I really must begin this journal entry with a big apology. I know it has been a couple of weeks since my last entry, in fact it was the eve of the Gold Medal Game that I last checked in. I’m sure if we had won the Gold I would have written this sooner, but frankly I’ve kept myself busy and avoiding thoughts of the game.

It has been a busy three weeks, to be sure! After the Games concluded, I spent an extra few days in China venturing out into other parts of the country, and trying to see something other than Beijing. Don’t get me wrong, Beijing is nice and has some great sights, but China is a MASSIVE country with much diversity to the landscape, etc, so we wanted to get another perspective on the country.

To start, Mark and my brother, Ryan (who made the trip to watch the Olympics) took an over-night train into Xian, which is the location of the famous Terra Cotta Warriors. I’ll spare you the history lesson, but believe me when I say the whole story is amazing, and the sheer number of clay warriors was impressive. Xian is considered a “small” city by Chinese standards, but still has something like 8 million citizens!!

After Xian, we headed back to Beijing so Mark could catch his flight back to the States. From Beijing, we took a 2 hour flight to Guilin, in the southern part of China. When I say “we”, I mean me, my brother, Jessica Mendoza and Lauren Lappin.

Guilin is known as a “landscape city”, a smaller town with lush mountain landscapes and the Li River running through the town. We took a river cruise up the Li River into a town called Yangshou, an even smaller town, and very “picturesque”. The four of us rented bicycles and rode out into the countryside, which was exactly what we were looking for. What a beautiful place! Very unaffected by modern conveniences, and a much different side of China.

After flying back to Beijing, we stayed one last night and then flew back to the U.S. As much as I was sad to head back into “reality”, I was ABSOLUTELY ready to get home and see my little baby boy! Chase is now 15 months and truly a little “man”…he’s talking all the time (mostly babbling, but with more and more coherent words every day), and walking like a champ, almost ready to run!

I am also getting ready to “officially” start my new job as assistant coach at San Diego State University! I’m an Aztec! It has been hard to focus, with so much going on in my life as of late, but I’m excited to get to work and help take the program to the next level!

As much as I have kept busy, there are still quiet moments where I reflect back on Beijing, the games, the at bats….but mostly about the moments. Yes, I wanted to come home with another Gold medal. Everyone wanted that. But I truly had the peace of mind before, during, and after the final game to know that NO MATTER THE OUTCOME, the journey was the same and the memories can never be taken away.

Its impossible not to want and re-play my final at bat, to see the end result different, to get “the hit”. That’s of course human nature. But I can honestly say that I have no regrets about my career, my personal softball journey, in spite of how it ended on the field.

So, I say again, THANK YOU. Thank you to The Game, for all of the challenges and all of the successes. Thank you to my family, my life, my support. Thank you to my friends and extended family. It has been one heck of a ride, and I feel no less proud of my career with a silver around my neck.

Many people have asked if I was one of the players who left my cleats at home plate after the final game. I can’t explain why, but somehow when it came time to place my “boats” at home, I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I had planned to, but there was a force, a nudge, that wouldn’t let me actually follow through with it. Again, I don’t know why….its not like I plan to be on the field in 2016. But for some reason it just didn’t feel right.

So, onward I go, into the next chapter. I am anxious to see where life will lead me, will lead us. But what I do know is that I have a direction, a focus, and that is my new coaching career at SDSU. I am confident that there is a “master plan”, an ultimate place I am meant to be. Only time will tell exactly what that means, or where I will end up. But my Prius is headed south to San Diego, and I couldn’t be more excited!

Keep in touch, and Dream BIG!
Stacey

So this is the final entry before we go into battle with Japan for the Gold Medal! I can’t help but to reflect on this journey, both my softball journey and my life’s journey. It still boggles my mind that I have been blessed enough to represent the USA for the past 10 years, playing the sport I love so much.

