Follow The Field Hockey Squad As They Travel Holland

Follow the field hockey team as Megan Ripke and Kelli McPherson blog from Amsterdam. Click on the links below to read about the squads adventures as they took on the streets of Amsterdam, watched six Rabobank World Cup Field Hockey games, visited the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank house all the while growing closer together as a team and a family.

6/6/14 - "The Final Day"| 6/5/14 - "A New Perspective" | 6/4/14 - " I Amsterdam" | 6/3/14 – "Hup Holland" (Go Holland)| 6/2/14 - "Ik hou van mÿn team" (I Love My Team)| 6/1/14 - "Lancers Go Dutch"

June 7, 2014 - "Holland 2014 - A Ripple Effect"

Written By Head Coach Chris Pothier

I hope you have all enjoyed reading the daily recaps by Megan and Kelly of our trip to Amsterdam, in the Netherlands to attend the 2014 Rabobank World Cup at The Hague. I was excited, myself, to read the recap each and every night before we crashed between the sheets, so I could better understand how the trip was being viewed from their eyes.

I wanted to take a quick moment to thank our amazing tour guides who worked tirelessly to make sure everything went smooth for our program, brothers Rutger & Wieger Wiese of Rutger Sports Inc. From making sure we had timely departures, unique one of a kind excursions, delicious meals and lastly, always making us laugh as they shined their true Dutch culture each and every day with us.

This was a once in a lifetime experience for these girls and the coaching staff. Meeting new people, living in a field hockey crazed culture unlike they have ever seen all the while growing together as a team and a family. This will have a ripple effect for many more years to come.

Our squad next year will be our most experienced in the last three and they will bring a new found fire and intensity onto the pitch. Stories will be shared well after this trip and excitement will increase as we get closer to our potential next tour abroad in 2018.

I am extremely lucky to be the head coach of these girls and this team.

Bring on 2014.

Chris

The Field Hockey Team Enjoys A Pasta Dinner At HC Bloemendaal After Their Exhibition Contest On Wednesday

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June 6, 2014 - "The Final Day"

Today, taking breakfast for the road, the Lancers gathered up, painted our faces, decked out in USA attire and took off for the World Cup.

The first hockey match was between USA and China. Our team got stared down for belting out our national anthem, even though it was an early morning game, the atmosphere was still exciting!  All of the people at the game, mostly kids, were rooting for the USA. USA did us proud scoring a goal within four minutes and left the half up 3-0. The USA finished the game with 5 goals and China with a goose egg.

It was a very exciting way to start our day and was even more exciting when we got to meet some of the USA players after the game. We were able to talk with them, get signatures, and take pictures.

 Next, we found out the rules to a team scavenger hunt, Roomates versus Roomates and then got lunch together.

There was some down time in between the first two games that we were watching so the team completed the scavenger hunt, Morgan (Cooper) and Molly (Kilday) in first, but not without (Katherine) Bitters sprinting for second place in front of (Amanda) Carpenter and (Meghan) Pini for third.  It was a fun activity to keep is occupied and also made each team member learn some German and Dutch language and also some field hockey fun facts.

 The third game we watched was Argentina vs. Germany was a women’s match. Our entire team loved Argentina’s bright pink uniforms and we were happy to see them win. Once again our team had a meal together after the game and then relaxed until the third and craziest game, Germany vs. Holland – a men’s contest.

Holland pulled off the win scoring one goal in the first half. German fought back hard, but couldn't seem to get a goal. The entire stadium was filled with fans in crazy orange outfits. When the game ended it was already 9:30 PM (still light out which we will miss when we are back home) and we headed back to the hotel for some dinner.

We had burgers and corn on the cob while each of us shared the highs and lows of the trip during our meal. Some funny, some were sentimental, but most of us had a hard time finding a low point of the trip because we had such a great time with each other.  We then called it a night and head off to our rooms to pack up for our early morning wakeup call 6am!  

We cannot believe this week has already ended.  We have so many memories that we will take from this journey and cannot wait to get on the field in August together again.  

Goodbye for now Holland, hopefully see you again soon!

