Off The Field With Kerry O'Malley

JULY 2006

SUMMER’S COMING TO AN END!

As the days are passing its hard to imagine that preseason is almost here. It feels like yesterday that Tini (Christine Nasca), Lee (Lisa Eberhart) and I were packing up our townhouse and putting things in storage. In a few days we will be back at Bonas and out on the fields preparing for our last season of college soccer.

I have been enjoying the month of July and the warm weather that has been brought to New England. At the beginning of the month I took a trip up to Rochester to visit Lee and stay with her brother at Conesus Lake. We went out on their boat and caught up on old times. I spent 4th of July weekend in Massachusetts with my Mom. We went strawberry picking at a local farm and also went shopping. Everyday I would go up to the track and do my summer workout while my Mom walked. On the 4th we watched the fireworks that are set off on the bridge in Springfield. It was quiet and relaxing which is just what I needed.

My next big adventure was my trip down to Tennessee to visit my boyfriend Blake and his family. They have a lake house and two boats at Center Hill Lake outside of Nashville. The weather was perfect, except for a few quick rain showers, and we spent most of the days out on the boats and in the water. His family is actually moving to London, England in September, so I was able to see pictures of their new house and catch up on all the details of the move. They are planning on a trip to come to Bonaventure for a game in the fall, and I am really excited about that!

When I returned back to Connecticut my Dad was up visiting from Florida. We celebrated my birthday on July 18th with my family. I also started working soccer camp at Soccer Magic Academy. I was once a camper at “The Academy” and I have been working as a head coach for several years. The founder/director is Ferdie Adoboe and he has become a great friend to our family. He holds camps in both Massachusetts and Texas and is working on an international program in both Ghana (where he is from) and Madrid (where his wife Susana is from).

As the days are passing I have been busy working at J Crew to make some extra cash before the school year begins. I have also been very dedicated to my knee rehab and recovery. My leg is feeling stronger every single day that I am out running. I feel more fit than I did just a few weeks ago, when I was finally cleared to begin running. Although I had to start out slow, I have been increasing the pace, length, and distance. I am now able to do my sprint workouts and endurance runs. Even though I have had less time to prepare for preseason, I am determined to pass our fitness test in a few weeks.

Being able to work at soccer camp has also allowed me to touch the ball every day which I feel is critical. I really feel that my teammates have been working extremely hard this summer to come back in shape and ready to play. I know there have been a few injuries with Tini’s broken leg, and both Pam (Stotelle) and Jacquee’s (Parmiter) surgery, but I know they will recover quickly and be back on the field very soon. I am hoping that we all stay healthy and strong for the remainder of the season. Only a few more days until the six hour drive back to Bonaventure with Tini!

Although I am a bit sad that my summer is coming to an end, I am also anxious to see everyone again. I have high hopes that this season will give me a new perspective and a greater passion for the game of soccer. With dedication and a positive mentality, I know that our team can achieve great things this season, so look out for the Bonnies!

Kerry O’Malley #9
SENIOR

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