The Official Site of Stacey Nuveman

Mark and I are pleased to announce that Chase Gregory Deniz was born on June 6th, at 9:45pm. He weighed in at 8 lbs. 2 ozs, and was 20 1/2 inches long. It was a rather long delivery, but in the end it was WELL worth the effort!!

One very cool thing about Chase's birthday is that he was born on the date in history known as D-Day, the day of the invasion at Normandy. The ironic thing is that I had been referring to his delivery day (or my due date) as D-Day, NEVER in a million years imagining that I might actually give birth on the true-blue D-Day. Mark, being the history buff that he is, was VERY excited, and I know that I'll never forget that historical date again!

Yesterday was Chase's two-week birthday, and he is getting bigger and more alert by the day. The late nights and lack of sleep are definitely wearing on me, but I'm trying my best to catch some Z's during the day when he is snoozing. Motherhood is truly amazing, I just sit and stare at him, flabbergasted that I helped create this little human. Mother Nature truly is THE number one wonder of the world.

Everyone asks who he looks like: I really think he's a blend. I was amazed after looking at my own baby pictures to see how much he looks like me. He also has some definite features of Mark: his mouth, chin, and his long arms and big hands! This kid is gonna be a biggun...already has big 'ol feet and hands!!

I am anxious to get back to training, in preparation of the Olympic Tryouts in September. I know it is going to be a challenge to get everything in my day done, but I am super motivated to get back on the field. Last week was National Team Tryouts, and I was missing being out there already! I have great role models in Leah, Lisa, and Jennie to show me that mom's can still have it and get it done, and I plan to be another example. Its gonna hurt, I know, but I am up for the challenge!!

I hope this finds everyone doing well, and enjoying the last weeks of semi-palatable temperatures before the summer really heats up! It is starting to warm up here in the Central Valley of California, and I'm sure the same is happening where you are.

As this is written, Baby Deniz has NOT yet made his arrival. I am officially past-due, as my due date was May 30th and we don't have a baby to brag about yet! I am definitely getting impatient with the pregnancy thing, and ready to meet this little guy. The worst part is the waiting...I just want to know WHEN the big day is going to happen. But, as I am learning, Mother Nature has her own ideas of when it is time, and I have no control over that! I wouldn't say I am a "control freak", but it is difficult being so very out of control. And as my Mom always says, "Patience is a virtue", so I'm working on my patience!!!

Last night was College of the Sequoias (COS's) post-season banquet, which I was really glad to be a part of. COS is the team I coached this year, and we really had a great season. Against all odds, we won our conference championship with only 9 players (and a last minute pick-up "just in case")!! Unfortunately, we lost in the first round of the Playoffs, but overall FAR exceeded expectations...both our own expectations and the rest of the conferences as well. Two of our players were honored for their accomplishments, as our center fielder Caitlin Nabors was named conference MVP and our pitcher, Alyssa Luna, was Pitcher of the Year. I really am proud of the girls, and had a great experience in my first year of coaching.

The WCWS is happening this week, and I am so bummed not being able to be a part of the action. I've got all of the games Tivo'd, so won't miss a single pitch if I can help it. This year looks to be a VERY exciting year, with a number of teams having a real shot at the title. I want on the record and picked Tennessee to win it all...we'll have to see if I was right!

I'll be sure to let everyone know when Baby Deniz FINALLY decides he's ready to enter the world. But as I've said before, I'm really not sure why he would be in any hurry. After all, he's got a great life these days: warm, cozy surroundings; food on demand; a nice, roomy interior (think the Hummer version of Mom's); and relative peace. Not a bad spot to be...so he's enjoying life and doesn't seem to be in any hurry to exit!

Now that Spring is springing, things in my life are certainly soon to be "springing into action" as well! I am officially at 36 weeks, which means I am a month away from D-Day (as we've come to call it)! I am definitely starting to feel pregnant now, and some of the pregnancy "symptoms" are rearing their ugly heads. I just keep reminding myself that this is all SO VERY worth it, that our little boy will be WELL worth the expanding belly and restless nights!