Megan and Kelli

Pictured Above: The Field Hockey Team Takes A Second To Take One Last Group Photo Wearing Their Team USA Apparel

Pictured Right: Molly Kilday And Morgan Cooper Celebrate A Victory For Winning The Scavenger Hunt Which Pitted Roomates Aganst Roomates

360 View Of Packed Greenfield Stadium Before Holland-Germany Evening Field Hockey Contest

The Lancers Line Up For Team USA Player Rachel Dawson's Autograph After The USA-China Match-Up, Before Taking A Group Photo With Her (Below)

The Field Hockey Team Smiles For The Camera In Their Seats At The Morning USA Field Hockey Women's Game

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June 5, 2014 – "A New Perspective"

Today started very early when we got up, ate breakfast and headed off for the Anne Frank house. We waited in line for about a half hour (in the rain) before they opened the doors early and let us in to explore. (Molly) Kilday entertained us by showing us her balancing skills on the railing.  

Walking through the actual home that Anne Frank lived in was an amazing experience for the entire team and a few members even wanted to read the book about her experience. After our tour we split into two different groups, some members of the team went souvenir shopping while others went to experience the Red-light district.

On the way to the red light district Krissy Kenney, Megan Ripke, Amanda Carpenter and Julie O’Rourke saved a baby duckling that was sitting in the middle of the road. They held it in their hands with some napkins and left it right along the waterside along the canal.

After this, the first group wandered to the Red-light district and experienced the interesting differences in culture. The second group walked around Amsterdam center and bought some souvenirs for their family and friends. The few hours went by very quickly and our team had to head out for our last practice in Holland.

We had the pleasure of practicing at Weiger's (who is also our awesome tour guide) club and also had the best lunch so far this trip, a home cooked meal! This, as well as our previous games and practice, were once in a lifetime opportunities for each and every one of us. It was also the last practice with our seniors (Amanda) Turnbull and (Katherine) Bitters. We will miss them and appreciate all they have done for us.  

We were finally given a small break in between practice and out last nice dinner of the trip. Our final dinner was a nice place in Amsterdam called "The Dutch" where the team enjoyed steak, burgers (with a fried egg!), Caesar salad (where Erika Lepkowski liked the anchovies) or risotto. The restaurant was a fan favorite and the entire team was pleased.

Once dinner was complete the team explored the city once more before walking back to the hotel to finally catch some sleep. 

Come back tomorrow to see how the US team performs in the World Cup tomorrow! 

Megan and Kelli

Photo Above: Members Of The Field Hockey Team (And Coaches) Pose Outside Of The Anne Frank house

	The Squad Takes A Moment Before Dinner At "The Dutch" To Take A Picture Dressed Up
	Megan Ripke Places A Baby Duck On The Sidewalk After Rescuing It From Peril In The Middle Of The Street On The Walk To The Red-light District
	While Waiting In Line At The Anne Frank Museum, Molly Kilday (With Katherine Bitters To Her Left And Kelli McPherson At Her Right), Shows Off Her Tightrope Walk Skills

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June 4, 2014 - " I Amsterdam" 

This morning we were able to sleep in a little before another delicious breakfast at the hotel. After we finished our food, we grabbed a map of the city and adventured onto the streets of Amsterdam towards the renowned Rijks Museum. A detour took us off our scheduled route, but (Amanda) Turnbull put her sense of direction into good use and successfully navigated the group through Vondelpark (which is beautiful, by the way).

We stopped at the "I Amsterdam" sign and climbed all over the towering letters for a legendary team photo. 

Our wonderful tour guide, Weager Weise, met us at the art museum Rijksmuseum and escorted us inside. Inside the gallery we traveled room to room enjoying the incredible pieces of art, some appreciating it more than others. The WSU field hockey team was able to learn a bit about art and historic Dutch culture!

One of the team's favorite works of art was famous artist, Rembrant's ginormous painting titled "Night Watch". We learned that he was one of the first painters who put actions into his works through the gestures his characters made. There were many people taking photos in front of the painting which didn't stop us getting our team picture once again.  

After the museum we had a few hours to spare before we planned to head back to the hotel. We were able to explore the area around the city on our own time and both groups that ventured found great little places to get lunch. Shops lined the streets that we strolled and we bounced in and out of many of them until we found the souvenir shops. Many of us found gifts for our families and friends back home! We met back at the museum around 3 PM and walked back to our hotel for a much needed nap. 

