THANKFUL

Having just returned from the World Championships, I contemplate all that has happened in the last year and a half. In many ways, it seems like a dream. More important to me than any victory however, are the people I have encountered along my journey.

Playing in the World Championships this time was different from any other team event I have been involved with. For the first time, the team was truly united. It was so nice to be with a group that genuinely loved being together.

Kim Russell and Kersten Hallander, and Mike Guidry and the infamous Ruben Gonzalez, represented us in the doubles. Kim and Kersten played well together, despite not really having much practice time. Kim's humor was a welcome addition, and it was a delight to spend time with someone who I have always considered to be a good friend. Congrats, ladies, on bringing home the gold! Mike and Ruben were both deathly ill during the trip, so watching Ruben play so courageously reminded me of watching Michael Jordan play in the NBA finals a few years ago against Utah. It was truly a gutsy performance!

Doug Eagle and Rocky Carson were our "spiritual leaders." Rocky played a great match against Canadian phenom, Kane Waselenchuk, in the team competition, thus, keeping our hopes for the gold medal alive. It was an honor walking into the opening ceremonies with him. Doug introduced me to some new, inspirational music, and reminded me to always keep what is really important in life in mind, and to keep things in perspective.

Not enough can be said about Jackie Paraiso and the success she has had in racquetball. We were roommates in San Luis, and since we both have our sights set on Paris in 2002, if all goes well, we might be roommates again. I know she will continue to push me to become a better player, and I hope that I can do the same for her.

The U.S. Team had a brand new coaching staff this year. I want to thank our new head coach, Tom Travers for staying cool at times when I know he was concerned about us. If he worried, he never let us know it, and that had a calming effect on the team, I think. Ed Remen knew exactly how to lighten things up when I needed it most, and I can't remember one time when I didn't see Ed smiling. I am glad that I was able to earn that red hat! Kevin Brown, the team's trainer, had been with us before. His experiences and successes give inspiration to those around him, and his presence is always positive and motivating.

Even though I think it killed Malia Bailey to be on the bench, coaching instead of playing, I was fortunate to have her there. Ed and Tom are probably still black and blue because of my 11-10 tiebreaker with Christie, but I couldn't have done it without Malia! She was the first one onto the court after I scored that last point, and I would definitely say she was "beaming"!! Malia said all the right things to me, and at the right times, and kept me believing in myself. Her enthusiam was uplifting. I remember well the tears and the hugs.

I found a song that the entire team had the pleasure (?!) of hearing me sing constantly throughout the trip. This particular song made me remember all the important things in life: my family and friends, my good fortune and health, "everyone who helped me start, everything thing that broke my heart, every day of living."

The experiences with this team has made the last year and a half even more precious. You all give me a strength that sometimes I am not sure I have. I am thankful for your friendship,and I feel truly blessed in knowing all of you. As Doug would say: "all the love..." Cherry-Pie Pictured: Gudinas (left) with Kim Russell in San Luis Potosi, Mexico.