D - 2011 Spring Soccer

A couple of weeks ago we wrapped up yet another fun soccer season.  Noah played with his same coach he's been with since he was 5, and Mike coached Katie's team for what he is claiming to be his last time.  We'll see.... ;-)  As always, it pretty much took over our lives.  It's amazing how much it dictates our schedules, but we really enjoy doing it as a family. 

Noah's team finished up 6 & 2 - a major reversal from their 2-6 fall season.  It was lots more fun for everyone.  My favorite thing I witnessed this season was a time when Noah had the ball and his coach was yelling from the sidelines for him to pass it.  Instead, Noah took a shot at the goal and missed.  When he got back to the sidelines, coach rubbed his head and told him, "I told you to pass!"  Noah said something about how that's what he was trying to do.  The coach totally called his bluff and said, "No you weren't.  I've coached you since you were this tall (hand held low, of course).  You were going for the goal."  Sheepish grin from Noah.  Ha ha!  I loved it.  Way to go, Coach Don!

As long as I'm thinking about those early days....

And now....

While the pictures may not show as dramatic a change in our little Katie-bug, her soccer playing has certainly changed.

From her first games in 2006 filled with tears as she ran down the field....

to today when we call her "fearless" because she never hesitates to chase down the ball - even against the biggest kid on the other team.  She also generally finds a way to throw that big kid to the ground.  Maybe that's not terribly legal, but it's really fun to watch!

Another then.....

And more nows...

 Did I mention she's really FAST???

The girl.... 

The team....

Katie has declared this to be her final season of soccer too.  She's not playing if dad's not coaching.  Thus the "We'll see," that I mentioned earlier.  :-)  To be determined in fall 2011.....