GOLD!!!

Game Time: 2:00pm
Final Score: USA 55- Germany 53

I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO NERVOUS AND UNCOMFORTABLE IN MY LIFE...BUT WE PULLED IT OUT FOR A VICTORY!!!

This is my first Gold Medal at a World Championships and the first time the Canadians haven't won in FOREVER.

I won't say that it was an easy game or our best, but we stuck to it and pulled it out. Becca had an AMAZING game! She had an amazing tournament actually, but she was superb today.

Anyway...we are rushing off to Closing Ceremonies to receive our medals and then hitting the town to celebrate. Don't be surprised if you see pictures of me in fish-nets, high heels, and my jersey at some point tomorrow.

Also I wanted to say...THANK YOU to everyone back home supporting us. We don't win without your support, so please consider this a win for you too. We are so excited to share this with you.

Thanks...and one more time USA!!!!!

OH and...our men won the bronze today!!!

Semi-Final- USA vs. Canada

Game Time: 6:30pm
Final Score- USA 68- Canada 58

USA Advances to Final Against Germany...

Today was another one of those games that you look back on and go...Whheww!! It was again not our best performance, but the Canadians ALWAYS show up to play at these kinds of tournaments. In 2006 we had beaten them in three games prior to World Championships and then lost to them by 8 in the Championship game. Our staff told us that they have had the title of World Champions for the past 24 years...I don't know if that's right, but its been forever since anyone else has won either way.

We were down at the end of the first quarter and up by a couple points at the half. We came out strong in the third quarter and maintained the lead from there. We didn't do a great job of stopping their leading scorer. She had 33 points...that just won't do. Becca and Carlee were our big scorers of the day. They had a great shooting game.

I played alright...I feel like I could have played better (but I kind of always feel that way). I am definitely looking forward to a day off tomorrow because my shoulder is breaking down and quickly. I had to tape and un-tape throughout the game today and I was fouled hard at the end of the game, which didn't help.

I've iced it a couple of times tonight and I have my Tylenol and Ibuprofen regimen going. Oh well...one more game and that's what counts.

We will play the Germans on Saturday at 1:30pm. They beat Australia earlier today, so Australia and Canada will play for third and fourth.

Our men played today...unfortunately they lost to Australia in a close match. We led for most of the game, but Australia pulled it out in the end. Australia will play France Saturday for the title and the USA will play Italy for third. Our men beat Italy by 40 in pool play so we are hoping for a repeat performance.

Well...I don't know that I have much more of an update. We have practice and an easy day tomorrow to prepare for Saturday. It's about to get exciting.

Thanks for following!!

Quarter Finals- USA vs. Great Britain

Game Time- 2:00pm
Final Score- USA 53- Great Britain 37

USA Advances to the Semi-Final!!!

YAY...we are moving onto the next round and I would love to say that it was an easy one, but it was far from. Today we battled injuries, rough calls, a less than ideal shooting percentage, and a crowd that favored the opposing team. We battled for sure in this game, leading by about 5 at the half and we didn't really pull ahead until the end of the third quarter, beginning of the fourth.

We were ahead the whole game, but still we struggled to get into the USA rhythm that we are accustomed to. We still advance and play tomorrow against Canada, who won their game against Japan. The Germans also beat the Netherlands today. They will play the Australians, who beat China, tomorrow.

Overall, the day was a success for the United States. Our Men played Turkey and won handily. However, the day in general was a day of upsets on the Men's side. The Great Britain Men lost to France, in one of the greatest upsets of the tournament. Aside from being the at home favorite, they could have easily been one of the tournament favorites. Similarly, the Canadian men lost to Italy. The Canadian Men won World Championships in 2006. I think most people expected the final four to be Canada, Australia, Great Britain, and the United States. Now our men will meet the Aussies tomorrow in what could be the best game of the tournament on the Men's side.

We don't really know our schedule yet, but we play at either 2pm or 6:30pm. I think our men play at around 4:30, but I make no promises. Hopefully we find out tonight.

We are back at the hotel now. Time for rest and treatments. Natalie and I are enjoying an episode of Criminal Minds and waiting to get our instructions or schedule.

