UW Softball - National Champs

I'm not sure how many of you follow college softball, but my UW Huskies FINALLY won the national championship we have been working for year after year. I was so proud of these girls and so proud to be associated with such an amazing program. It wasn't until half-way through the tournament that I realized it was exactly 10 years earlier that I had played in the national championship game myself. I was only 19 at the time, but I still remember it like it was yesterday. Fortunately for the 2009 Huskies, the outcome was different to the 99' championship (why do I feel so ancient when I type that?).

Since we only live a little over an hour away from Seattle, I usually try and go and see the team play a game or two every year. It is so nice to go back and see familiar faces (almost all the ushers and people who work at the stadium are the same people who were there when I played!) and of course I love to support my Dawgs. In the past, the teams have always been good, but this year I was truely amazed! These girls were for real! I remember sitting there with my friend, and ex-teammate, Erin (our babies in tow), and we just kept saying, "Wow! These girls are really good! I think they have a real chance!" We were very impressed, and low and behold...they did it!

The program has had its hiccups (which was very unfortunate (and BS might I add)), but fellow alum, Heather Tarr, took over and did an amazing job!

Of course I watched almost every inning of the Women's College World Series (Aaron knows that the tv is all mine on WCWS weekend), but this year was even more important. For some reason, I just knew the Dawgs were going to win...and they did! I was so excited and so proud! My Grandad was especially proud since he's a Canadian and Danielle Lawrie (the pitcher - for all you non-followers), is from his neck of the woods.

I hate to say it, but it took a bit of pushing to get me up to Seattle to celebrate the win (hey, I'm a new mom...and a working mom at that...there are a million chores to do with only a couple days to do it). But then I realized what a big deal the national championship was and that I really needed to be there to celebrate. Laundry can always wait :) I had such an amazing time and got to play "catch-up" with some old friends.

It was so good seeing my old teammates and its funny how the memories just start flooding back. I have so many awesome memories from my time at Washington and they pretty much all involve my teammates. Like Kelly (fellow-blogger and teammate) says, "we all have this amazing bond that nobody can ever understand. We all share a special bond that we will keep with us throughout our lifetime."

Some of my best friends I met playing softball at Washington. I know they will be my friends for life, but what is really crazy to me is to think that a single sport brought so many awesome people into my life.
Rosie and I

The next generation

Trading in our bat bags for strollers...

(my favorite thing about this picture is how pissed off Tori looks-right stroller)
Ash and I holding the National Championship Trophy...
Go Dawgs!!!
Current and former players

Leah, Rosie, and Ash