Gift Giving - Revealed!

Monday, December 8th, marked the day before finals commenced at UIndy.

Because of having a different class schedule,the team was able to use that prep-day to bring gifts from the wrapping party (see post) to a family who were displaced from their home in University Heights area.

We headed off to IPS School 65, trash bags in hand, gifts all wrapped and unable to contain our excitement. None of us even knew what the family looked like, and we could not wait to see the looks on their faces as they opened their gifts and donations!

The little baby, Brooklyn, getting her stocking!

Junior Keki Elliott sharing this precious moment with the family.

Another unexpected surprise was the guest we picked up for the journey, Santa! We quickly became his helpers, and he brought in one of the big trash bags full of gifts. The two older children could not stop smiling when they saw him and Santa (Jordan) handed out the first few gifts to each of the family members.

  

The kids were so excited to see Santa and open their gifts!

The kids could not have been happier and more grateful, and neither were we. It was a humbling experience and such a reward to be there for them when this family needed it most. We couldn't have done it without the help of our coaching staff, training staff, and Daryl Gibb's and his classes donations. Because of all of this help, we got to give this family a holiday season that they did not think would come, and that was the biggest reward of all. And thank you, Jackie Paquette for being there, sharing in the excitement and capturing some of these photos for us.

I'm going to miss these ladies so much for the next month, and cannot wait to pick up where we left off. 
It's going to a big year for UIndy Women's Soccer, I can just feel it. 

What a good lookin' crew, huh?

 

GO HOUNDS!
Lindsey #13

Power Soccer... Indescribably Awesome

It took me a while to think of a title for this post. 
In the end, I just decided to call it what came to mind: indescribably awesome.

The experience that I shared with my teammates Jess Bentley and Keki Elliott, and Head Coach Kiley Cirillo and Assistant Coach Ryan Baca, left me without words. 

Two weeks ago I didn't know Power Soccer existed. I know I've said it was indescribable, but I'm leaning now on the brief description from the United States Power Soccer Association site to shed some light and give you a quick intro to the sport:

The USPSA is the governing body for Power Soccer in the United States. Power Soccer is the first competitive team sport designed and developed specifically for power wheelchair users. Athletes' disabilities include quadriplegia, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, and many others. The game is played in a gymnasium on a regulation basketball court. Two teams of four players attack, defend, and spin-kick a 13-inch soccer ball in a skilled and challenging game similar to able-bodied soccer. 

You also need to watch this introductory video from the USPSA site. 

 The beginning of a typical power soccer practice.

So why is this relevant to us, or our team? I'm glad you asked. The five of us (Jess, Keki, Kiley, Ryan and I) got to meet elite power soccer players, including some members of the U.S. National Team. 

These players are part of the Power Soccer of Indy teams, specifically on the Circle City Rollers. We were able to meet five of the athletes: Chris Parsons, Kevin Perry, Michael Archer, Natalie Russo and Case Calvert. Three of them will be competing in the World Cup next year: Michael, Natalie, and Case. 

 Just talking to U.S. World Cup athlete, Natalie Russo... no big deal.

After watching their practice, we were allowed to use the power chairs to experience what it's like to play. We weren't even on the highest speed and I felt like I was out of my element. The game is so tactical and technical, it was incredible just to watch the highest caliber athletes in the game, let alone try to do what they do on the court.

Keki and I learning tactics from U.S. Head Coach, Mike Hayes,

and Dominic Russo, the President of the U.S. Power Soccer Association.

 

 Jess getting some tips from U.S. World Cup Athlete, Case Calvert.

Hopefully for UIndy Women's Soccer, coming to watch this practice was only the beginning of our involvement with Power Soccer. With the Greenwood Power Soccer tournament coming up on January 10th, we'll have some of the best teams in the country playing right in our backyard.

Thank you to the athletes, Head Coach, Mike Hayes, and President of the U.S. Power Soccer Association, Dominic Russo, for letting us come watch a practice and giving us a quick Q&A and tutorial afterwords.

We can't wait to see you all again!
And for the rest of our fans reading, I'll keep you updated on what's up-and-coming for both teams.



Check out these links to learn more:
Keep in mind, some of them are already linked in this post.

Circle City Rollers Facebook Page
Power Soccer of Indy
United States Power Soccer Association Site

And follow them on twitter:
Circle City Rollers: @ccrpowersoccer
U.S. Power Soccer Association: @powersoccerusa
U.S. Power Soccer Team: @usntpowersoccer

As always,
GO HOUNDS!
Lindsey #13

Wrapping Party!

Oh boy, do we have some exciting things happening with our team right now (told you I'd be back soon)! 

This post is specifically addressing something we decided to do a while ago, and now we're finally putting it into action. 

A month or so ago, a tragic fire took the home of a local Indy family. Hearing about it through her professor, Sophomore Hannah Mangus brought it to the team's attention and we all thought this would be the perfect opportunity to use the resources and passion we have to help a family that really needed it. 

Recruiting help from the team, coaching staff, Men's Soccer, Daryl Gibbs, Daryl's New Student Experience class, the weight room staff, Jackie Paquette and many others, we were able to forge together gifts, food, well-wishes and enthusiasm for the family and the three children. 

 A sneak preview of the gifts... eek!

 Today was our official wrapping party where some of the team and Kiley were able to wrap the gifts (obviously), write cards, and have the ability to bond over bringing joy to someone outside of our little UIndy family.

The aftermath of the wrapping, not too bad!

We plan on having our gift exchange this Monday. Daryl's New Student Experience class will be joining the team and coaching staff when we give the children a happy holiday that they didn't think they would receive. 
 

Our lovely freshman, Celine Ehret, signing the card.

I personally couldn't be more proud of this group of girls. Already we've made such a difference in our community and we don't seem to be slowing down. We have more big things ahead, and it is such a blessing to say that I am apart of something bigger than myself. 

That's what being a part of this team has done for me. I'm sure others can say the same. Spring hasn't even started and we are already planning so many activities. We're all especially eager for the exchange on Monday with this family. 

 

We have very few completely serious moments!

There will be further updates on how the exchange goes and what we plan on doing next. 

Until then, 

GO HOUNDS!
Lindsey #13