I had dinner with my family tonight. We went to this Thai restaurant that we walk past everyday. I always stare in the windows admiring the ambiance and smile at the lovely smell of food that radiates through the door. Finally I got to walk in and enjoy some Pad Thai and enjoy the fabulous cuisine. I was soooo excited to eat there. My family enjoyed what should have been a 10 course meal, but oh well...that's the Castle way.

Well...that was my day in a nut shell. I am off to enjoy the beautiful men of Criminal Minds. Hope all is well at home. Miss you all!! More to come tomorrow!

Germany vs. USA (Game 4)

Game Time: 9:30am
Final Score: Germany 53- USA 65

This was the final chapter of pool play and a great ending for us. We started out strong and kept our lead throughout. At the half the score was 29-20 us. A great start. Unfortunately, the third quarter was not great for us. We let Germany come within two.

The Germans are strong and big and were coming after us like mad women. Christina has a black eye, nearly had her arm torn off, and I swear at one point there were Germans flying at us from every angle. It was a very physical game overall...we held our own and weren't giving in. Steph fouled out and I played the final minute with 4...ugh!!!

Here's what I looked like after the game...

But we pulled it out and our 4th quarter was great! In the end Chris had 24 points, Becca had 16, and I had 8...yay!!! It was a great showing for all of us, but I tell you what Wisconsin is where it's at (Chris and Becca are both from Wisconsin....so you know??)

Our defense was solid and our offense was on...so now onto the Crossover...and here's how it plays out:

USA (1) vs. Great Britain (4)
Germany (2) vs. Netherlands (3)
Australia (1) vs. China (4)
Canada (2) vs. Japan (3)

I have NO idea what the schedule is, but we play at some point on the 14th. We have tomorrow off...well minus practice and probably video. I think we might go on a boat tour on the canal and I am probably going to try for the mall (shocking...I know).

My brothers got here today...and I am thrilled!! I even managed to get a family photo in today...craziness.









The team is headed to a Robert Cray concert tonight (I think that's how you spell his name) or maybe a movie, but you never know!

USA vs. China (Game 3)

Game Time: 4:30pm
Final Score: USA 81- China 40

What a win??!!! Today was a great day for us. We were on fire in the first half. We scored 51 points in the first half and gave up 17 points. We were clicking really well. We shot about 52% and had a number of forced turnovers and steals.

I had a good game, but had to ice down at the half. My shoulder has been holding up, so as a preventative measure we decided to sit me in the second half and ice me down. Unfortunately, I spent most of the second half lying face down behind the bench, so I didn't even see it. Although from what I heard it was still a strong half.

Everyone played and contributed again...in fact at one point we only had 8.5 points on the floor (2- 1s, 2- 1.5s, and a 3.5).

Anyway, it was a good day for us and we definitely improved. We have tomorrow morning off and practice tomorrow night, as we get ready to face Germany on Monday.

My mom got here today and I was so excited to see her. My dad gets here tomorrow and my brothers on Monday...it's going to be great to have them here. I might take my mom shopping tomorrow, but we shall see...I need to rest my shoulders and let my body rest.

Well...it's really late here. It took me all day to get our terrible internet connection to work. Hope all is well at home!

STATS and Other Stuff

So...Natalie and I were just reviewing stats...and I led the team in steals yesterday with 4...don't think that has ever happened!! Nat also led the team in scoring with 14...

The point of this post is actually to let you know that you can get stats, box scores, shooting charts, and other information online at:

http://www.gbwba.org.uk/gbwba/index.cfm/wwbc2010/schedule

(If this link doesn't work go to the homepage http://www.gwba.org.uk/ and click on the information for World Championships and then fixtures and results)

You can get information on every game of the tournament!!!

Brazil vs. USA (Game 2)

Game Time: 11:45am
Final Score: Brazil 24- USA 66

We had a good start today. We started Natalie with the Scooby-Twos (as Coach calls us) or in other words Nat, Steph, Christina, Becca, and me. We finally clicked like we were suppoed to and like we want to. In fact the entire team found a momentum and chemistry that worked for everyone.

We held Brazil to 8 points in the first half and were feeling great throughout the game. Almost everyone took a shot and/or scored, which is great to see. Caitlin, the newest and youngest member of our team took a couple of big shots. Unfortunately, they didn't fall, but it was great to see her have that kind of confidence and determination.

