tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14114812942737401802024-03-13T19:14:17.851-07:00IN THE ARENA WITH EMILYEmily Azevedohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925270411885498853noreply@blogger.comBlogger164125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1411481294273740180.post-27231616215395749212016-08-29T01:22:00.000-07:002016-08-30T11:41:47.921-07:00Who am I?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I have been an athlete my entire life. It is literally all that I have known. From an early age I became accustomed to
being celebrated for my athletic achievements.
When I was a kid I competed in gymnastics and played youth soccer. Every kid on my team received an award merely
for participating, which was a concept my young, competitive brain couldn’t quite
reconcile. I have never really liked
attention and have always been the quiet introverted kid, but without even
knowing it being celebrated as an athlete became a staple in my life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I knew early on that I wanted to be a collegiate
athlete. I didn’t know what sport I wanted
to participate in, but I always knew that I wanted to continue to pursue my
passion for sports. I initially tried
out for soccer at UCDavis and was devastated when I did not make the team. After licking my wounds and after much
pressure from the coaches, I reluctantly made my way out to track practice. It didn’t take me long to realize that track
and field was where I belonged. I worked
hard and I could directly see my work pay off in times and results. I competed against myself every day, received
praise when I succeeded and picked myself up when I failed. I knew the emphasis was student first and
then athlete, but in my heart I was always an athlete first. I dressed and prepared for practice every
morning before school and consistently biked to class, fully outfitted in spandex
and covered in bags of recovery ice. Without
even knowing it I became addicted to identifying as an athlete. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">After finishing my four years of collegiate athletics I
struggled to figure out what was next. I
watched my boyfriend at the time sign an MLB contract and have the opportunity to
continue to play baseball. I was envious
of his opportunity and anxious to find my next athletic ‘fix.’ It came soon after, in the form of
bobsled. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I can’t say I immediately fell in love with bobsled. Our relationship has always been
complex. I loved competing and I loved
pushing my body in training, but there were many other complexities that took
some adjustment. As time went on, I
learned to love the integral details necessary to be successful in the sport. At some point our relationship and I was head
over heels in love and 100 percent in.
My identity evolved from athlete, to bobsledder. It was who I was for eight years. My daily successes were celebrated as I
easily settled into the lifestyle. In
the back of mind I knew I could not be a bobsledder forever, but I was willing
to sacrifice my entire self for one goal.
I convinced myself I had balance in my life and that I was prepared for
the inevitable end of my career.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">In 2014 when I did not make the Olympic team and chose to
leave the sport, I realized how unprepared I really was. I felt like a kid who had just graduated college,
riddled with extreme uncertainty and unsettled that the college experience was
over. It was almost as if I had excelled
in sport and regressed in every other aspect of my life. I had to relearn what seemed like basic
domestic skills. I was overwhelmed by
simple interactions and felt like an alien trying to assimilate to a life that
was very unfamiliar. I desperately tried
to just be normal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I vowed to be courageous and brave throughout my major life transition. I did not have any idea where my life would
take me and I was scared of all the future unknowns. It was incredibly overwhelming and admittedly
often still is. Thankfully my sister and
brother in law opened their doors to me with no questions asked. They were patient, kind and didn’t push me
any harder than I needed to be pushed.
They weren’t hard on me, but also helped to give me a little nudge when
I needed it. They knew that it is my
nature to hold myself to unreasonably high standards under every circumstance,
so offered what I needed most; unconditional love and support. If it was not for my family I would have
never been able to use the last two years to explore different
opportunities. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">My sister and brother in law gave me the gift of time. It is a gift that I don’t know if I will ever
be able to repay them for. I was able to
try different paths and see what fit for me.
I knew when I was done with bobsled I would never go back to the sport,
but I was not satisfied with the athletic footprint I left. My family supported me when I started playing
rugby, even if in the back of their heads they thought I was crazy. It was different this time around. I was a recovering bobsled addict and I was
well aware of the consequences if I did not continue to maintain the balance I had
fought to find. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">After ten years of elite athletics, I gave rugby what I had
left in my body and mind. I gave it what
I could as I simultaneously worked hard towards establishing future plans. I ended my elite athletic career on a high
note and can be at peace with the legacy I left. Rugby has given me lifelong friends and a
community I will always be a part of. I am
very proud to have contributed to the first Women’s Olympic Rugby Team and to have
competed for the National Team. I know
celebrating participation ended with youth soccer, but in this case participating
was one of my greatest athletic achievements.
Crossing over to rugby, learning the game and the skill was arguably one
of the most difficult athletic experiences of my life. It is an achievement I am very proud.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I am now in training for the next Olympic quad, but this
time in a different capacity, as a student.
When I am doing schoolwork I often think of the days struggling on the rugby
pitch when I thought I had nothing more to give. Those days remind me just how tough I am. I think in the midst of everything I lost sight
of that. I know my classes will push me
and I will often feel just as uncomfortable as I felt the first day I slid down
the ice or tied up my rugby cleats. I
know it may never get easier, but I will adjust and it will get more comfortable.