April was the unofficial Baby Shower Month at the Nuveman/Deniz house! Our friends and families really went all out making sure our little man has EVERYTHING he needs upon arrival! Who knew a little 7-pound being could need so much STUFF? It is overwhelming, but it has been fun organizing (or as they say, "nesting") in preparation of Little Man's arrival. He is already well-taken care of, and he's not even here yet!

I am still keeping my eyes on the Olympic Try-outs in September, and focusing my energy on planning for my quest to make my 3rd Olympic Team. I know it is going to be difficult, but I am so very blessed with an amazing support system in Mark and my parents, that I KNOW in my heart I can do it! I always talk about "Dreaming BIG", right...well, now I'm going to have to put my money where my mouth is! Don't just talk the talk, but actually walk the walk. I'm up for the challenge, believe me!

In the event I make the team, my Mom will be the "Granny Nanny", travelling on the road with us to take care of the baby. Thankfully, USA Softball has its Child Care Fund, which helps players on the National Team financially support themselves and their children as they compete. I hope to be on the team, and thus a beneficiary of the Child Care Fund. USA Softball recently published a really great flyer, explaining the Child Care Fund, and why it is so important to athletes like myself. It allows us to be the best softball players we can be...AND the best MOTHERS we can be! If you're interested in donating to the Child Care Fund (100% tax deductible), check out http://www.usasoftball.com/folders.asp?uid=130 or call 1-800-654-8337. Thanks in advance for your help!

All the best, and I'll be sure to keep everyone posted on the impending arrival!

Softball season is now in full-swing, with all of the NCAA teams getting into conference play. College of the Sequoias (COS, the team I coach), is currently leading our conference and is having a great year so far. Not to jinx us, but we need to continue playing well and the post-season will be a real possibility.

This week I've hit my 31st week of pregnancy, so am almost to 8 months. WOW, time is flying! I have been "nesting" for the last couple of weeks, getting everything in the house arranged and ready for our little guy's arrival! We had our first baby shower earlier this month, and are getting ready for the onslaught of baby "stuff" that will be making its way soon! My teammates also had a surprise shower for me while we were at training camp in Tucson...and YES, I was totally surprised! It was a lot of fun to play some cute baby games and eat some great Mexican food!

Two weeks ago, I had a wonderful opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. on behalf of the Miracle League of Visalia. I've mentioned the Miracle League before, but in short it is a baseball league for children and adults with special needs. I am a big supporter of the Miracle League, and had the opportunity to go to D.C. in an attempt to have our Visalia Miracle League kids invited to the White House t-ball game this summer. Each summer, the White House invites special-needs athletes to come to Washington and play t-ball on the South Lawn of the White House. We are hoping the Visalia Miracle League will be invited!

While the "lobbying" was a great experience, the BEST part was that we were able to get a personal, first-class tour of the West Wing and the Oval Office! This is a tour that ONLY is given by certain White House employees, and we were lucky enough to know someone very important! Ollie Cantos just happens to be the highest-ranking disabled person in the United States Government, and is also a supporter of the Miracle League and good friends with Gary Geiger, Visalia Miracle League's founder. Ollie took us on a tremendous "back stage" tour, and we took as many pictures as we were allowed to! But as you can imagine, security was quite tight!! The picture below is the West Wing in the background...very cool!

My travel schedule is slowing down a bit, thankfully! I'll be busy the next weeks getting the house and my LIFE ready for our new baby, which is very exciting!!

Hello everyone! I hope this journal finds everyone doing well, staying warm (and dry) and getting ready for the weather to start warming up. Being the California girl I am, I enjoy the colder weather, but know that we are such wimps when it comes to the winter. Oh well...gotta love that California sun!