The people I have met, places I have traveled to, moments I have shared, and competition I have battled in are more than I could ever imagine. As a young girl, softball wasn’t an Olympic sport, so I was inspired by Mary Lou Retton and Carl Lewis, and countless other Olympians I watched on TV wearing the Red, White, and Blue. I remember the ‘84 Olympics in Los Angeles, and a being awed by the physical feats and the emotions that these athletes displayed as they watched their flag (our flag) being raised as Olympic Champions.

And to think, years later, I have had the distinguished opportunity to be able to stand on the Gold Medal podium twice myself, and watch the Stars and Stripes rise above the rest.

Tonight, I will take the field with my teammates, my friends, my family. There will only be 15 of us in uniform, but we will stand on that field with 1000’s of others, maybe even millions of others.

Last night, as I readied for bed, I checked in for my usual “confessional”: I have been videotaping myself each night, sharing my thoughts and feelings (something I know I will treasure it years from now…a video diary of sorts). Though I was tempted, I didn’t ask for a home run or for perfection. Rather, I thanked. I thanked God for the opportunities I have been given, for Mark and for Chase, for my family that has allowed me to be here and continue my big dreams. I thanked Team Nuveman, all of the people in my life, both past and present, who have contributed to this journey.

So thank you, to all of you, even if I don’t know you personally. Inspiration comes from many places and many people, and I thank you all for supporting me through this ride. I HAVE to be the luckiest girl in the World. In fact, I know I am.

With Gold on the brain, I will be Dreaming a BIG AS EVER!!

Stacey

Now the REAL games begin! Today is our one and only day off since competition started, and we have made the most with a great round of batting practice this morning, a massage this afternoon, and a great meal at BNU. This sort of feels like the “calm before the storm”, being that tomorrow begins that Medal Round, and our first opponent is Japan.

Historically, Japan and the USA play tight games every time, so don’t be fooled by our mercy-rule victory over the Japanese a few days ago. They did not pitch either of their top 2 pitchers, so we know we will face a different team this go around.

One fun highlight was last night, when Mark, my brother Ryan, Jessica (Mendoza) and her husband Adam, and Archie Lappin (Lauren’s brother) went to the USA versus Germany men’s basketball game. It was nice to get to another event, as a simple commoner (aka spectator!!). The U.S. dominated, winning by nearly 50 points. So it seems the original Dream Team may have some basketball rivals!

The other really awesome thing is that the whole Team Nuveman contingent is finally in Beijing! All said and done, there are 12 family members and 21 TOTAL! One of my close friends from high school, Melissa, is here with some of her family, so they are joining in to make Team Nuveman a HUGE group, all proudly sporting their special t-shirts with #33 on the back!! Let me tell you, it is so very special to know how many people are pulling for me, and for us…..and especially SEEING all of the people in the stands who have come such a long way to support us. I know how lucky I am, and how blessed to have such a phenomenal support group.

Tomorrow, the real tests and the TRUE Games begin…wish us luck, and I promise you that I mean when I say….”I’m Dreaming BIGGER than ever!!”

Stacey

I’m guessing everyone has been keeping up with our progress over here in China, and know that we are getting down to the “nitty gritty”. We have two games remaining in round-robin action, then will move on to the medal rounds. So far, so good, as we have played great softball thus far, and are in a good place right now. Our offense is getting the job done, and our pitchers have been stellar in the circle.

But the truth is that the big games are yet to be played. Looking back on my two previous Olympic experiences, I know that when it gets to the medal rounds, anything goes and the better team on paper doesn’t necessarily win on the field. In Athens, we expected we would face Japan in the finals, but Australia ended up beating the Japanese and we faced the Aussies in the final game. So the goal is to keep our focus and not live in the past….we have to keep our heads on each game as it comes.

Yesterday, Bustos and I had a fun sit-down interview with Julie Foudy, who is working for NBC. We headed to Beijing Normal University (the USOC off-site training headquarters), and talked a lot about the decision to take softball out of the Olympics. It seems that is the main story here; it seems that is all any one ever wants to talk about.