Overall, everyone was pleased and our defense was solid. After our game, the USA men played Poland and won handily. It was a good day for both teams.

We had practice tonight and are on our way to dinner in a few. Tomorrow we have a shoot around in the morning and we play China tomorrow night.

A few other results (on the womens side) for the day:
Canada pulled out a win against the Netherlands by 4.
Germany beat China by about 40 or so.
Australia and Great Britain had the day off.

USA vs. Japan (Game 1)

Game Time: 2:15pm
Final Score: USA 56- Japan 35

I wouldn't exactly say that the game went as we had hoped, but no one can complain about a win. We struggled a bit with adapting to ticky-tack fouls and some very interesting calls by the referees. That being said our defense was solid and we had some moments of greatness.

I am very happy with the way we played overall. I think we improved, while also leaving room for improvement. I shot 100% today...3 for 3...yeah buddy!! I actually played pretty well today. We are adjusting my role on defense, but I like it.

My shoulder held up...so for that I say Woo-Hoo!!

Thanks for all the support at home!! We are off to watch our men play against South Korea tonight.

Game Schedule

USA POOL PLAY GAME SCHEDULE

USA vs. Japan- Thursday July 8- 2:15pm (Court 2)

Brazil vs. USA- Friday July 9- 11:45am (Court 1)

USA vs. China- Saturday July 10- 4:30pm (Court 2)

Germany vs. USA- Sunday July 11- 9:30am (Court 1)

You can get more information and possibly live streaming of our games at:

http://www.gbwba.org/uk/gbwba/index/cfm/wwbc2010/

More Information about Wheelchair Basketball can be found at:

http://www.iwbf.org

Opening Ceremonies

Opening Ceremonies were today. It was like a crazy opening act for "So You Think You Can Dance." There was ballroom, contemporary/interpretive, and hip-hop dancing. The costumes were hard to describe...but interesting is a good way of explaining them. The ceremony was short, sweet, and to the point, which was great because with 300 athletes on the floor and us in heavy track suits I was sweating profusely!


Games started tonight, with the GB women vs. the Netherlands, and the GB men vs. South Korea. The Netherlands pulled out a win by one against GB and I quite honestly don't know the score of the men's game because we had practice.

Practice went smoothly, but we are definitely ready for tomorrow and GAME 1!!

A Day of Castle-ing

Yesterday was not too exciting...two intense practices and naps. I think our practices went really well though. Natalie and I stayed up late watching Annapolis on the movie network and then slept in until 9 (we could have slept for longer, but our phone rang).

The Team decided that because we don't have our classification practice until 8:30 tonight that we should venture out to see Warwick Castle. We think it was built sometime in the 1300s, but couldn't really find historical information on it. They have turened it into a tourist site with sideshows and a haunted dungeon. It seemed to be aimed at children, but it was fun! We took the train and while riding had a mini- America's Next Top Model competition between a few of us.



The walk was hilly and bumpy (Europe and it's cobble stone...oh man...not so wheelchair friendly)...but still it was gorgeous. The castle was just as you would imagine an 800 year old castle would look like. It was amazing! My shoulders started to give out, so I headed back early, but did manage to spot the shops I must hit before I go home!

We are about to go for a lite dinner and our classification practice, which should be over by 10. We are excited...tomorrow is Opening Ceremonies and then the GAMES begin!

Laundry Dilemma

Ugh...so what would a World Championships be without some kind of laundry dilemma...

I can't even blame this one on my slight obsession with clean clothes. We have limited laundry options...it costs two pounds per pair of underwear to have the hotel laundry service do it, there are no washers and dryers in the hotel, the closest laundromat is a bus ride away, and there are three washers and one dryer at the gym, but are available on a first come, first served basis and there are 300 athletes and staff here.

So...this was our solution and may be our solution for the next two weeks...OH BOY...so not my thing!

Day 3- USA v. Japan (10:30am), USA v. Great Britain (5:00pm)

Game Time: 10:30
Final Score: USA 60- Japan 49

Let me start by saying...HAPPY 4th of JULY!!!!