I am doing great, just doing my best to stay in shape and continue to prepare for our little guy who is on his way. I'm nearly 7 months pregnant....I can't believe how fast time is moving! I figured this pregnancy thing would seem like FOREVER, counting the weeks the way pregnant women do. But really, time has flown by! I can't believe I am only 13 weeks from being a real, live, official MOMMY!!

I just returned home from a special clinic I did in New Jersey with my teammate Jessica Mendoza. We are beginning to schedule clinics together around the country that of course focus on softball, but have a larger-than-normal focus on the TRULY important things...life lessons. Our first weekend in New Jersey was a HUGE success, with over 200 girls coming out to spend some time with us working on softball skills and sharing stories about what we have learned as people through the game of softball. Both Jess and myself are VERY VERY excited about our new clinic concept, and hope to continue to spread our softball knowledge, but more importantly to impact the lives of the young girls we encounter.

Attached is a picture of my new softball friend, Bryana Smith, who swore she would wear her newly signed batters helmet to school (Bryana goes to Upper Freehold Regional Elementary/Middle School in Allentown, New Jersey) on Monday!! I didn't quite believe her, and told her that if she followed through and took a picture of it, I would put it on my website. So here it is!!

So much is happening in my life these days, I'm not even sure where to begin. First and foremost, I hope everyone had a great Holiday season, and are in the swing of 2007 by now. We had a wonderful Christmas with family, and celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary on New Year's Eve. It is hard to believe Mark has put up with me for three years already....what a man!!

Our most exciting news is related to our baby on the way....we found our a couple of weeks ago that we are having a BOY! Our first prayer was and still is for a healthy child, but both Mark and I were pulling (secretly) for a boy, so we are very excited! The nursery is already taking shape, as we painted the walls and have already gotten the crib and other furniture. We are a little ahead of the game, but I figure we should knock it out while I still have the energy!!

I've been busy travelling the last few weeks, doing clinics in various parts of the country. I'm feeling great these days, so travel is really no sweat. I'm just now starting to "show", which is kindof crazy, but part of the deal. The baby has been kicking more and more lately, which is also CRAZY, but fun too! It is so hard to believe that there is a little human inside of me growing by the minute. What a miracle!!

I'm still coaching at College of the Sequoias, and we are getting ready to play our first games of the season. We have a great group of hard working girls, and I'm excited to see them in action, FINALLY! I always hated the fall/winter when I was at UCLA, as it seemed like practice days would never end. Same is true as a coach...we're all excited for GAME TIME!

Other than that, I'm still doing my "modified" workouts, not nearly the intenstiy I'm used to but safe for the baby. I go on long walks with Athens and Sydney, and do light weight work as well. I'm trying to take care of myself so that when this little guy is born, I'll be back on the field in no time.

November 29th 2006
Happy Thanksgiving! I hope everyone had as great of a Thanksgiving weekend as we did, with lots of family, fun, and of course FOOD! This year we hosted the family at our home, and it was fun to use all of the great kitchen tools that we rarely break out! The turkey came out perfectly, and everything else was delicious. Thankfully, our families took home much of the leftovers, so we weren't overwhelmed by an overflowing refridgerator.

The best part of the weekend was that we announced something very special to our family and friends: Mark and I are going to be parents! It has been a very exciting time, and it is hard to believe I am going to be a MOM! And not only are Mark and I preparing for parenthood, but Athens and Sydney are preparing for big-brotherhood!

The next logical question: what about softball? I have every intention to continue to play the game I love, and go for another gold in 2008. Of course, I am going to need lots of babysitting from my family, but I am confident that I can be back on the field VERY soon after this baby is born. It will be a challenge, but I have so much amazing support that I KNOW I can do it!

I also attended my 10 year high school reunion a couple of weeks ago...what a night! It made us all feel very old to know it had been 10 YEARS since we recieved our high school diplomas. It was fun to walk down memory lane, and to visit with old friends. But as they say, time flies when you're having fun!

