blue! It is amazing! Then we jumped in the bus for a long 4 hour ride to Rome!

We won our 3rd game, 2-0! The girls are looking good! In Rome we saw the Colosseum, it is one of my favorite things in Rome! We also saw the Spanish Steps, not sure why they are important, and we went to Trevi Fountain, and of course the Pantheon, it is also important in some way :) Today we went and saw the Vatican, and the Sistine Chapel. Did you know, that Michealangelo did not even like to paint, so they put jail for 4 months, and he learned how to be an artist, then he was inside the Sistine Chapel for 4 years until he finished painting it! It is beautiful, he also had a crooked neck for the rest of his life!

We won our last game tonight 3-0, and it was our seniors last game. So, it was happy game, because we won, but sad because it was their last game! They will be missed! We are now in Florence, and will be here for 2 days! More adventures tomorrow, and now I am going to bed, because it is really late in Italy! Goodnight, until tomorrow! By the way, I tasted this new Fanta drink over here, I thought for sure that it had alcohol in it, it was so nasty! But, it was just a bitter fruit :)

Pompeii and Sorrento, Italy

2008-04-30T15:23:00.000-07:00

Today we saw some really cool things. We went to Pompeii, and had a tour of the "re-discovered city". It was buried in 30 feet of ash from the volcano Mt. Vesuvius, that erupted in 79 AD. The city of Pompeii had a population of 20,000-25,000 people. It was re-discovered in 1748, and in the mid 1800's they discovered that they could put plaster casts of voids in the ash that contained human remains, and trees and other things. They plaster casts could show the detail of the faces of those killed in the volcano. They found 4,000 bodies, and nobody knows what happened to the rest of the population. There is still 1/3 of the city left to excavate, but they are not doing it right now. It was an amazing thing to see, there are a lot of ruins left, and we learned a lot about Pompeii, and how they lived life.

We then went to Sorrento, and it was beautiful. It is a little city with great shopping, and had an amazing view. If only we had a few more hours, we could have eaten more gelato, and spent more euros! We also had our second game, and we ended up pulling off the victory 8-1, the referee struggled, but we still did okay. Off to bed, tomorrow we head to the island of Capri, and then to Rome! Still so many things to see! The weather is amazing here, and everyone is having a great time! Til tomorrow!