Oct. 29, 2006

So you've been hearing a lot about this "boot camp" thing that we have been doing. Well I have the privilege of writing to let you all know that we have survived!! It feels so good to have completed such a vigorous training program... and with hardly any problems.

This weekend we participated in the Making Strides against Breast Cancer Walk in D.C. Despite the early wake up, it was a great experience. We got to walk all around Washington D.C. sporting our pink Terps shirts, see some sites and contribute to the fight against breast cancer.

Who could ask for more any more than the opportunities which are coaches have handed us, a chance to not only compete, but a chance to thrive. They have put their all into our team and it really helps to know how much you can trust them to do what they think is best for all of us.

Everyone is so motivated and excited to have the opportunity to show our talent, that they are willing to give everything they have everyday. Second, (and most importantly I might add) there is such a strong sense of team unity. We are so close and can rely on each other for anything. To walk into the gym and feel the atmosphere is amazing. Duke turned to me today and made a comment about how fun the team is and it really is true. This year we are the complete package, we have so much heart and determination (not to mention talent) that we are bound to do great things. The way we work together reminds me of a puzzle, each of us are slightly different but we join together to contribute our individual piece to the bigger picture.

Our seniors are such an inspiration, each in their own way. Marisa is on her way back from an injury (as you may have read in her tumble talk), which is such a hard thing to do. She recently also had a make your own pizza party for all of us, which was a blast (thanks Ris). Colon is such an amazing gymnast that as Angela (a.k.a. Ferg) said the other day just seeing her do the sport is inspiring. And Ferg, what can I say about her, she as such a passion for gymnastics and a drive to do the best that she can. Not to mention if I can make her laugh (her REAL laugh...you know the one) it makes my day.

Now my class, I feel like this year has brought us all closer together. Gretchen, my hip hop dance class partner and Morgan my advocate for bar dismounts definitely add a unique aspect to the team. The sophomores, Willy who is all smiles, Kelsey who can make anyone laugh and Kim who has a great sense of humor (even in a cast), really brighten the team up.

Oh and the freshman, so many personalities and talent that work together so well. Brandi, Mo, Allie, Talia, Candice and Michele have already added so much to the team and I can't wait to see what else they will bring us this year.

Thanks for reading!

Linds