Enjoy the last month of 2006, and best of luck with the Christmas shopping. We've got a whole new Christmas list: LOTS and LOTS of baby stuff!

Take care, and never stop Dreaming BIG!
Stacey
November 4th 2006
Happy Halloween! I hope everyone trick-or-treated to their hearts desire, and didn't have too much left over candy to deal with!! I know it is tempting to keep some for yourself, but its about the KIDS!!!!! We had fun handing candy out to our neighbor kids, lots of cute costumes.

The last couple of weeks have been busy, but with a lot of fun mixed in too. We took our first vacation since last year, which was great. First we took a family trip to Michigan to watch my Dad be honored by his alma mater, Western Michigan University, for his 40th Anniversary MAC Championship Team. All of his college buddies were there, and it was so touching to see him reminisce with these guys. I actually got choked up watching him meet the current WMU team, shaking hands with the young players who thanked the old guys for "coming home". It was very cool.

We also spent some time in Owosso, Michigan, where my Dad grew up. It was Mark's first time seeing my Dad's old stomping grounds, and he enjoyed seeing such a different place. He met a couple of my family members for the first time as well, so it was great seeing and meeting family.

The next part of the vacation was spending time in Chicago, one of my favorite big cities. Mark and I took the L train all around the city, visiting museums and other tourist spots. We made sure to have Chicago-style pizza, but held off the famous Chicago hot dogs. Not my thing!

The last leg was actually the Main Event: we went to South Bend for the UCLA vs. Notre Dame football game! My brother and his buddy, Andy, also joined Mark and me, and we had a BLAST! Of course, the last 30 seconds of the game stunk, as the Bruins lost the lead on a 3-play 80+ yard drive with 1 minute to go...otherwise we had a great time. Lizzy Lemire, a friend of mine and assistant softball coach at ND, hooked us up with tickets and had a little tailgate too, which was fun. The guys were in football heaven, and if the Bruins had pulled off an upset I can't tell you crazy they would have gone! But, unfortunately we had to leave on a slightly sad note, but still with great memories of the trip.

Now its back to work, as we leave in a week or so to Japan for the Japan Cup. It is a weird time of the year to be competing, but still will be nice to be together with everyone again. Wish us luck!

All the best as we are now officially in the "Holiday Season". Take care and keep dreaming BIG!

Stacey

October 4th 2006
Howdy everyone! I hope this journal finds everyone settling into their post-summer routines and geared up for the Fall. For me, it is somewhat of a delayed summer, as I'm finally home and enjoying my "summer break" in October!! We had a successful summer, winning the World Cup in Oklahoma City as well as the World Championships in Beijing. It was a hard fought battle in China, as we lost a game to Japan and had to come back and beat them in the finals. But, with the win, we are seeded #1 in the upcoming 2008 Olympics, so it was a big victory for USA Softball.

Upon returning from China, I added another official title to my name: Coach Nuveman! I am an assistant coach at College of the Sequoias here in Visalia, which I am very excited about. COS is a junior college about 5 minutes from my home, and is where I have trained the last couple of years since Mark and I moved to the San Joaquin Valley. The coach is VERY understanding of my schedule and I've committed to attend as many practices and games as possible surrounding my already full schedule.

You may ask WHY I would jump into yet another commitment....good question! My thought was that before I know if I would enjoy coaching, and while I can do it on a part-time basis, I might as well find out if I enjoy it! I acknowledge that coaching is a much different experience than playing, so I wanted to get my feet wet a little and see how I like it. I'll keep you posted....so far so good!!

And while I take my hand at coaching for the first time, a legend in the game decided it was time to hang 'em up...Coach Sue Enquist announced her retirement recently. It was a surprising decision because of the timing, but definitely not shocking to those who knew Sue or played for her. I was so very blessed to be able to play for Coach Enquist, as she is not only a phenomenal softball coach, but an even better LIFE coach. I truly believe she helped mold me into the woman I am today, taught me what mental toughness really is, and led me through the most tumultuous time of my life: college. I thank you, Coach. And if I ever need to chat, I know I can find you at the beach shredding up the waves!