After the interview, Mark met me at BNU and we walked down the street for some LEGIT pizza! Julie and Holly, our press officers (or Team COMM as they call themselves) told us about this local joint that had real-life, Chicago-style pizza! And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! Don’t get me wrong, the food in the Village is good, but its the same thing day after day. And I am also proud to say I made a vow to deny any McDonald’s food while in competition, and I’ve stayed strong! I’m the last one standing….all the other girls on the team have caved and resorted to Mickey D’s fries, burgers, or Big Macs!

Tonight we play the Netherlands, and tomorrow have home-team China. We are expecting a packed-house tomorrow, since the Chinese people come out en mass to see their team compete. I’m waiting for my offensive game to come around, but am just trying to stay positive and keep plugging away. Its frustrating to be in a slump, but will be that much more gratifying when I bust out!!

Take care, and Dream Big!
Stacey

This afternoon we faced off against Australia, our opponents in the final game of the 2004 Olympics. It was fun to play them again, since they have many of the same players from ‘04 and we also have a very similar team. It was very reminiscent, also being that Tanya Harding (no, not the ice skating Tanya Harding) pitched for the Aussies, and she was also the starter in the Gold Medal match in ‘04. Tanya pitched a great game, but we were able to pull out the win 3-0, with Bustos going yard again and Cat throwing a no-hitter. Our second no-no so far….not too bad!

I’m feeling good, and the weather hasn’t been overwhelmingly hot the last couple of days. Our first days here were STEAMY and SMOKIN’ HOT, but it has been bearable the last couple of days. One cool thing that we are doing to stay cool is using these awesome Nike “cool vests” (but they look more like bubbly bullet proof vests). Our trainer pops them in the freezer and we put them on as we are departing the village. I wear mine during my walk to the bus, on the bus ride to the field, and then take it off just before we warm up. The idea is that we lower our core temperature before we step foot on the field in an effort to delay the heating-up process. So far, I feel a lot better, and my recovery from day to day feels better too.

Tomorrow we play Canada, and we are all pretty excited. Canada has given us a run for our money the last few times we have played them, so we are expecting another tight game. Thanks to everyone for the emails and well wishes….we can use all of the good luck/karma/energy we can get!!

Still dreaming BIG!
Stacey

oday marked Day 1 of our competition, and it was a success all the way around. We beat Venezuela 11-0 and Jennie Finch and Monica Abbott combined to throw a no-hitter. The best part about the win was that the whole team really contributed and “got in on the action”, and it was fun to get the tournament off to such a great start!

After the game, all of the Nike-sponsored athletes on the team had the chance to make a visit to the Nike House here in Beijing. Not only were we treated to an awesome Italian meal in the cafe, but also were loaded up with more Nike gear. Our families were also invited, so we had a few minutes to spend with them as well.

One true fact about the Olympics is that we really don’t have much time to spend with our families. With our total focus being on the competitions, there just isn’t much time to squeeze in visits. So we are relegated to short post-game visits beyond the outfield fence, phone calls, and the rare in-person visit. Fortunately our families all understand what we are here for and that we need to focus, so don’t put too much pressure on us to meet up with them.

On that note, Mark was able to obtain a much-coveted guest pass to come and hang at the Olympic Village. I took him on a tour of the International Zone, we did some shopping in the gift store, and we had dinner in the main dining hall. He was loving the scene: athletes from all over the world, many unique cultures, and many different languages under one roof. It really is an amazing place - the Village - and I’m glad that Mark got a glimpse of it all.

Tomorrow we take on Australia, a team we’ve seemingly played a million times, and who is a top competitor. Its a good test for us, and we are anxious to get rolling!!

Later!
Dream BIG!

The Games have begun! Thanks to a slight delay in the start of the softball competition, we were able to be a part of the Opening Ceremonies!! This was the second time I have been able to walk in the Ceremonies, being that in 2004 we had a game the next morning and opted to stay home in an effort to be rested and focused on our game. This go around, we don’t play until the 12th, so we have plenty of time to recover.

Talk about AMAZING! There is no experience quite like it, having the opportunity to mingle and rub elbows with all of the USA athletes. It is thrilling to realize that you are “one of the many”, and to be a part of such a phenomenal group of athletes. That, and walking out into the stadium with hundreds of thousands of people watching (millions of people actually) and sharing that moment with so many others.

