Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Hydration is Key!

I have grown accustomed to carrying around a water bottle with me at all times.  It is very important as an athlete to be sure that you are always hydrated and prepared for the next training session.  It is just as important to improve health to maintain hydration daily.  The Boys and Girls Club recently installed a new water cooler, which allows the kids to have highly purified water directly from a tap!  It is quite and upgrade to the typical water fountain.  The only catch is that the kids are required to provide their own water bottle to drink the water.  Many families are unable to provide a water bottle or do not understand the importance of hydration. 

ITA and L.L. Bean asked what could be done to benefit my program at the Boys and Girls Club and of course the first thing I thought of was providing the kids with water bottles!  I was so excited that just a week after asking for L.L Bean water bottles they all came in the mail.  It seems like such a small thing, but it was really special to me that with the help of L.L. Bean I was able to provide the kids with water bottles.  The kids were so excited to receive their new bottles and immediately put their names on it and went and filled them up.  Thank you to ITA and L.L. Bean for keeping the kids at the Boys and Girls Club healthy and hydrated!
 

Sunday, April 3, 2016




Irene and I after the tournament
Recently my teammate Irene Gardner presented me with my first USA Rugby Jersey! What an amazing honor and thrill represent the United States once again and even more incredible to hear Irene's presentation.   
 
Em, I know this is a long awaited opportunity. We talk about being resilient and determined and you are a true representation of such qualities. I have not met someone so dedicated to sport as you. You have trained at the highest level in 2 sports. You have transferred your knowledge and passion to rugby, and have been utterly determined to understand the game and adapt to the physical and mental demands of the sport. 

I am proud of you in all you have worked for, your patience, and your selfless efforts to make your teammates and this team stronger. 

I am honored to present you with your jersey for your debut for USA rugby. 


Be proud and believe. And know I do. Let your passion drive your play.