UCLA Softball will miss Sue, but I'm sure she'll be poking her head in regularly to check on the team, and the new Head Coach, Kelly Inouye-Perez. I also played for Kelly I. while I was at UCLA, quite closely actually as she worked with the catchers and pitchers. I am SO EXCITED for Kelly to have this opportunity, as I know what a phenomenal leader she is, and what a great bead she has on young student-athletes. I can't wait to watch the Bruins win another boat-load of championships with Kelly at the helm!!

Another big event happened this past weekend, as my close friend and teammate Jessica Mendoza tied the knot! I was a bridesmaid, and was so honored to be a part of such a special day. Her husband, Adam, is the GREATEST guy, and they make the most amazing couple. Jess, Adam, Mark, and I took a trip to Europe together last October (as you may remember!), and Paris is where Adam popped the question. Needless to say it was so much fun watching them "finalize" it and take their vows. AND...the reception was a BLAST too! So much love in the room!

So, while we have been off the softball diamond, life has been as busy as ever. The USA team has a trip to Japan in November, then we'll really be able to rest up for the Holidays and recharge the batteries. Can't wait!!

All the best to everyone, and as always, Dream BIG!
Stacey

September 1st 2006
This journal is coming to you from Beijing, China...home of the 2006 World Championships and the 2008 Olympic Games! It is so crazy that we are already seeing the Olympic host city, and actually are playing in the Olympic venue this week during the World Championships. As opposed to the last couple of Olympic events, the Beijing venues are already mostly built and ready, a full two years ahead of schedule! We have not yet had an official tour of the softball venue, but from the outside looking in it is awesome! Lots of seats and a big stadium...it definitely gaveme goose bumps when we saw it for the first time.

We've been here for a couple of days, training and getting acclimated to the food, time change, weather, and air quality. We heard the air was bad in Beijing, and the stories have all proved TRUE! The best way to describe it is it looks like a foggy morning at the beach...except its the middle of the summer in China! We were given face masks and have been encouraged to wear them any time we leave the hotel. Not ideal, but at least we are getting a taste of what is ahead for
2008.

A couple of days ago we went shopping at this famous mall/swap meet called Silk Street. I cannot even describe how CRAZY this place is! Imagine six floors of endless booths/shops selling knock-offs of anything and everything you can imagine: watches, clothes, purses, luggage, iPods, sunglasses, shoes, jewelery...and on and on!! And the salespeople are
pushy to say the least, grabbing your arm and literally pulling you into their shop. But great deals are abound, and we bought boatloads of great "fake" goodies for next to nothing. Example: a fake Lacoste polo shirt for $5! This stuff may not last forever, but for $5 who can complain!!

We have our first game on Sunday vs. Italy, and I think we're all ready to get on the field. We've been practicing, but its tough to always just be practicing...we want to PLAY GAMES! Our games are going to be on TV here in China, but not in the USA (from what I know). But I do believe USA Softball will have live stats of our games, so wish us luck as we go for another World Championship and #1 seeding for the 2008 Olympics.

August 2nd
Hello,
I hope everyone is enjoying the summer. As I write this, Team USA is bout to get started with the World Cup. This is the second year the USA has hosted the World Cup, and it is quickly becoming a big event. The media is in full force and ESPN will be televising the games. The top teams in the world are here to compete, and the cool thing is we are on US soil. All I have to say is Team USA wants to have the #1 ranking back.

The weather in Oklahoma City is HOT. However, most of us played summer ball when we were younger and nothing seems hotter than those days. Plus, Beijing will be just as hot, so we might as well get ready for it. This team is really balanced on so many different levels. We have a good blend of speed and power. There is a good mix of veterans and new faces. I really enjoy being around my teammates. After being behind the booth for the college world series, I CANNOT wait to get behind the plate.