My identity will continue to evolve as I
take risks and discover who I am. I have
learned that there is not just one element to who I am, but instead my identity
encompasses many. I am an Olympian, a former
student-athlete, a retired bobsledder, a rugby player, a student, but most
importantly… <i>I am a fighter</i>. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Emily Azevedohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925270411885498853noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1411481294273740180.post-50316534022873503822016-08-07T22:42:00.001-07:002016-08-07T22:45:03.549-07:00Guest Blog By: Geneva Azevedo<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Very rarely do all four Azevedo girls end up in the same
place at the same time. In the past few weeks the four of us have been
fortunate enough to be in the same town multiple times. For anyone outside of our family, it can be a
bit overwhelming to be around all of us at once. We are loud, talk over each other and laugh
at inside jokes that our audience may not be privy to. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">It has been about 15 years since Emily and I have lived in
the same town, and now we are a mere bike ride away. It may not seem like much,
but it has been amazing to have been able to have dinner with my sisters multiple
times this week. However, having all my
older sisters nearby can also have its downfalls. At some point one of us is bound to look at
the other the wrong way or say something in the wrong tone and it can quickly
progresses downhill from there. But what I find so great about having siblings
is one minute you can be arguing over the smallest thing and the next you are
laughing at a shared moment from earlier that day. A bond like that is irreplaceable and one-of-a-kind…or
in our case, four of a kind. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Now that Emily and I are living in the same town, our
bickering will probably increase, but so will our dinner dates, our froyo runs,
our road trips together and our time just hanging out together. I wouldn’t trade
this bonus time with my sister for anything in the world, even if it involves a
few squabbles along the way.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Emily Azevedohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925270411885498853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1411481294273740180.post-3057151119208326282016-07-24T22:33:00.002-07:002016-07-24T22:33:16.466-07:00Warrior IG
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">I have always been very proud to have earned the title of
Olympian. It is an honor and something I
have taken very seriously. I believe an
Olympian must carry themselves a certain way and continue to live life embodying
the Olympic ideals even beyond sport. I
represented my country and I find it important to continue to make my
supporters proud of the person I have become.
I have tried to live my life with integrity, respecting the Olympic Rings
and the Olympic movement. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Many athletes have done everything right, trained hard,
lived a life of honesty and purity, but are not recognized. My teammate Irene Gardner is someone that embodies
an Olympian. She is a warrior. Although she was left off the Olympic roster,
Irene has done everything she can to help USA Rugby and our team be as prepared
for Rio as possible. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">She is selfless, pushes her teammates to be their best and
continues to be a sounding board. Irene
is one the most determined hard working people I know and is completely
deserving of being celebrated. Her work
ethic is impressive, but what separates her is the size of her heart. Irene may
be small in stature, but has a huge heart.
She is kind and giving and has an unprecedented ability to make the
people around her better. It takes a special person to push aside personal
disappointment for the benefit of the team.
To me, Irene represents the foundation of what the Olympic Games is
built upon. Because of this, in my eyes,
Irene is an Olympian. I will always look
up to her as an athlete, but more importantly for how she presents herself.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Emily Azevedohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925270411885498853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1411481294273740180.post-73867089102030530652016-07-11T07:36:00.001-07:002016-07-11T07:36:06.732-07:00
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Any life changes can prove to be
difficult. Change is defined as doing
something different and transition is the action of undergoing change. I am learning that the more I can prepare for
change in my life the smoother the transitions is. In 2014 upon retiring from bobsled I was
faced with an enormous amount of change.
I moved from my home in Colorado Springs. I needed to find a new way to support myself. Additionally, I encountered a huge shift in lifestyle
change after being provided for by an Olympic Training Center. Simple things like grocery shopping were
completely overwhelming. On top of
everything I was dealing with the disappointment of missing the 2014 Olympic
Team and faced with the challenges of trying to figure out what was next. I was completely unprepared. I was ready to move on from bobsled, but
struggled daily with the face that it was not on my terms. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">The enormous amount of change I was experiencing seemed to
compile and paralyze me from moving forward.
I tried to be brave every day to work towards an unknown goal. Although my family couldn’t completely
understand what I was going through they have been patient and loving with me
as I’ve worked to figure myself out. I was
not pushed to move forward quicker, but was allowed time to grieve the loss of
my life and gradually explore the overwhelming amount of future options. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">I have learned that along with preparing a plan, surrounding
yourself with people who support you, not judge you and will love you
unconditionally, helps the process. I
have been fortunate to have been able to use the past two years to explore
different career options and narrow down what direction I want to go. I think I have learned that I may never know
exactly what I want to do, but it is important to be brave and dive into
options. I can still continue to explore
and move in and out of jobs as I see fit.
</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Soon I will be going through more major changes. I am still nervous, but I feel significantly more
prepared this time. I have learned that
I thrive in the routine that athletics provided me, so it is important for me
to create a similar structure as I begin school in the fall. I will be surrounded by my family support and
I am more confident than I was a year ago.
Although change can be difficult, it can also be very fun and exciting
depending the perspective you chose to take.