Just after our short slumber we went to dinner at a restaurant called the Buuf where we were tried some more Amsterdam food and then got ready for our game at the famous Blomendaal field hockey club. It was an amazing experience being able to once again compete against such a talented team who learn the game of field hockey at such a young age.

After the game we had the pleasure of sitting down and eating dinner with the members of the Blomendaal team allowing us to learn even more about the Dutch culture. Many had questions for us as well and we were comparing school schedules, practice plans, foods, language translation and so much more.  Arriving back at the hotel now, you know there are a bunch of tired girls when the vans are silent!

Look for our next blog to see how our 5th day goes with another museum and practice!

Megan and Kelli

Photo Above: The Lancers Pose With The Famous Blomedaal Field Hockey Club Before Enjoying A Dinner Of Fellowship And Fun

The Field Hockey Squad Poses In Front Of The IAmsterdam Sign In The Back Of The Rijksmuseum

Members Of The Team Take A Moment To Capture A Picture In Front Of Rembrant's "Night Watch"

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June 3, 2014 – "Hup Holland" (Go Holland)

Today began with a team trot in the dog park. FYI: There is no leash law in the Netherlands which lead to some minor altercations (Amanda Carpenter). It was a light jog with some stretching to get us ready for the day.  

After the run, we ate breakfast with some more freshly squeezed orange juice and prepared for a clinic with one of the most talented coaches in Holland. Dave Smolenaars, the U-21 Holland National Team coach, who also was a member Dutch National Team for 12 years.

He was an incredible coach and actually kept our attention while he was talking (sorry Coach Pothier).  It was a great opportunity to practice and participate in the same drills he used with elite level players. We only practiced for an hour and a half, but the intensity made it feel like it was a three-hour long practice; it was a great workout.  

While practicing we had some fans cheering us on because again they thought we were the US National Team. At some point we should probably just start telling people we are and sign autographs (just kidding).  

Next came the beach and lunch. It wasn't the best beach day, but most of the team took a dunk in the water filled with jellyfish. While running into the cold ocean water, many were yelling "Do it for the blog!"(Katelyn) Carmody, (Katherine) Bitters, Erika (Lepkowski), Alli (Baker), Krissy (Kenney), Morgan (Cooper), Jourdan (Childs), (Meghan) Pini and Coach Pothier were the brave souls. Others laid in the cabana and some went hunting for sea shells.

 We had another great lunch where we needed the waitress to translate ever meal on the menu. We are in fact getting better with the Dutch language! Most of the girls had the hamburgers where some were dare devils (Jourdan) and tried the goat cheese sandwich.  

 Following our afternoon meal, we headed to our first international match! We played against a team here in Holland called Alliance. They were very skilled, but we kept up as best we could! It was great playing on the water-based AstroTurf at an amazing club!  It was interesting to see how impressive the squads are in the Netherlands and their different skill levels.

It was a fun filled field hockey day where tomorrow we play another team from Holland. We also are going to visit a museum in the morning and visit some tourist places in the afternoon!    

Megan and Kelli

Photo Above: The Squad Poses Yesterday At The Gate Of The Field Hockey World Cup

The Field Hockey Team Hudles During Their Morning Session With U-21 Netherlands Coach Dave Smolenaars (Orange) And Rutger Weise (Gray)

Another Photo Of The Team Lining Up To Watch A Demonstration From Their Practice With U-21 Netherlands Coach Dave Smolenaars and Rugter Weise (Gray)

A Horizontal View Of The Afternoon Trip To The Beach Club

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June 2, 2014 - "Ik hou van mÿn team" (I Love My Team)

Rise and shine!

The Lancers were up early for breakfast at the hotel on day two. The breakfast was the best meal yet: Freshly squeezed orange juice (we legitimately had to put oranges in the juicer), eggs, toast, croissants, bacon, and cereal. Two unruly members of our team did not make it to breakfast, Alli Baker and Krissy Kenney (they actually just overslept). Following breakfast we left for the World Cup, driving alongside a ample amount of Monday bicycle traffic.  There were more bikes than cars on the road!

The first game was Japan and Australia women's field hockey contest. As we were walking in and taking pictures, many of the fans thought we were actually the US National women's team.  Pretty funny.