This time of the season is all about softball for myself and Team USA. The normal duties of life (such as bills, emails, etc.) are on hold. All that matters for us is playing great softball. Wish us luck & GO USA!

Stacey

June 20th 2006
Happy summer everyone! I can't believe that the summer is FINALLY and OFFICIALLY here. I feel like spring was very long this year, waiting for the summer season to arrive. This is when I take off my ESPN color analyst hat and put on my USA and PFX player hats. I pride myself on being a well-balanced athlete, but this is when it is all about PLAYING the game rather than talking about it!

This year's WCWS was another great event, with an unexpected final between Arizona and Northwestern. I would never have pegged those two to be matched up in the finals, which goes to show you that anything can happen at that time of year. It was fun to watch a "Cinderella" team in Northwestern win some AMAZINGLY exciting games to get to the finals...and similarly exciting to watch Arizona truly peak at the right time and win another title for the U of A. The ESPN ratings were up once again from last year, which is a testament to the growth of softball here in the U.S.

On top of the WCWS, we also had our first PFX Tour stop in Oklahoma City...and it was a GREAT success! We had a great turnout of fans for our games, and the kids that played in the amateur tournament had a blast too! It was a great way to kick off the PFX Tour, and OKC was an awesome host as usual.

I just got back from our Orlando PFX stop, and also had a chance to spend a couple of extra days "playing" Disney-style! Mark and my parents came out for the weekend, and then we hopped our way around Disney World at the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, MGM Studios, and Downtown Disney. Yes, it is vacation...but NO, it isn't relaxing! I am exhausted after walking around for three days straight in the Florida heat and humidity. But I must say, it was still a BLAST!

AND on top of all of that, we had USA tryouts last week in Chula Vista, and I was lucky enough to be selected to the National Team again this summer. It was great to be back on the field with my USA teammates, and I am excited to see what we can do this summer. As usual, there were some surprises, and I am going to miss some of my friends who won't be with us this summer. But those of us who were selected are anxious to begin our preparations to defend our World Championship and get back to our #1 world ranking.

Keep an eye out for the World Cup again in July (not soccer, but softball!) as ESPN will once again televise our games.

And as always, keep DREAMING BIG!

Stacey

June 1st 2006
This is coming to you from OKC as we are getting ready to start the 2006 Women's College World Series! I am very excited for the tournament this year, as I think it is one of the more exciting groups of teams in recent memory. There is a combination of the "usual suspects" to go along with some WCWS newcomers, which I think makes for a very interesting tournament.

We just finished our "media day", where we (the ESPN folks) spend time talking with coaches and players, and the teams get to practice on the main field at the Hall of Fame Stadium. It is our chance to get to know the players a little better, and gives us more insight than simply reading a media guide or newspaper article. I always enjoy this day...I feel you can tell a lot about a player and a team by sitting down and chatting. The only kicker is that we were interviewing for EIGHT (yes 8) long hours today...LONG DAY needless to say!

In the meantime, I am happy to report that the inaugural PFX Tour weekend went off extremely well! Unfortunately I missed the very first game due to ESPN commitments, but we had over 1,500 fans in attendance! Big time! My first game was Sunday, and it too was a great day with a lot of excitement from the players and the fans alike. I really felt good about the excitement we brought to the field and the looks in the eyes of the young girls all around told the story...they really were ecstatic that we were in town! Our next stop is in Orlando, and I expect more of the same!!

Hope everyone has their TiVo's programmed and are ready for the WCWS...I promise it will be an exciting event and you won't regret spending hours and hours in front of the tube watching the teams duke it out. It could be the best championship ever!

Take care, and Dream BIG! (and on a side note, I found out today that Arizona State's team motto this year is "Dream big"...so naturally I became an instant fan!!)