I know I will continue to be overwhelmed but utilizing the tools that
made me a success in sports I am confident that I can achieve anything that I
want to.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Emily Azevedohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925270411885498853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1411481294273740180.post-66611116915000056162016-06-13T19:19:00.001-07:002016-06-13T19:34:00.670-07:00Future Rugger! #GrowtheGame<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Rugby in America is in its infancy, just like little Avery Marie. I have only been playing for two years and have seen incredible growth, especially in Women's Rugby. I am excited to see the growth of the game after the Olympic Games in Rio. I know the Nation will fall in love with everything about rugby, just as I did. I can not wait for the opportunity many young girls will be given in the future because of rugby. Some colleges have begun to make rugby a varsity sport and are offering young women scholarships. I am hopeful by the time Avery is on her way to college Rugby will be mainstream and supported by most colleges. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Emily Azevedohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925270411885498853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1411481294273740180.post-80559631388752055732016-05-29T15:26:00.002-07:002016-05-29T15:28:46.317-07:00Hugby!<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: large;">I have always</span> <span style="font-size: large;">valued my personal space and have never been
much of a hugger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every now and again I
would grit my teeth and suffer through an occasional hug when socially
necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A simple high five has been
my go to form of acknowledgment for many years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: large;">When I started playing rugby I quickly learned that a
personal connection with your team is a significant part of the culture and the
game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I observed that hugging is a big
part of this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the first 6 months that
I played rugby I weaseled my way out of many hugging interactions and was
‘forced’ into others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My teammates began
to catch on to my disinterest in hugs, but over time I have grown to appreciate
and understand the importance of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have since made a list, so that future ruggers can be prepared for all the
appropriate times to hug your teammate.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: large;">Appropriate times for Ruggers to Hug:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">When you are saying “Hello”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">When you are saying “Goodbye”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">If a teammate is sad<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">If a teammate is happy<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">When you do something well<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">When you do something not so well<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">If a teammate is injured or sick<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">If your teammate is healthy<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">When you haven’t seen each other in awhile<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">If you saw each other yesterday<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">If you just think a hug is needed<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">When you don’t think a hug is needed<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">After surviving a terrible workout together<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">To celebrate victory<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">To mourn defeat <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Any other situation not listed above<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: large;">I have learned that a hug is appropriate in any situation and
is a small piece of showing your teammates you love and support them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sure when I am done with rugby the
connection with my team will be something that I miss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am thankful they have ‘taught’ me the
importance of a simple hug and how it can positively effect a person’s
day.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span>Emily Azevedohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925270411885498853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1411481294273740180.post-74613926359366069022016-05-15T14:18:00.000-07:002016-05-15T14:18:43.268-07:00<h1 class="_1dGpru3ueTwOXnTnvvkdrR" data-reactid=".22tc7j2ctts.1.0.1.1.1.0.0.$0.0.0.0.0.$=10.0.0.2.1" itemprop="name">
<span style="font-size: small;">I came across this blog post recently and can very much relate. I have learned to appreciate the silence and am grateful that rugby has given me the opportunity to cherish the last moments I have as an athlete! </span></h1>
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Without The Game <span style="font-size: small;">by: Lexi Panepinto</span></h1>
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For every senior collegiate athlete whose season is about to end or has already ended, this one's for you.</h2>
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Silence is usually described as a feeling of stillness; a state of peace, a split-second of quiet, a season of serenity. It’s harmonious and soothing and usually portrayed by unruffled waters or someone sitting in tranquility. <i>This</i> is what silence looks and feels like to a lot of us most of the time. We long for a moment of silence in this loud and crazy world. We crave it and when it finally comes, we close our eyes and hang on tight to it, for it is ever-fleeting. <br />
<br />
But, what if this isn’t what silence always looks like? What if there was a silence that hung around for a little while? A silence that is deafening, unwanted, and conflicted. A silence that looks more like someone struggling to stay afloat in rough waters rather than someone sitting peacefully near unruffled ones. What if silence looked like this instead? What if silence felt like this instead? What if I told you that this type of silence actually exists? Would you believe me? <br />
Almost all elite-level athletes—college, semi-pro, or pro—experience <i>this</i> kind of silence. There comes a time, whether due to injury, retirement, or ineligibility, where the silence sets in. No more cheers of the crowd chanting. No more recognition for record-breaking performances.<br />
<br />
No more noise, clamor, or commotion. Just silence -- echoes of what used to be. <br />
<br />
Some might say that this is too drastic and dramatic; that sports are just a silly game us athletes play and that we need to get over it. But what those people might not understand is that losing the game is like losing a part of ourselves. We’ve spent most of our lives dedicated to our sport—years preparing, conditioning, competing. We’ve not only invested ourselves physically, but mentally and emotionally as well -- becoming consumed with the wins and losses, the highs and lows. It defines us in a way. Gives us purpose. Gives us an identity. It becomes our world and we become wrapped up in it. So that is why, when it’s all said and done, when the final buzzer buzzes and the last whistle blows, it’s a big loss -- probably the biggest loss in all of our athletic careers. At this moment, we’re left to undergo some serious life re-evaluation; left asking <i>who are we? What do we do now?</i> <br />
<br />
As the collegiate fall season nears an end, the first wave of senior student-athletes begins to face these questions. <a href="http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/research/estimated-probability-competing-professional-athletics" target="_blank">Less than 2 percent</a> of collegiate athletes will go on to play pro, leaving 98 percent subject to the silence soon. Sure, there are adult leagues and beer leagues we can go on to join, but it won’t be anything like the game we played in high school or college. We’re competitors; we love the thrill of a rivalry, the pressure of a playoff game, the grind of going to practice every day, the feeling of being victorious, the locker room celebrations, the long bus rides. We live for that. And while recreational sports may still have all of that, it won’t ever have quite the same feel as it once did.<br />
<br />
This transition is something that we rarely talk about. But, I say, if every athlete is bound to go through it at some point, why not bring it to the forefront and acknowledge it? Through sports, we have been lucky enough to create more friendships and memories than most people dream of. We have grown as people and learned more lessons from athletics than school could ever teach us. So, when that moment comes, when the clock strikes 0:00, and it’s all said and done, while inevitable sadness will strike, I’d like to offer a little bit of advice.<br />
<br />
Take it all in. Take a look into the stands to see your family and friends who have been there to support you every step of the way – remember to be thankful. Take a look at your teammates to the left and to the right of you, and think about how these people, who have become your family, have shaped your life – remember to never let these relationships go. Take a look at playing stage, whatever it may be, one last time and replay all of the great victories and celebrations – remember to cherish those feelings of triumph. Take time to reflect on all the years you’ve played – remember to never take those years and opportunities for granted. <br />
<br />
Finally, no matter how deafening it may be, take the time to listen to the silence, because while our sport has certainly molded us and inarguably impacted our lives, <i>it is in no way definitive of who we are</i>. Remember that, and more importantly, believe that. Believe that you are just as important and just as valuable to the world as you were when you played your sport. Because if there's one thing I know for sure it's that being a good <strong>person</strong> is what truly matters in this life. Who you are without the game is what matters and how good of a person you are doesn't change just because your playing days are over.<br />
<br />
The silence will only begin to fade, once you believe that. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/without-the-game">https://www.theodysseyonline.com/without-the-game</a><br />
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Emily Azevedohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925270411885498853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1411481294273740180.post-15043571943021406232016-05-01T12:18:00.002-07:002016-05-01T12:18:52.645-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It was quite and honor to compete for Team USA once again! I truly enjoyed having my name on the back of my jersey and my country on the front. It is an accomplishment that I am very proud of and something I never thought I would do again. I competed 8 years for USA bobsled and realized that I never had my name on my uniform, so this experience was very special.</span> </div>
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<br />Emily Azevedohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925270411885498853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1411481294273740180.post-88862208876129151742016-04-19T21:15:00.001-07:002016-04-19T21:15:33.476-07:00Hydration is Key!
