Lauren McCracken Summer Update

Hey there!

Well first of all, I'd like to wish everyone a very happy Canada Day! And for you American folk, a very happy 4th of July! With that in mind, May and June have flown by rather quickly, leaving only 31 days until pre season training camp begins! AHHH! This will be my second season as a Don, which makes me a sophmore.. wow, that's weird to say! Having one year under my belt, I have a much better idea of what to expect for training camp, as well as the upcoming year. I am very excited and anxious for this season and I can't wait to see my second family again!!! =)

Although our fall season last year lacked a few "Ws" on the board, I think that we accomplished a lot as a team. Being very young, we were inexperienced, but over the course of the fall, winter and spring, we improved both as a team and as individuals, proving that we have what it takes to be successful. Coming off a strong spring season, I am confident that this fall will show a much more mature team, and we will be able to accomplish a lot of the goals that we have set for ourselves!

As far as preparation goes, I have made quite a few changes in my daily regime this summer compared to last. Last summer, I was really busy with my soccer season, and instead of following the workout package, I figured my soccer, as well as the gym, was enough to keep me good shape for my freshman year. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough, especially not for Division 1 soccer. This in turn made pre-season a really hard two weeks, and I had to work my butt off to get where I needed to be for the beginning of season. By the end of my year, I felt great and was in the best shape I have ever been in. My goal for this summer was to maintain my fitness and further continue to enhance it. I have followed the workout package religiously and have not missed a workout yet. In addition, I am still playing competitive soccer, which keeps me in the best possible soccer shape. My advice to any freshman as far as the workout pacakge goes is to follow Nike's lead and "just do it." It doesn't take too much time out of your day, and the benefits afterward will go without saying! If we all come into preseason in tip top condition, we can focus more on building as a team, as opposed to our fitness levels, and take off with jump start for what will be a great 2009 season!

After writing all of this, the excitement has just set in and I can't wait to be back in the Wayne with all of my lovely ladies, doing what we do best! With my psychic abilities, I see a very bright future this fall season for the IPFW Women's Soccer Team ... GO DONS!

Summer Update

Hi Everyone,

Well as predicted it's been a busy summer. We have just finished with our camp for high school age players. It was a great camp with some very good players from Fort Wayne, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Vancouver, and Ontario. The quality of play was very good and we really enjoyed working with the players. Hopefully we'll see everyone back next year, especially the group from ANB Academy which is a quality group of players, coaches and parents. Thanks to everyone for taking part in our camp!

For me the camp was sandwiched around Notre Dame camp the previous week and ODP coming up in July. It's been a hectic few weeks that have been fun but I haven't had much time to spend much time in my new townhouse. I'd like to think that will happen soon but with upcoming camps and pre-season around the corner I am not too sure that will happen. All in good time I suppose.

It's so hard to believe it's nearly July! The players will be coming back to town in about a month and then the season will be over before you know it. Time just flies!

Hoping to get some viewpoints from players in the next few weeks so check back for that!

Joe