I think we are representing everyone back home well. We started our day off with a game against Japan. They came out hot and well...we started off strong, but struggled a bit at the free throw line and with our shooting. Our defense seemed solid, however. The game was back and forth for most of the first half. We made some smart adjustments and then our game changed and we got the runs that we needed. The Japanese are playing great and it is clear that they mean business. We will see them again in the first game of Pool Play of the actual tournament.

I think I had a really good game. I had a number of stops and layups and overall it was definitely my best performance to date. I don't know the exact number of points, stops, or steals that I had, but I know it was more than I normally have and I felt good leaving this game. (It's probably a good thing I don't know because that might mean I was paying too much attention to my stats...or something haha).

Game Time: 5:00pm
Final Score: USA 66- Great Britain 34

Tonight's game was a good game for us. We were feeling FREE and ready to play. It wasn't long before we were laughing and smiling and at the same time pushing our asses off (sorry kids).

We had an early lead, but built on it each quarter. Everyone played and contributed and we looked really good. Winning tonight's game was a great finish to my favorite holiday (even though there were no fireworks).

I think I had another solid game tonight. I know I am using that word a lot to describe our play, but it seems like a good choice of words. I had a couple steals and some good reads and maybe a few points. I don't really know. I do know however that I took a ball to the face and it hurt like a **!*!** (fill in the blank). I may have a black eye in the morning, but thankfully tomorrow is just practice for us.

After the game we had an awards ceremony. It was very pleasant. To add to my moments of the day...I was first in line and went to accept our trophies too early so I quickly stopped and backed up hard right into Chewy and nearly took her out and almost fell back into her lap. Not one of my prouder nor more glamourous moments.

In addition to our games, I had a ton of treatment today and because I spend so much time in ice or in treatment the team thought that I should post a couple of pictures of the time I spend in ice. No more Chinese Cupping or fun experiences like that, but there is LOTS of ICE!!!

Anyway...I hope everyone enjoyed the 4th!!...no worries we blew it up here (aka...we pretended our hands were fireworks everytime our huddle broke).

Day 2- USA v. Great Britain (Pre-Tournament Game 1)

Game Time: 10:30am
Final Score: USA 63- Great Britain 45

Sorry for the delay...I know everyone has been waiting anxiously for the next update. Unfortunately, yesterday kind of ran away from us and our Internet connection is anything but cooperative. We in fact are using a two-bar internet connection from the hotel across the street because its really the most affordable and convenient option (minus the disconnecting every other minute).

Anyway, we had our first game against Great Britain yesterday. It was a pretty good start to the day. Great Britain is getting stronger and faster every time we play them, which requires us to make adjustments. I think they may have more overall speed than most of our other opponents.

I didn't play much in this game. We ran different line-ups and everyone got a chance to see the floor. We had some great transitions and I think our back picks are looking really strong. We continued to improve throughout the game, so we only had a 30 minute shoot around. It was a refreshingly short practice, but because I didn't play much I decided to visit the local gym. There is a really nice health and fitness spa close to our hotel where I went to bike for a little less than an hour.

I made it back just in time for dinner. As I previously mentioned, we were not quite sure what to expect from the British cuisine, and as far as I can tell the one thing we can be sure of is that the British love their butter. The vegetables looks healthy and then you bite into them and the first thing you taste is butter. Not that I am complaining by any means...I mean who doesn't like a little butter??? And who knows...maybe Paual Dean taught the chefs at our hotel how to cook?? Either way...we are learning that there is butter in everything.

After dinner, it was time for treatment and bed. Natalie (my roommate) and I didn't even have enough energy to watch tv. We each read for a bit and then passed out.
Well...there you have it...not too shabby for Day 2.

Day 1- USA vs. Japan (Pre-Tournament Game 1)

Game Time: 10:30am

Final Score: USA- 59 Japan- 51

Today played Japan in our first game of the Pre-Tournament (aka the games before World Championships). It was a good game for us. We started to find our rhythm again and worked out a few of the travel kinks. We were able to work on our strengths and identify some of our weaknesses. Fortunately, we also had practice this afternoon which gave us the opportunity to work on some of the things we needed to adjust. I think we look strong and are getting better by the day. We seem ready to go!