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I<span style="font-size: large;"> have grown accustomed to carrying around a water bottle
with me at all times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is very
important as an athlete to be sure that you are always hydrated and prepared
for the next training session.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
just as important to improve health to maintain hydration daily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Boys and Girls Club recently installed a
new water cooler, which allows the kids to have highly purified water directly
from a tap!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is quite and upgrade to
the typical water fountain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only
catch is that the kids are required to provide their own water bottle to drink
the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many families are unable to
provide a water bottle or do not understand the importance of hydration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">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!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was so excited that just a week after asking for L.L Bean water
bottles they all came in the mail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kids were so excited to receive their new
bottles and immediately put their names on it and went and filled them up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you to ITA and L.L. Bean for keeping
the kids at the Boys and Girls Club healthy and hydrated!</span> </span></div>
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Emily Azevedohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925270411885498853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1411481294273740180.post-13611673006344166742016-04-03T18:10:00.000-07:002016-04-07T03:06:11.462-07:00<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pRU5f3qLNjA/VwGlJ2f-8rI/AAAAAAAAAuU/msY3_VskDmggH1YZxbzan_G6-YSDyuDDw/s1600/Canadafalcons2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pRU5f3qLNjA/VwGlJ2f-8rI/AAAAAAAAAuU/msY3_VskDmggH1YZxbzan_G6-YSDyuDDw/s320/Canadafalcons2.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irene and I after the tournament</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="yiv7478290888p2" id="yui_3_16_0_ym18_1_1459391116514_16413">
<span class="yiv7478290888s1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym18_1_1459391116514_16412"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">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. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv7478290888p2">
<span class="yiv7478290888s1"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="yiv7478290888p2">
<span class="yiv7478290888s1"><span style="font-size: large;">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.<span class="yiv7478290888Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv7478290888p1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym18_1_1459391116514_16419">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nLAk7-Z-SlI/VwGmIbcv60I/AAAAAAAAAuk/gV-REcztJsgguqd9djuyK-3VwJsh6fknw/s1600/CanadaFalcons3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nLAk7-Z-SlI/VwGmIbcv60I/AAAAAAAAAuk/gV-REcztJsgguqd9djuyK-3VwJsh6fknw/s320/CanadaFalcons3.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="yiv7478290888s1"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><span class="yiv7478290888s1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym18_1_1459391116514_16431"><span style="font-size: large;">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.<span class="yiv7478290888Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv7478290888p1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym18_1_1459391116514_16407">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="yiv7478290888s1"></span><br /></span><span class="yiv7478290888s1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym18_1_1459391116514_16422"><span style="font-size: large;">I am honored to present you with your jersey for your debut for USA rugby.<span class="yiv7478290888Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="yiv7478290888s1"></span></span><br />
<div class="yiv7478290888p1">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4iQJ162uOYo/VwGmGMOZ2tI/AAAAAAAAAug/rfqFaawfoyQbirxZbOKbkjJqPDmQP2QeA/s1600/CanadaFalcons.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4iQJ162uOYo/VwGmGMOZ2tI/AAAAAAAAAug/rfqFaawfoyQbirxZbOKbkjJqPDmQP2QeA/s320/CanadaFalcons.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><span class="yiv7478290888s1" id="yui_3_16_0_ym18_1_1459391116514_16428"><span style="font-size: large;">Be proud and believe. And know I do. Let your passion drive your play.</span><span class="yiv7478290888Apple-converted-space" id="yui_3_16_0_ym18_1_1459391116514_16430"> </span></span></div>
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Emily Azevedohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925270411885498853noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1411481294273740180.post-39829026802704571622016-03-06T21:28:00.001-08:002016-03-06T21:28:45.210-08:00<span style="font-size: x-large;">Welcome my new niece Avery Marie Chisam! I was so lucky to have already been in the area when she was born, so able to meet her.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span>Emily Azevedohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925270411885498853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1411481294273740180.post-68445868783838500172016-02-21T23:27:00.001-08:002016-02-22T21:26:00.097-08:002010 Olympian Bree Schaaf Announces Retirement<span style="font-family: "calibri";">By: Emily Azevedo</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: large;">Bree Schaaf can always be spotted by her infectious laugh
and her witty sense of humor. Her teammates know her for her unconventional
dorm room cooking and her passion and love for sliding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she was not sliding, she had an unorthodox
way of exploring her musical and culinary side, traveling with her key board and
harmonica.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After spending over a decade
sliding down the ice, Schaaf is moving forward and taking on more of life’s
challenges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: large;">Schaaf began her career after attending her first skeleton
camp in December 2002, leaving her family on Christmas day to pursue a new
dream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her older brother, Tim, was
involved in skeleton and convinced Schaaf a standout volley player at Portland
State University to give it a try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
spent the next five seasons competing National and International on the
skeleton circuit and had her break out season on the World Cup tour in
2006-2007.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Schaaf a self-proclaimed “head dragger” was tired of
scarping her head along the ice and was determined to convince the bobsled
coaching staff she had the skill and physique to transition into Bobsled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2007, Schaaf attended her first bobsled
driving school and immediately fell in love with the sport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: large;">“Sliding was all about extremes for me, exploring personal
boundaries in all directions. Hysterical laughter, hysterical crying; strength
and speed numbers I never thought possible, resilience I never knew existed”
Schaaf Said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Schaaf is extrememly
grateful for “the opportunity to travel the world, learn languages, and play
amongst my favorite international band of crazies.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Winning the 2009 Bobsled National Championships proved to be
a major turning point for Schaaf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
gave Schaaf the opportunity to compete and gain valuable experience on the
Olympic Track in Whistler where she and teammate Emily Azevedo surprised the
world with a 6<sup>th</sup> place finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: large;">Earning her Olympic berth was still going to prove to be a
