Monday - Rest, Recuperation, Preparation

Today we spent the day resting and preparing for the Gold Medal game against Canada tomorrow at 11:00 am. (4:00 am est)
The players slept in and we met for lunch at 11:30 am. At 1:00 pm we took a brisk 45 min walk through the Kibbutz and then spent the next 45 min doing stretching, some yoga and relaxation exercises. Jessica then took the girls to he pool for an hour.
We have begun what we're calling "team segregation". That means for the 36 hours leading up to the final match we are staying away from the other teams and athletes as much as possible and keeping together as a team. In some cases its as much a state of mind as a practical reality since we are living amongst the other athletes. The intention is to focus attention and energy on the task ahead rather than get caught up in the usual hustle/bustle of others.
Tonight we'll have dinner as a team and then our Madrich (which is an Israeli counselor assigned to accompany each team) is doing a program with the girls. (BTW our Madrich Molly, is from Boston and has been great)

We'll meet for breakfast tomorrow at 8:oo am, have our tactical meeting at 8:45 am then board the bus to head over to Wingate around 9:15 am.

The culmination of all we have learned about the the game, each other and ourselves will be tested tomorrow. Regardless the outcome I feel very confident that each my young women are prepared to represent themselves, their families and our country with honor and distinction.

I'm hoping that the next picture I post will have gold in it!