PAGE 12
November 07 to February 08
Girls Soccer Takes Center Stage
A while back, I promised Sergio that I would post a page highlighting his Team Yellow Soccer program. And even though it's been a few months ago, it is still a very big part of Sergio's life and hopefully the girls (and families) who were with him.
As said before, this year's team had a few struggles throughout the season yet they still was able to bring home a 4th place medal for the season. The days of the playoffs were thrilling and exciting at the same time. Donna Tice (Sergio's right hand gal and voice for the coach,) would be in contact with Sergio every day - going over strategies and plans for the upcoming games. Donna would email us "sisters" daily to tell us how excited she and Sergio were about the playoffs and how they both didn't want it to end.
Well the last game came and the girls got their medals. There were lots of praising words for the girls from both Serg and Donna along with lots of tears too.
That next week, Donna planned a team party-sleepover at her home. In the early part of the party, Sergio came for a little visit where lots of hugs and laughter filled the room. Once Sergio left, the girls got down to some real fun- making a scrapbook just for Sergio. (He Loves that kind of stuff!!!) The scrapbook was given to Sergio at the end of the season party a few weeks later. Yet, Sergio knew about the pizza party, there were still a few surprises waiting for him.
First, Sergio was a bit surprised to see a lot of his family members there (sisters, mom, nieces, nephews) just there to be a part of his celebration with him. (and to take lots of pictures too!)
Second,
Bill Melanson who is in charge of
girl players for the league, popped in for a quick
visit and told the girls and their families how much he admired Sergio
and Donna and all the work they put into the team and showing to others
- "It's not what you can't do but what you CAN do
that really counts!". He spoke wonderful words of encouragement to all
that were there.
Next came the speeches- because Sergio couldn't speak well, Donna was
his voice. She went over to Sergio's house a day or so before the party
and Sergio told her exactly what he wanted her to say. He want to let
each
player know just
how important each of them were to Sergio and the team. Special thanks
went out to Frankie for helping his dad as the Assistant coach. Mike
(Donna's
husband) read from a note, Sergio's thoughts and feelings about Donna
and all she has done for him, the
family and the team.
Then, Sergio was presented with the scrapbook the girls put together just for him. Of course, there were photos in it of each player but it was the heartfelt words they wrote that put the tears a flowing. These girls are nothing short of amazing young women. Here are just a few things that the girls wrote to their very special coach:
Julie- "You've become one of my heroes."
Alex- "You're so inspiring."
Rachel- "This is my favorite team I have ever been on because we have the best coaches!"
Jayde-"You are the best coach ever."
Arryana- Being on this team has changed my life and I can't thank God enough for blessing me and my life with a special person like you."
Natalie- "You're one special coach I will always treasure."
Jessica- I feel so honored to have been on you team this year."
Courtney- "Over the past wonderful years you have spent being my coach, you have become way more that that- you've become like a dad."
Susanna- "I will always pray for you every night and ask God to always protect you and take care of you."
Jenna- "You're the Best."
Megan- "Thanks for being a great coach."
Jessica C- "You taught us Never Give Up."
Alyssa- "I love you!!!!"
Donna- "These past 3 and a half months have been life changing for me."
Sergio looks at his scrapbook with lots of love and pride. He hopes that every player learned a few things during the season-
1. Learn to play a better game of soccer-
2. be a real team when winning and losing-
3. "NEVER GIVE UP!"-
4. It doesn't matter what you can and can't do- just do your best with what you've got-
5. and that he really loved coaching this team this year!
His hopes for each and every girl is that whatever they do in life, be smart and be happy. He once said that he hope that the girls don't grow up and be professional soccer players as much as he hope they all grow up to be doctors and find a cure for ALS.
Kelly and her man. "Coach with Coach"
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go to photo gallery and check out all the new pictures posted lately.
Check for more updates every two to three weeks.