challenge for Schaaf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throughout the
2009-2010 season Schaaf not only had to learn to drive European tracks, she was
also required to beat out other nations to earn a spot as the Americans third
sled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a challenge that Schaaf
and Azevedo were up for. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Bree and I
believed in eachother and that is how we earned our spot in Vancouver” Azevedo
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We had many challenges along the
way, but we always had a deep rooted belief that we could accomplish our goal”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: large;">In January of 2010 Schaaf and Azevedo were named to the
Vancouver Olympic team where the pair placed an impressive 5<sup>th</sup>
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After Vancouver Schaaf was determined
to change the sport of bobsled becoming the first female to pilot a four women’s
sled down the Lake Placid bobsled track.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She became a pioneer for the sport and paved the way for future female
bobsledders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Now days Schaaf can often be heard calling Luge races or
coaching Paralympic skeleton athletes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her
goals have shifted from winning medals to merely appreciating the little things
in life.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">“For the future I hope to let go of the need to push things
too far, and relax into the beauty that is everyday life,” Schaaf said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I want to have goals, but have satisfaction
separate from them. I hope to explore my curiosities and do what I want to do,
irrelevant to what I should do or what will bring prestige and attention.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">There is one thing that can be said, Schaaf had a huge impact on
the sport of bobsled and on the many friends she has made all over the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span>Emily Azevedohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925270411885498853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1411481294273740180.post-62790834937769105812016-02-07T20:35:00.001-08:002016-02-07T20:35:43.260-08:00Rio Rugby Dream<span style="font-size: large;">Written by: The Rugby Republic</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Olympian Seeking The Olympics. Sounds like a classified. </span><br />
<br /><span style="font-size: large;">All of the ladies vying for a spot on the Team USA Rugby 7s team are aiming for their first Olympics, well nearly all. There is one who already has the title of Olympian and that rugger is Emily Azevedo! Azevedo has a great story on the path she’s taken to bring her to this point!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The former high school track star from Chico, California used those skills to land her at UC Davis, where she was a member of the Aggies track team there running the 100m hurdles. Watching the winter Olympics, Azevedo became intrigued by the bobsled events and the next thing you know (it wasn’t that easy it was years of hard work and training), she made the USA team and competed in the two women bobsled event competition in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. She finished an impressive 5th at the games. Azevedo has medaled a few times in the world championships for Bobsledding. So how is she now in line for 2016 Summer Games in Rio and for Rugby???</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Told you this is a good journey. Azevedo only took up rugby a year and a half ago! She has played with the Berkley All Blues and this past summer she played 7s with a successful San Diego Surfers side.<br /><br />How she came to the game of rugby is not unlike many of us, by chance. Azevedo told us “<em>I was on vacation with some friends in Hungary. A girl approached me at the gym and asked me to come play touch rugby with her and her team. I immediately fell in love with the people I met out there and knew when I moved back to the Bay Area I wanted to find a team to play for</em>”.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When Azevedo retired from bobsledding in 2014 she sought out rugby as just a way to meet some new friends and to just have fun. She ended up with the All Blues and played with them that summer (2014) and trained with them in the fall before she moved to the OTC in the spring. Once she was in San Diego and training at the OTC she knew she needed to get game experience and so this past summer (2015) she played 7s for the San Diego Surfers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We asked Azevedo if her experience as an Olympian would be used by the team. Azevedo pointed out that there hasn’t been women’s rugby 7s in the Olympics before so there are a lot of unknowns for the team and for USA Rugby. <em>“Because of the Olympic experience I have had I am able to share with the girls what to expect and to help them all in preparing for Rio”</em> noted Azevedo.<br /><br />Azevedo comes to the team preparing at the OTC having had professional support in terms of coaching, training facilities, etc as a bobsledder. She is also in the Resident program at the OTC in Chula Vista for rugby and so we asked how much of a boost is that in preparing the team as she has some great perspective from her pervious stints with Team USA. Azevedo said <em>“Throughout my bobsled career I lived at a training center… for about 8 years. The resources that the OTC is able to provide do help athletes compete at the top level”.</em> She also pointed out <em>“Although there is still a huge financial sacrifice for the athletes the training center helps to curb the cost of food, sports medicine and training facilities. It allows us to be able to train for rugby fulltime with is valuable for many of the athletes we have that have not grown up playing rugby”.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Azevedo points out that without the resources of USA Rugby and the resident program at the OTC most would have a hard time training full time. <em>“Many athletes are able to be successful without the training center resources, but may have to be more creative with how they are able to train and fund their daily lives”</em> shared Azevedo. She also highlighted that the OTC allows the USA Rugby 7s athletes the opportunity to train fulltime as a team, which should yield a competitive advantage.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Rugby we know provides life longs bonds. Now part of team (at least successful teams) preparation is a form of bonding, but on the same hand and in the case of these athletes like Azevedo they are training together and competing with each other for a limited number of spots. We want to know how that is handled? Azevedo said, <em>“I think I come from a different perspective because I have gone to the Olympics and had thought that I was done as an athlete.” </em>Azevedo goes on to say, “<em>I would love to make another Olympic team, but the most important part of this journey for me is the friendships and the bonds. I think that we are able to continue to maintain a team atmosphere and we ALL realize that if we are selected or not we are all a valuable part of the process and the team”!</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Azevedo is always working to give back to the kids and she has used her work with the Boys and Girls Club to do that work. While she participates in a variety of activities with the kids at the Boys and Girls Club she also tries to expose them to the game of rugby. Azevedo said “<em>I bring a rugby ball with me and try to get the kids up and running around and just having some fun. The most important thing to me about rugby is to have fun, so I try and show the kids how fun rugby can be and maybe someday they will want to try and play”</em>. Now that’s a solid strategy that Azevedo is employing so those of you who work with kids or volunteer, try this! We all can help grow the game.