Hello again from Israel! We have officially ended our first week of training and although we haven't played a game yet...this is a CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM. Beyond the skill required to win, all championship teams have certain intangibles that set them apart from the rest. An exceptional work ethic, self motivation, maturity, team unity, love for the game, and focus are all necessary attributes for success. I am extremely fortunate to be coaching a team that possesses these. 

These 11 players have not had any issues bonding off the court. Our fab assistant coach, Lisa Fischman, put the team through a "break the ice" exercise on one of our first nights here. Each player, and coach, had to share something with the team that we did not know about them. Some players shared something hilarious (Alyssa Baron and Carli Rosenthal), some shared something interesting, and some shared something very personal. In the end, our team took a huge step forward that night. 

We have no shortage of team clowns and I find myself laughing for the majority of the day hanging with them. The team is currently filming an "air band" (Yes an air band... Clearly a throwback concept from the 80's). We will be filming for the rest of the trip and with our team G.P.A (they definitely make me feel like I didn't study hard enough in school....Jacqui Kalin has never received a grade below an A!) the video will come out looking like it came straight out of MTV. 

We began the Israel Connect program Saturday with a day of touring Tel Aviv. We toured Rabin Square where Prime Minister Rabin was assassinated, saw the site where Ben Gurion (Israel's first Prime Minister) signed the Declaration of Independence and we ended our day at Herzylia Beach; one of the prettiest beaches in Israel. On Sunday, we went to Jerusalem to visit the Western (Wailing) Wall and explored the archeological parks in the City of David. Our rock star tour guide explained the meaning behind the name "Wailing Wall" and many of our players felt the connection to our history as they folded their prayers and placed them in the cracks of the Wall. We have two more days of touring (two of the most fun and emotional days) before we head to Jerusalem for the Opening Ceremonies.

I will update you all before our first game on the 19th. In the meantime, we will be working hard and preparing for our Gold Medal run! More soon!

Go USA!