Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Cyclones Have Plenty To Be Thankful For!!!

When the spring season ended and it became apparent that we were going to lose 4 original Cyclones I have to admit that I was very concerned about our future. My first worry was would we even have a team for the fall season. My second worry was if were able to put together a team would we be competitive. After all we had won only one game in the spring and scored only a handful of goals. How could we possibly compete after a season like that and then losing 4 players that we counted on so much for scoring, defense and goalkeeping?

I am very thankful for the Cyclone team we have right now, the great group of players and parents that make this such a pleasure to be a part of. In honor of my favorite holiday, I wanted to say thank you to each player individually, by uniform number, because it’s easier for me.

#2 Ariel- Thank you for your tireless effort on defense, I think you even gained a step this season. All the while playing with determination every game and always smiling! Not such an easy task with Dad on the sidelines coaching.

#4 Ravid- Thank you for raising the level of play of our entire team with your understanding of how to play the game, your passing ability, your all around skill & scoring touch. Your willingness to play physical is more than just an added bonus.

#5 Kathleen- as the saying goes “you’ve come a long way baby”! I am especially proud of your desire to play and your willingness to not only compete for the ball, but win the battle. Thank you for giving 100%.

#6 Deniz- It’s been a long road from watching your sister and the rest of the Cyclones play a few seasons ago to being put into the most difficult position on the field, maybe the most difficult position in the entire age group even when you may not always feel like, Thank you for your unselfish commitment.

#7 Olivia- Thank you for having the courage to come back to soccer after years away, it is something that lots of kids and adults should try no matter what the activity. You not only improved each week on the field, but you also added so much to the team with your personality and presence.

#8 Sevinc- Thanks for coming back and trying out again, I should have taken you the first time, skirt or no skirt. Your natural instinct for the game is truly remarkable. You aggressiveness and attitude are an added bonus.

#10 Kiera- You are a great addition to the team and a key reason that we ended up taking a step forward this season, not backwards. It’s not just the strong leg and hustle that you bring to every game, but the mature positive attitude & big smile you bring with you. Thanks for helping us improve.

#14 Anna- You may be the most courageous Cyclone. From the time we started in 2nd grade to now you have improved every season. It’s time to take credit for stepping up to the challenge each season and turning yourself into a good soccer player. Thank you for the effort every game.

#15 Marissa- is the only Cyclone in team history to never ask to come out of a game. Your dedication to the team has always been first rate no matter where the coaches ask you to play. Getting a Rabbi to say POB Cyclones during your Bat-Mitzvah earns you special recognition and a special place in this coach’s heart. Thanks for your dedication.

#17 Jordan- Yes you probably get your name yelled out the most of any player, but you are always going to be (my apologies to the rest of the girls) my favorite player. As you’ve improved, you have done a great job with the added responsibility of playing sweeper. Thanks for giving me a thrill every time you touch the ball.

#20 Lisa- No other player symbolizes what can happen when they work their hardest on the field than you. Our leading goal scorer this season you put yourself in the right place at the right time to score some very timely and important goals for the team. An excellent job mentioning the Cyclones during your Bat-Mitzvah will pay you dividends for sure. Thanks for giving us your best.

#21 Diana- With your arrival this August the Cyclones gained something they had been missing for sometime, along with your enthusiasm, leg strength, foot skills, a great smile & confidence; you also brought that swagger that lets other teams know they had a battle on their hands every time they stepped on the field.

#23 Jenna- No Cyclone player has inspired more post game comments by the opposing coach or referee than you. They are always amazed at your courage, toughness and grit. It’s not news to anyone on our team we’ve gotten used to all that. What is news is that you do it every game, every season, with a beaming smile and genuine enthusiasm. Mentioning the Cyclones during your Bat-Mitzvah earned you some serious brownie points.

#25 Alexa-There is no Neutral, Reverse, 1st, 2nd, or 3rd gear in your engine just OVERDRIVE! They say some players give 100%, the ones who play harder they say give 110%. I say you always gives 111%. Thanks for always leaving everything you have out on the field, even if it means carrying you off it every once in a while.

#26 Anna- You have been the quiet leader on the field since day one. At the same time you are always modest, focused and determined. There is no doubt who has played the most minutes of any player in Cyclone history. Thank you for giving your all for every one of those minutes.

#42 Rachel- no other player in team history has been able to play all 4 positions on the field as well as you. You have been able to score on offense. You’ve shown your speed and skill in the midfield. You may not love it, but you play a solid defense. Finally, you’ve proven yourself to be one of the Cyclones top athletes by playing solid in goal. Thanks for your willingness to do whatever you’re asked and do it well.



HappyThanksgiving!!!



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