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We have seen the growth of the game in resent years and especially with youth and girls and we asked Azevedo her take on the growth of rugby. “<em>It is exciting to see rugby grow especially for girls in America” </em>shares Azevedo <em>“and I think the Olympics will be a huge platform to expose young women to the sport”.</em> Azevedo continued saying “<em>The thing I love about rugby is it is a very inclusive sport and literally everyone can find a place to fit into. I think many young women will find this attractive about rugby</em>”.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As we learned more about Azevedo we realized that she’s spent most her adult life after college training and living at training center which is great for training but as noted not lucrative. We asked Azevedo about that and she explained <em id="yui_3_17_2_2_1454631341319_20205">“I have been an elite athlete for close to ten years now. I began bobsled right out of college in 2006</em>. I graduated from UD Davis with a degree in Exercise Biology. I originally had hoped to be a strength coach, but after being in a weight room for so many years I have recently started applying to law schools and hope to pursue law next fall.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We want to thank the San Diego Surfers and the Berkeley All Blues for connecting to Emily Azevedo, and to Emily for her time. Azevedo’s story is unique but doesn’t vary from that of most successful ruggers which is finding the game by chance, falling in love with it and then dedicating all your effort to getting better at it. You can follow Emily on Twitter @EmilyAzevedo.</span> </div>
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Emily Azevedohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925270411885498853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1411481294273740180.post-42424042990247059582016-01-25T17:29:00.005-08:002016-01-25T17:29:53.284-08:00
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">This week at the Boys and Girls Club we learned about the
different food groups on the food pyramid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was eye opening to hear what the kids thought was healthy food and
what they did not think was healthy. It made me laugh when one of the boys was
very confident when he was explaining to me that cereal had its very own food
group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was very clear to me how important
early nutritional education is for children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Obesity is a huge issue throughout the nation and education for parents
and their children plays a huge role in the fight against childhood obesity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was excited to teach the kids how to make
choices when they are deciding on what to eat and how their plates should look
with their meals on them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each of the
kids was given a paper and they had to decide what foods were in the proper
food group and how many servings of each they needed per day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was happy to see that by the end of the
course most of the children understood the importance of eating healthy and how
to make it happen.</span></span></div>
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Emily Azevedohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925270411885498853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1411481294273740180.post-91105798062687655392016-01-10T21:34:00.001-08:002016-01-10T21:34:35.293-08:002015 in Review<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong>Played Vegas 7's Rugby with Atlantis</strong></div>
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<strong>Coached the Lady Cavaliers Rugby Club</strong></div>
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<strong>Worked at Cocina Mexico and ate many burritos!</strong></div>
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<strong>Moved to Chula Vista to pursue Rugby full time</strong></div>
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<strong>Worked at the Boys and Girls Club</strong></div>
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<strong>Went to Alaska with USA Rugby</strong></div>
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<strong>Nebraska Football Game</strong></div>
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<strong>Played Rugby in Tobago!</strong></div>
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<strong>Broke my Finger....</strong></div>
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<strong>Fixed my finger</strong></div>
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<strong>Broke my Clavicle..</strong></div>
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<strong>Fixed my Clavicle!</strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hopefully 2016 will be a fun, happy and HEALTHY year. I am looking forward to new adventures and excited to see what this year brings. I am grateful for the opportunities 2015 has given me and thankful for the many friends I have made along the way. Watch out 2016!</span></div>
Emily Azevedohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925270411885498853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1411481294273740180.post-164616283813476092015-12-13T21:46:00.000-08:002015-12-13T21:46:24.400-08:00Snow, Rain and Shine<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cw2NsMx3Djc/Vm5T9HcsXJI/AAAAAAAAAoA/dkB64ZcpNe8/s1600/llbean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cw2NsMx3Djc/Vm5T9HcsXJI/AAAAAAAAAoA/dkB64ZcpNe8/s320/llbean.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sporting my L.L.Bean Downtek Jacket</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">For the past 8 months I have been living in sunny San
Diego.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the holiday season approaches
it has been a unique climate change from what I have been used to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
spent the majority of the past few years in the snow leading up to Christmas
and became accustomed to the cold weather being an indication of the holidays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realized recently that I have not seen the
snow since immersing myself in a summer sport and retiring from bobsled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>L.L. Bean creates a variety of reliable
products that have kept me warm in the snow and sleet and now is keeping me dry
in the California rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While bobsledding
it was rare for a race to be cancelled due to weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In most cases I spend the hours leading up to
the competition outside attempting to warm up for the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was wrapped from head to toes in multiple
layers and clipped yak tracks over my tennis shoes so that I wouldn’t slip on
the ice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the most difficult pre competition
warm up sessions, I remember spending most the time sprinting with my eyes shut
as to try and avoid the snow pelting in my eyes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Today my training and training gear is much different than during
my bobsled days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now living in San Diego
I obviously do not run into the same snow problems that I had during bobsled,
but instead deal with the occasional rain fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Recently we had a rainy day and I was able to rely on my In The Arena
L.L. Bean downtek water repellent jacket to not only keep me warm but protect
me from the rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thought of running
around in the rain did not exactly appeal to me, which made me laugh as I
thought about snowy weather I use to be accustomed to training in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we suited up in our rain gear to hit the muddy
field it brought me back to being a kid playing soccer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of the most fun I had playing soccer was
when it had just rained and I would find myself slide tackling my opponents
