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Behind the Scenes with Women's Soccer
February 08, 2013 | Women's Soccer
Feb. 8, 2013
Throughout the spring semester, GoCards.com will provide weekly updates on the Louisville women's soccer program in the "Behind the Scenes" blog. For the month of February, Nicole Gerber will give a glimpse into the world of the Cardinals.
A HOME AWAY FROM HOME... by Nicole Gerber
I never really thought about it before, but college soccer has the ability to unite people from all over. Just in our team alone, we represent three nations (the US, Canada and Mexico) and nine states. We come from all over, most of us a good distance away from home. To some, this idea of being far away from home is a scary thought... but Louisville is a great place to call your second home based on a few things: the people and the activities.
One of the main things that helped many of us adjust to coming to a new state without family or old friends is the people here. Whether it's 29 other teammates who've got your back, your amazing coaching staff there to lead you along the way or any other peers at the University of Louisville willing to lend a hand, you know that no matter what comes your way, you'll be able to conquer it because of those people. Athletes are lucky, in that sense because you automatically have people you can relate to and that you see every day. Your own support system is there, day in and day out -- inside the locker room and out.
Another huge factor is that you always have something to do. Being a part of a team so large, it's inevitable that someone will always be there to spend time with you. No matter the age difference. Whether you're grabbing a bite to eat between practice and class, or a bunch of us are hanging out on the weekend or even the days the team is playing pick up, you're never really bored. Sure there are those relaxing days where there's nothing that needs to be done, but who doesn't enjoy that?
When you tie those two things together, no distance is too far. When you love the people around you and you love spending time with them, you know you can get through any rough day you might be having. So mothers and fathers about to send your babies off to college: don't fret and don't sweat, just know that they'll be secure and safe in an exciting and loving environment in their new home away from home.