Before the Ceremony, the USA athletes had the opportunity for a short “meet and greet” with both the current President Bush and his father, President Bush Sr. But I must admit…there was almost equal amounts of excitement when the basketball team entered the room, with everyone scrambling for photos with LeBron, Kobe, etc. The only guy I wanted to meet was Tayshaun Prince, knowing my dad and brother would LOVE having a photo with me and a Detroit Piston!!

At yesterday’s practice, we were treated with a surprise visit from President Bush! We had heard that he may make an appearance, but low and behold, as we were warming up the CRAZY entourage pulled up and out popped the President!! He said a few words with the team, then spent 15-20 minutes watching us take batting practice. Everyone knows he’s a big baseball fan, and loves softball as well.

But the ABSOLUTE highlight of his visit was when Laura Berg got a hold of him, shook his hand, and “Bergied” him! Laura (or Bergie as we call her) is famous for putting chalk from the field on her hand, and leaving a hand print on the back (or rear end sometimes) of an unsuspecting teammate, coach, umpire, etc. So in true Bergie fashion, she got a handful of chalk and planted a big ‘ol hand print on President Bush’s back!!! Talk about the Hall of Fame of Pranksters!! She’s officially the Worlds Greatest Prankster. I mean, President Bush???? She’ll just never be able to top that!

We have two more practice days, then FINALLY will get this show on the road. We are all antsy to get the competition rolling. We had our team press conference yesterday, with tons of questions about softball being out for 2012 Olympics and the plan to get it reinstated. We all believe that a good, competitive competition will help the cause, so are all anxious to show the IOC why we belong as an Olympic sport.

All the best, and keep Dreaming BIG!
Stacey

We have arrived, and are officially moved into the Olympic Village and our temporary homes!! It will be the first time in quite a while that we will be in one place for more than a couple of nights, so we are excited to be able to TRULY unpack, hang up clothes, and get into a nice routine. It happens that the majority of our round-robin games (5 of the 7) are played at noon, so we will really get a set routine down and have some predictability in our schedules.

As everyone has said, the Village is AMAZING! The Chinese organizers really made a phenomenal “mini city”, with tons of ambiance, beautiful architecture, and lush greenery. There are little rivers running though the middle, and they succeeded in creating a beautiful setting. The rooms are fairly spacious, or spacious enough, and the A/C works like a charm!!

I will say, it is HOT and HUMID, just as expected. As I said before, we play most of our games at Noon, so we will be out in the peak of the heat of the day. We are already planning our “cooling plan”….how we’ll try and keep as cool as we can between innings, pre and post-game, etc. And believe me when I say I am drinking GALLONS of water in an attempt to stay hydrated. I am one of those unlucky women who do more than “glow”…I truly SWEAT when its hot!! The air quality is quite bad, as the media is reporting. But we are doing the best we can to cope…control the controllables!!

Tomorrow is Opening Ceremonies, and most of the team has decided to walk in the ceremony. I had the opportunity to do so in 2000 in Sydney, and it was a blast!! It was exhilarating to be walking into this massive stadium, shoulder to shoulder with my fellow USA Olympic team members, and being part of such a huge event. You could feel small in such a situation, but I really relished the opportunity to be mingling with the USA’s best athletes. It was a true highlight in my life, and I’m pumped to do it again. In 2004, we competed the next day so opted not to walk in the Ceremony, so this year will be a first-time for almost the whole team.

Ok, all for now. Hope everyone has their TiVo’s and DVR’s set and are ready for a phenomenal Olympic Games!!

Dream BIG!
Stacey

Its about time for that statement to actually be true, as we leave on Monday on our long flight to China!! I am anxious to “get this show on the road” and begin the competition. It seems like this has been the endless summer (which usually is a good thing, but this year maybe not so much!), and we are ready to rumble!!