trying to get the ball back. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes I
think that those were the first signs that I had a future playing rugby. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would come home soaking wet and muddy from
head to toe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like I was showing
off how successful I was based off how dirty I could got.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved the aggressive part of soccer and
being able to tactfully take me opponent to ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next time I find myself playing rugby in
the rain I am going to channel the child hood version of myself and enjoy the opportunity
to just play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I of course, will then beam
with pride as I march off the field covered in mud.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7jwTWSPrEDM/Vm5XbaD8RAI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/TW2OjYLEwJU/s1600/muddydays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7jwTWSPrEDM/Vm5XbaD8RAI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/TW2OjYLEwJU/s320/muddydays.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Teammates and I after a muddy training day</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
Emily Azevedohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925270411885498853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1411481294273740180.post-59631878261733848382015-11-29T14:50:00.001-08:002015-11-29T14:50:45.282-08:00Go Kings!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HIoPiYqIx64/VluAxnkDsJI/AAAAAAAAAnM/sX-DFjnvHo8/s1600/IMG_1957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HIoPiYqIx64/VluAxnkDsJI/AAAAAAAAAnM/sX-DFjnvHo8/s320/IMG_1957.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday Dad!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BSDxWHqVyhc/VluA1dO97LI/AAAAAAAAAnc/4F7J3g3Te-s/s1600/IMG_1965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BSDxWHqVyhc/VluA1dO97LI/AAAAAAAAAnc/4F7J3g3Te-s/s320/IMG_1965.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oDtb-oEqvhA/VluA1WQANeI/AAAAAAAAAnY/Iz9th2u0od4/s1600/IMG_1968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oDtb-oEqvhA/VluA1WQANeI/AAAAAAAAAnY/Iz9th2u0od4/s320/IMG_1968.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selfie time with the Family</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xml3NUZ-W0M/VluA1Nv5kCI/AAAAAAAAAnU/orpTu3vgUH8/s1600/IMG_1971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xml3NUZ-W0M/VluA1Nv5kCI/AAAAAAAAAnU/orpTu3vgUH8/s320/IMG_1971.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sisters (plus one)</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zqRlrvrU6C8/VluA1kHZcCI/AAAAAAAAAng/EudAIlH-QXY/s1600/IMG_1974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zqRlrvrU6C8/VluA1kHZcCI/AAAAAAAAAng/EudAIlH-QXY/s320/IMG_1974.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Emily Azevedohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925270411885498853noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1411481294273740180.post-46385620902785780022015-11-16T20:56:00.002-08:002015-11-16T20:56:21.503-08:00Grateful for Friendship
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">I spent this evening with a few of my teammate watching the
Women’s Premier Rugby League National Championship game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were cheering for the Berkeley All Blues,
our former club team as they looked to take the National title.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of the ruggers I had played with and
became close friends with when I played were Berkeley were on the field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although they lost it was so much fun to
watch my friends and former teammates fight together for a National
Championships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">As we get close to Thanksgiving I couldn’t help but look
around today and think how thankful I am for the friends I have made playing
rugby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I moved to the bay area I
literally didn’t know anyone, but my sister and brother in law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to start from the ground up to rebuild
my life and create a new support system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was overwhelmed by all the change in my life and struggling to
cope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rugby has a very unique culture
and is incredibly inclusive, which is what I truly love about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I started playing rugby I had no idea
that I would instantly gain a team full of friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The support that comes with being a rugby
player does not just stop nationally, but is also internationally. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that wherever I go I will be able to
find rugby players in that area and already have a common bond and an instant
group of friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This Thanksgiving I am
thankful for the friends I have gained and the bonds that continual get
stronger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have proven to myself that
no matter what road I take or what happens in my life I can always dig myself
out and make the best of any situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Emily Azevedohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925270411885498853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1411481294273740180.post-75649405453597789602015-11-01T14:07:00.000-08:002015-11-01T14:07:45.474-08:00Boys and Girls Club Halloween Party!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S3J0UFNDcbM/VjaL8vl6tXI/AAAAAAAAAmY/CBbEZ9iClNw/s1600/halloween1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S3J0UFNDcbM/VjaL8vl6tXI/AAAAAAAAAmY/CBbEZ9iClNw/s320/halloween1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Emily Azevedohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925270411885498853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1411481294273740180.post-59863892852150607282015-10-18T20:15:00.001-07:002015-10-18T20:15:29.896-07:00
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">When I first started playing rugby there were a couple
things that I wanted to accomplish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>First, I wanted to make friends and get to know people in the bay
area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Second I wanted to have an
enjoyable experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the back of my
mind I had hoped that I would be able to catch on to the sport quick enough to
be given an opportunity to compete at a higher level, but that was not at the
top of my goals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that I am training
full time for rugby at the Olympic Training Center it is easy to lose sight as
to what I set out to accomplish and succumb to the pressures of being in a
highly competitive environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">When I am looked back as a rugby player, whether I am
released tomorrow or I make a team I want to be remembered as someone who was
always kind, helpful and someone who was always able to keep perspective on the
important things in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reality is
I have already accomplished what I have set out to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have made some amazing lifelong friends and
I have been living an experience that I did not think I would ever have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As long as I am able to remember those things
I can get out on the field and just enjoy playing because I have nothing to
lose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As exciting as it would be to make
another Olympic Team I am honored to be considered and even more honored that I
was given a second chance to enjoy the experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every day I work to keep myself accountable
and wake up enjoying the opportunity I have been given to train and compete for