For those that are interested...I think I played pretty well today. I had a steal and somewhere between three and seven points (quite honestly I can't remember). I felt like I got into a pretty good groove. My shoulders held up through the game...NO tape! However, after practice I had to sprawl out on the floor with my back covered in three or four bags of ice and three covering my shoulders. It was an in interesting image...I might have to take a picture to fully explain how this really looks (haha).

We thankfully have tonight to rest. We are still pretty exhausted form the trip over here and no matter how many times we go through this, I think the travel and play still gets to us. We are also walking to and from the gym and there's a huge hill that gave some us a hard time, and I was definitely one of those people.

Anyway, thankfully we have tonight off and we are get to rest. After dinner (which consisted of the same buttery noodles and vegetables as lunch), and my treatment, a few of us are reading a book about a man and a dolphin...it should be interesting or something ;-)...haha. Then its off to bed to get ready for tomorrow.

We play Great Britain at 10:30am and possibly Japan tomorrow afternoon, we are still waiting for word on that game. If we don't have the second game we will have video and practice. Well...its time for treatment...

GO USA!

We Made IT...well sort of!

WE MADE IT TO LONDON!!... well sort of... now...

We are camping out in the corner of the airport bar debating whether or not it would be appropriate to set up "beds" and pass out on the floor. Personally I think the idea of crashing underneath a table of the bar in the Heathrow airport sounds like the perfect introduction of our team to England (No??). It is not often that passing out on the floor of a bar could be considered an appropriate course of action, but we are here for HOURS!


The flight wasn't too bad...a quick seven hours with a few screaming children and tight quarters, but overall pretty pleasant. I managed to get a little sleep, which not too surprisingly means that I was bouncing off the walls at 5am, when we landed almost an hour early. I wish I had that kind of energy every morning at 5am... it would make morning workouts or studying before class sooo much easier.

There may be random posts today as we have nothing to do but sit here and either sleep on the floor or mess around on the Internet. We ate breakfast...I am understanding why people might say that England is not known for its food. I enjoyed my breakfast sandwich, but I am not really sure what to expect. Although there may have been slim pickings at the bar for breakfast food (hmmm...when said that way...not too surprising), we are stationed close to a cafe, so I indulged and grabbed a couple desserts (please...don't judge!). We split a chocolate, carmel shortbread that was awesome and a chocolate creme crossiant that was ehh, but who can really complain about chocolate??

Anyway...I think the floor under my table and my pillow are calling my name.

The Things We do for LOVE????

So...I don't necessarily consider basketball the love of my life, but given the amount of time it takes up and the dedication it requires I think I certainly have to consider it a LOVE.


I only mention this because I think it is important to see the things we do for LOVE in many ways. I have had my two shoulder surgeries and countless problems, and almost everyone knows that basketball makes my shoulders HATE me. I love my shoulders, but I must love basketball more...or something!


My shoulders haven't been at their best in years, and with each new tournament and competition comes some new obstacle, injury or treatment. Yesterday was my first experience with Chinese cupping...and I think I can say I will remember this one for a while. I was explaining and showing my teammates and trainer the impression it left...and now I ask...WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Does this look like something I did for LOVE?

Hurry Up and...WAIT...

It may not be overly shocking that I am a bit high strung when it comes to travel! Every US trips starts with the hustle and bustle of trying to remember everything and then the added..."oops I'm late and now I'm rushing."

I think the worst is the stress of packing... its actually enough to send anyone over the edge, and for anyone who, like me, has to have everything neat and in order, it can be well...an experience. It really isn't my fault that every article of clothing needs to be organized with similar articles and folded appropriately. I like an organized suitcase, but oh well I guess.

Anyway, after the craziness of packing my entire apartment into a bag, it was time to head to the airport for the noted...HURRY UP and WAIT period. This trip consists of a short flight from Kansas City to Chicago and a 4 hour wait and then a 7 hour flight to London. Then we will HURRY through customs and WAIT 8 hours in the airport for our shuttle and teammates from various locations.

I am currently sitting in the Chicago airport and decided it would be a great idea to start a blog for this adventure. It will in fact be my first blogging experience, but I will do my best to meet the needs of my readers. I can surely promise you some sarcasm and useless information about my days. I will probably pose random questions and offer a bit of my insight into the day's successes and/or failures. There will be basketball chat, game chat, and of course the typical gossip that must be shared!

I hope you enjoy!