Girl Talk Blog

Hey Everyone!

The National Soccer Hall of Fame Induction weekend was incredible. My apologies for not being able to write and keep you updated as the weekend got going. I was busier than I ever could have imagined. Some days I was working till 10:30 pm. It was all worth it though and don’t worry to much, I was thinking about you guys all weekend. I made sure to get some great pictures to share with you. Here’s a quick overview of the Induction Ceremony and Hall of Fame Game. I’ll hopefully be updating my slide show on my Myspace profile very soon.

A record crowd of 4,800 people watched as Mia Hamm and Julie Foudy made inspirational and moving acceptance speeches. It was an honor for me to hear both of these women recall those who have shaped them into the incredible people and role models they are today. A common theme thoughout the weekend, highlighted in their speeches, is the history and legacy they want to leave for young women and that neither of these women could have succeeded on their own.

Mia and Julie attributed their success to the encouragement and supportive circle of parents, family, coaches and friends. Julie spoke about how grateful she was for her family and that her mother and father were always at her games. She recalled that even though her mother still to this day doesn’t completely understand the game of soccer, she was the first person win or loose, to tell her she played great and give her a hug after the game. Mia spoke of how meaningful it is she enters the Hall of Fame with not only one of her teammates but one of her closest friends. She thanked Julie for her leadership, the impact she made on her life, and being an ambassador and advocate for young girls and women in this country who are searching for a voice, opportunities , and ways to make a difference. Both new mothers, Mia to 5-month old twin girls and Julie to an 8-month old daughter spoke of how they hope to help their daughters find strength and confidence just like people in their lives have done for them.

The Washington Freedom vs. the Connecticut Reds in The Hall of Fame Game was just as a great as the Induction Ceremony. Mia played for the Freedom and Julie for the Reds. Hall of Famer Carla Overbeck and members of the 1986 National Team also played in the game. The ’86 team was honored by the Hall of Fame during the induction weekend. The 1986 team beat Canada 2-0 in 1986, for the first-ever win by the U.S. Women’s National Team. Even though retired for few years, nobody missed a beat. I had a sideline view and got to see all the action close up. It was great!

Not everything was fun and games though. The crowd got a little out of control when Mia was signing autographs. I had to make sure nobody was injured as thousands of fans reached for Mia’s autograph. Check out Mia signing a Girl Talk ball for one lucky fan.

That’s all for now,

Technorati Tags: national soccer hall of fame, Mia Hamm, Julie Foudy, Soccer, US Women’s Soccer, USA Women’s Soccer, Sports Leadership, Girl Talk, Women’s Soccer

Hey Everyone!Boy, what a day! If you haven’t heard yet, Brandy Chastain has just confirmed to play in the Hall of Fame Game. The game between the Washington Freedom and Connecticut Reds is scheduled for after the Induction Ceremony. Hamm, Foudy and Chastain were teammates from 1991-2004, winning two World Cups and two Olympic gold medals together.

Things here at the National Soccer Hall of Fame are really starting to pick up. I spent most of the morning touring the site and getting a better understanding of what the weekend will look like. I walked through where the induction ceremony will take place and where the press conferenece will be after the ceremony. Tomorrow the production crew will start setting up the stage and the Hall of Fame will put on a clinic for local soccer players.

We had a major shipping fiasco with one of the Girl Talk signs so my afternoon was a little more interesting. To say the least, it was an adventure driving around the back roads of upstate New York looking for a printer. Everything worked out ok and we got a new sign. I spent a few hours this evening rolling up Girl Talk shirts and sorting out soccer balls to make sure all 100 + girls who attend the clinic tomorrow get them. I had no clue preparing for an event took so much work.

As promised, I brought my camera along to give you a sneak peek and all access glimpse into the weekend. Check out my pics. I’ll be sure to have more throughout the weekend.

Here I am at the entrance in to Hall of Fame Museum.

2007 Induction banner

Soccer Hall of Fame and Girl Talk Flags on the way into the Hall of Fame

Soccer Ball at Hall of Fame Museum

Posing with Mia Hamm and Julie Foudy…well sort of.

Technorati Tags: national soccer hall of fame, Mia Hamm, Julie Foudy, Soccer, US Women’s Soccer, USA Women’s Soccer, Sports Leadership, Girl Talk, Women’s Soccer