Team USA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Emily Azevedohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925270411885498853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1411481294273740180.post-13018078403952152112015-10-04T18:56:00.003-07:002015-10-04T18:56:31.926-07:00Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Throughout the past couple years of my life I have experienced
a significant amount of change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
still strange when September rolls around and I am not packing my bags for a 6 month
bobsled tour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every winter I was fully immersed
into a cold climate and grew accustom to digging vehicles out of the snow each
morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The things I miss the most
about bobsled tours are a lot of the things that at the time I thought were tedious
and frustrating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was faced with many uncomfortable
moments and was forced to adapt on a daily basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learned how to put snow chains on the tires
of our oversized truck and grew accustomed to maneuvering and driving it
through difficult terrain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was forced
to adjust my competition warmups based on the weather and available warm up
surface.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I became very familiar with being
uncomfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I retired from bobsled and moved on, I was surprised to
find that what was considered to be ‘normal’ life was significantly more
uncomfortable than I had ever thought it to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I once again had to adapt and learn how to provide myself with things that
previously were given to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to
earn money in a more conventional way and I had to cook and clean for myself
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many things that people considered
simple were very difficult to adapt to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had spent close to a decade of my life living in a sports bubble and became
very comfortable living that alternative lifestyle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, every day I tie up my cleats and push my limits on the
rugby pitch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have many days were I
still feel incredibly out of place and uncomfortable, but just like everything
else in my life slowly I am beginning to feel better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I am learning that putting yourself
outside of your comfort zone is truly the only way to grow and challenge
yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will be a better and more adaptable
person because of the situations I have had to adjust in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
Emily Azevedohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925270411885498853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1411481294273740180.post-90966212616768806582015-09-20T17:58:00.001-07:002015-09-20T17:58:13.077-07:00Thank You Alaska Rugby!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vGKCDRevkkk/Vf9UkmARGuI/AAAAAAAAAlI/GRdm0fPAxXg/s1600/IMG_3426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vGKCDRevkkk/Vf9UkmARGuI/AAAAAAAAAlI/GRdm0fPAxXg/s320/IMG_3426.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4DRpWoyX38/Vf9UoPoxXQI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/vSXLNd1SNPE/s1600/IMG_3534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4DRpWoyX38/Vf9UoPoxXQI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/vSXLNd1SNPE/s320/IMG_3534.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Emily Azevedohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925270411885498853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1411481294273740180.post-29027167944825856932015-09-05T22:12:00.003-07:002015-09-05T22:12:53.892-07:00
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our coach assigned us to read <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Talent Code</i> written by David Coyle would be enlightening and help
us to understand and improve our learning curve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like myself many athletes on the Women’s
National Rugby Team are very new to the sport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is imperative that as a team we accelerate our learning curve, so
that we can be consistently competitive with the top teams in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Talent Code could prove to be a valuable asset to assist us in understanding
how we learn so that we can improve our deep practice. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Recently we reviewed chapter five, which talked about motivation
and how motivation is ignited in different people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To me, the most interesting part of the
chapter was when Coyle discussed the backgrounds and the birth order of world
class sprinters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The majority of the
high level sprinters were close to the last born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coyle hypothesized that this fact was largely
due to the face that the younger children were always behind their older siblings
and needed to learn to be faster so that they were more able to catch up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">I certainly relate to Coyle’s conclusion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My older sister, Amber, is 13 months older
than I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember as a child always
trying to compete at the level she did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A few times I was able to play up and age group and play with the older
kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was always a little behind the
older kids, but was forced to learn at an accelerated rate so that I was able
to be competitive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I definitely had my
moments that I struggled athletically to keep, but I believe it helped to push
me and required a lot of hard work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
would always race my sister and never seemed to be able to win, but it was a
key point in motivated me to train and improve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In retrospect I believe having a sibling slightly older than me enhanced
my ability to learn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Emily Azevedohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925270411885498853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1411481294273740180.post-40256003574518881992015-08-23T14:58:00.000-07:002015-08-23T14:58:00.812-07:00Team USA Rugby Swimming Conditioning sessions in full swing!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x9M-GFj7klA/VdpA_jiOK9I/AAAAAAAAAkk/vBQds_PnUDQ/s1600/team%2Bswimming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x9M-GFj7klA/VdpA_jiOK9I/AAAAAAAAAkk/vBQds_PnUDQ/s400/team%2Bswimming.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go Eagles!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Emily Azevedohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925270411885498853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1411481294273740180.post-69480024509759762632015-08-09T22:04:00.001-07:002015-08-09T22:04:04.705-07:00Ruck Cancer Ariel!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EgPRDf1dZbM/VcgwAc-EbOI/AAAAAAAAAkA/QF0hfXnx86Y/s1600/aerial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EgPRDf1dZbM/VcgwAc-EbOI/AAAAAAAAAkA/QF0hfXnx86Y/s320/aerial.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Join the USA Women's Sevens National Team and help Ariel Johnson fight Cancer!</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youcaring.com/ariel-johnson-403266">http://www.youcaring.com/ariel-johnson-403266</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zb5lYU0e538">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zb5lYU0e538</a><br />
#WithyouAriel<br />
<br />Emily Azevedohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925270411885498853noreply@blogger.com0