We finished up our last part of the tour last week, and played our last domestic game in Irvine, CA. It was fitting, being that the majority of the team hails from So. California, so we got to finish up our long pre-Olympic tour in front of family and friends. I had a HUGE group of “Team Nuveman” supporters who came out to watch our game. It was bittersweet for me, as I was definitely ready for the tour to come to a close, but also sad because it is likely the last time I play in a USA uniform in the U.S.A. I’ve had one heck of a career, and have nothing but wonderful memories. Of course, we’ve got some business to finish in Beijing, so let’s get that done before the sob-stories and weepy moments happen!!

Two of the thousands of fans on hand in Irvine were none other than Lori Harrigan and Leah Amico. It was great to see our former teammates, and to hear their “words of wisdom” after the game. Lori’s little boy, Shawn, was there too, and it was fun to get all of the kids together. Chase and Ace were in heaven with new friends to play with!

Today was a big day in Chase’s young life…he had his first haircut! His long shaggy locks had been getting a bit out of control, so we caved and took him to a real, live barber shop and got his first hair cut. He wasn’t too excited about the whole thing, but Mark and I had fun entertaining/distracting him and taking lots of pictures.

I’m already dreading leaving him home during the Games. It is going to be a LONG 3+ weeks away, but I know it is for the best. He’ll be so much happier being at my in-laws home, on a routine and safe and secure. It is going to be hard on Mark and I being away from him for such a long stretch, but thank goodness for the internet and web cams!

This weekend we head to San Jose for Olympic processing. In the past, that is when the whole thing really started to sink in….getting all the gear, going through the official USOC briefing, and watching your luggage get carted off for the under hull of the plane. I am sure this go-around will be no different. There is SO MUCH build-up, and then WHAM!….you’re in China!!

So, I’ll try and send updates every couple of days in China. It may be tough, since I’ve decided to leave my laptop at home. But I’m sure there will be plenty of computer access. PLEASE wish us luck, and be sure to tune in to CNBC where all of our games are supposed to be televised live.

All the best, and I can assure you I’m Dreaming BIG!

Stacey

Hello from Rapid City, South Dakota! Amazingly, in the last week I have visited three states for the first time, which has been pretty exciting. It is hard to believe with the amount of travel we do that there are actually states in the USA that I have NOT visited, but its true!! I’ve visited Montana, Wyoming, and South Dakota for the first time, and have been impressed with the beautiful landscapes.

We just enjoyed our first “sightseeing tours” of our Bound 4 Beijng Tour, and have really had a great time. After spending a night in cabins inside of Yellowstone National Forest, we had a wonderful guided tour through the park, complete with a visit to Old Faithful where we got to watch the geyser do what it does…spew water hundreds of feet in the air!! We then spent a night in Cody, Wyoming, and got to experience the “Old West” in its grandeur.

But the ABSOLUTE highlight was yesterday’s truly once-in-a-lifetime day. First, we were treated to a special tour at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, South Dakota. We got to take a look at the B-1 bombers and all of their machinery, weapons, and operating gear. We also got a close look at a fighter jet, which was pretty cool.

Next, we got a personal tour of the Badlands inside of a Black Hawk helecopter!! It was amazing to see and feel the agility and power of the Black Hawk, and to see the amazing landscapes of Western South Dakota. From the helecopters, we passed Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monument and got a birds-eye view of both magnificent monuments. Of course, we took TONS of pictures!!

After Mt. Rushmore, we got a personal tour of Crazy Horse Monument, and even had the special priveledge of getting to get “face-to-face” with Crazy Horse’s face….meaning we got a ride to the top of the hill and literally were touching the massive rock sculpture. VERY COOL!!

Bottom line…it was an AWESOME day, and one I’ll never forget!!

Now we head into the tail end of our tour, with something like 6 games remaining. We are beginning to talk about Olympic processing, what to pack, etc., so it really does feel like we are getting close. I’m beyond anxious and excited to get this show on the road, and get to Beijing.

Keep sending us the good vibes for an injury-free end to the tour and the continued “sharpening of the knife”!!

Dream BIG!
Stacey