As the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team begin a new era on Jan. 20, kicking off its next cycle toward the 2011 Women's World Cup and the 2012 Olympics, so did the United States with the inauguration of Barack Obama. In December of 2007, new U.S. head coach Pia Sundhage came to the USA with a message of change for the WNT program while the Senator from Illinois was well into his campaign for President based on that same word. Sundhage's changes reaped gold on Aug. 21 in Beijing, China, and for Obama, it all came to fruition today (well, last Nov. 4 as well). Unfortunately, most of the U.S. players were traveling into Los Angeles this morning so they were only able to see bits and pieces of the historic day. Many caught enough to share some thoughts with the WNT Blog.
“When I woke up this morning and saw not just the festivities, but the amazing amount of people that were there, you wouldn’t be human if you couldn’t feel how powerful a moment it was and how far we have come. The speech was amazing and the whole day has been amazing. Just being a woman and having to fight for those rights for however long, I can’t imagine how he must have felt and I’m proud to be an American today.”
Lindsay Tarpley saw the speech and part of the parade
“Just seeing all the people piled into the mall and all over all the buildings, it was amazing to see how many people were excited about this day. After watching the speech, he called us to action and that was inspiring to me. He’s such a powerful and charismatic leader.”
Angela Hucles saw it as a culmination of an amazing two-year campaign that enlightened America
“What’s been exciting about this election is that it forced people to pay attention and not be apathetic like I feel we have been in the past. It’s exciting to see people in this country actually taking action and personal responsibility and paying attention to politics in a different and positive way.”
Shannon Boxx had to go out in the morning on errands, forgot to record Obama’s speech, and ran back in to set her DVR
“My emotions, first listening to it in the car, and then watching on TV, were that I just felt a part of it, like I was a part of something big. I am excited for change.”
Heather O’Reilly is 23 years old and was traveling from New York City today
“I missed most of inauguration day flying from New York, but this day will go down in history and it was cool to be part of the youth movement -- this young generation -- that was so important for this election and that really made a push for him. Our country is excited and hopeful and that’s a cool feeling. And if Sasha and Malia need a soccer trainer, I am available.”
Both of Tina Ellertson’s parents emigrated from Africa to attend college in the USA
“My parents loved it. My mom threw a party for every speech he had. Grown women screaming and shouting, and men too. They are just ecstatic. I don’t think I’ve ever seen my mom so happy.”
1 comment:
that's so cool, I never thought of that. change was good for this team, hopefully it'll be good for our country in the long run as well. :)
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