Australia dominated the game and it was a great experience seeing field hockey at such a high level. We had some exciting young fans behind us that loved finding out we were from the US (they didn't like Beiber though). (Meghan) Pini and (Amanda) Turnbull were fortunate enough to meet one of the Australian women's players later in the day.

After that game came lunch. To our surprise, there was a bunch of options to choose from such as salads, smoothies, oven baked pizza and different sandwiches. This was a bit change from the hotdogs and fried food we would normally eat at events in the states at a Fenway Park or TD Garden.  

At the table next to us at lunch, the team met two women who are in Holland for the entire World Cup that are actually from the US. The elder women, Mary Ann Leight Harris played at Temple University and then on the US National Team from 1959 to 1973. The other women  attended Northwestern and played on the US National team in 1994. It was great to meet them and talk with them about their previous playing experience. What a coincidence that we would be sitting next to them!  

The second game was a men's contest, Australia versus Spain and it flew by.

After that match, a lot of the girls were also lucky to meet some players from the Spain team! We are hoping to meet the US women's team after the game we watch on Friday when we are back at the World Cup.

 After going to the World Cup, we had some down time. Taking advantage of the free time, some bird droppings landed on Molly Kilday (hopefully good luck for tomorrow's game and practice), some of the team got face paintings, played a small game of field hockey against 12 year olds from Holland on a mini field (and lost) and we got to experience Hollands french fries and mayo combo as well as drain many of our spending funds at the souvenir shops.

The final game, between Holland and Belgium was the most exciting of the three from today. The stands were packed with crazy Dutch fans wearing orange, doing the wave, outstanding hats, air horns and cheering.

The day ended with more food of course with pizza for dinner (At 10:30 PM!).  We were amazed with how light it was out still and are exhausted from our exciting day! Tomorrow starts our practices and matches.  

Follow again to hear more!

Megan and Kelli

Photo Above: Amanda Turnbull and Meghan Pini Snap A Keepsake Picture With Jodie Kenny, Of The Australian Women's Field Hockey Team

Photo Middle: Katherine Bitters, Molly Kilday and Kelli McPherson With Some Facepaint For The Evening Game Against Holland and Belgium

Some Of The Field Hockey Student-Athletes Pose For A Picture With Two Of The Spanish National Team (Right to Left): Amanda Turnbull, Victoria Watkins, Katelyn Carmody, Erika Lepkowski, Meghan Pini and Alli Baker

Field Hockey Team Takes On Some 12-Year Old Kids During Some Downtime Outside Of The Stadium

360 View Of Greenfields Stadium During Holland And Belgium Contest

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June 1, 2014 - "Lancers Go Dutch"

Today we boarded the bus to start our adventure overseas to Amsterdam for the 2014 Field Hockey World Cup matches.

We started our trip off how most trips start, eating Mrs. Bitters' baked goods. Our flight took off at 9 PM and some of the players were fortunate enough to get a full night's sleep aboard the plane (Julie O'Rourke) while our first time flyers (Morgan Cooper) were up till sunrise. After the long flight everyone was excited to finally be in Dublin for a layover.  

The team enjoyed an Irish breakfast sausage with eggs and toast. A fan favorite in the Dublin Airport was also the Cadberry chocolate especially the crispy bars. Back on board, Coach Kelly  (Downs) kept the attention of the entire plane with her giggles and her 2048 advice. Finally after 12 hours of traveling, the Lancers arrived at the hotel barely surviving Amsterdam's crazy bicycle traffic.

After re-energizing and unpacking, we had a team dinner at De Stadskantine with three choices of meals: fish, lamb or vegetarian. Everyone was very surprised by the food of the Dutch culture and are excited to try more throughout the week.

Following our dinner we explored around the city and found a dog park called Sarphatipark where people were running and playing ping pong outside even though it was already almost 9 o'clock. In an interesting plot twist, we found out that the sun does not set here until 9:50 at night; we were shocked to see everyone out so late.

Today was a very long day, off to bed early so that we will be ready for our first full day at the World Cup tomorrow. Check back to see how our first international field hockey experience turns out!

Megan and Kelli

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Photo Above - The Field Hockey Team Enjoys The Sights Of Sarphatipark In Amsterdam

Photo Below - The Lancers Pose On The Stairs Just Before Departing For Holland

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