Our preseason freshman year the Union College women's soccer team just returned from their trip to England, Ireland, and Scotland. We, 'the rookies,' were told two words by Coach Speck- “start planning.” One plan and three years later, we have returned from our own European adventure.

 

Guided by Flavio, our fabulous tour guide, twenty-one teammates, coaches and family members spent twelve days seeing and soaking up everything Italy has to offer. The Last Supper in Milan, the Colloseum and Vatican in Rome, the rolling hills of Tuscany, Michelangelo's David in Florence, and the beautiful, unique city of Venice were amongst our favorite attractions and places. Yet our favorite part of the trip had to be the food.

 

Our favorite meal was a lunch in Tuscany at a local barn and winery. The view of the mountains from the table was breath taking in itself, while the food put any thing we had ever tasted to shame. From homemade wine to pesto stuffed ravioli, we could not get enough. The best part of it all was enjoying this meal with every member of our trip. Believe it or not, after stomaching this and other four course meals; we were still able to train and play soccer. Our motivation to compete could have derived from either sitting in David Beckham and AC Milan's locker room or the thought of burning off yesterday's, today's or tomorrow's gelato fix.

 

It was refreshing to compete against teams that we had no prior knowledge or expectations of. We were pleasantly surprised to find ourselves playing against professionals. This international competition prepared us for this season. Although our opponents live in another country and speak a different language, it was clear that we share the same love for the game.

 

We are fortunate and thankful to have the support of Union, our families and friends who help make this trip a tradition in the Union Women's soccer community. The memories we have made are the foundation for what is to come this season.

 

Our advice... rookies... “start planning.”

 

Arrevidici Italia.

 

Love,

The Class of 2010