Stacey

May 15th 2006
Hello everyone! I hope all is well, and all the softball fans out there are gearing up for "May Madness", our own version of March Madness. I love this time of year, when EVERYTHING is on the line and a bad weekend means the season is over. These are the days that all of these athletes and teams have been working for, and we are sure to have some awesome moments in the midst of all of the competition. I miss my UCLA days, and this time of year is always fun to watch!

I will once again be working for ESPN the next three weeks, on the Regionals, Super Regionals, and the awesome Women's College World Series. What an event! It really is great how much the sport has grown over the last several years in terms of coverage and exposure. Last year was the first year ESPN televised the Supers...and this year they added the Regionals. Needless to say, ESPN sees the value of fastpitch softball to their lineup, and I'm pumped to be involved again this year.

As free weekends become a premium in my life, Mark and I took a weekend trip to San Francisco last weekend. Our big "event" of the weekend was going to the Giants/Dodgers game in hopes of seeing Barry Bonds get the record. As this is written, he's yet to do it, so needless to say we didn't see any fireworks. It is funny, because I am FAR from a Bonds fan, but history making is history making.

The trip was also a little for work, as I was beamed in via satellite for the NCAA Softball Selection Show. That was fun, as I got to put my two-cents in about the match-ups and who I think is going to win. My prediction is that UCLA and Texas will meet in the finals, with the Bruins winning the title. UCLA is the most experienced team in the field, and have proved the last several years that they know how to peak in the post-season. I knew people would think I was being a homer...but let me remind you, last year I picked Michigan, and guess what?...Michigan won! My dark horse pick is Tennessee, a very good, extremely balanced team when they are playing well.

I realized it has been awhile since I last showed my two sons, Athens and Sydney...so included a pic. I guess this picture was taking one early morning...yawns all around!

Best of luck to all of the teams, and the fans too! Check out ESPN and ESPN2 these next few weeks, and don't forget to DREAM BIG!

Stacey

May 1st 2006
Hello everyone! As usual, things the last few weeks have been busy, and the countdown is on to National Team Tryouts in June. It feels like FOREVER since I've played in a real softball game, and the monotony of practice is starting to get annoying! I'm really excited to get out on the field this summer...especially because I've been watching so much softball between the games I've broadcast and those I've seen on television. I LOVE that so much softball is being shown, and it is a lot easier to keep track of all of the teams when you can Tivo the games!

I also had a great time last weekend playing in the 2nd annual Ladies' First Celebrity Golf Classic. This event is a one-of-a-kind charity golf event, where all of the celebrities invited to play are WOMEN! The Ladies First event is hosted by the US Women's Soccer Team, and they invite sports, entertainment, and business celebrities to play along with amateur players who pay to play and support the cause. It is an AWESOME weekend, as we stayed at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, and were treated 1st class all the way! My golf game wasn't all that great, but I was happy that I was at least respectable!!

The college softball season is starting to wind down, which blows me away....it seems like it just got started a couple of weeks ago! I'm looking forward to working for ESPN again at the Regionals, Super Regionals, and the Women's College World Series. It is always such a great event, albeit a long week of work, but really something I look forward to.

I hope everyone is GREAT and having big dreams!

Best,
Stacey

April 1st 2006
Happy spring to everyone! It seems that the April showers are already starting, keeping everything nice and green! Per usual, it has been busy times for me, as my schedule is starting to really get busy heading into the summer. I always can expect a busy summer with National Team and PFX Tour commitments, and this spring has been no different.

I'm still doing some work for ESPN on their softball broadcasts, and am having a great time with it. I've also started trying my hand at the "other" spot in the booth, play-by-play. My goal is to be a multi-faceted announcer rather than simply a color analyst, in hopes of bettering my chances of making a true career out of broadcasting when my playing days are done. It is sure to be a LOT of work, but I really enjoy the job and can't imagine a better job. As I see it, I get paid to TALK about sports....what could be better?

I also managed a mini-vacation last week to Vail, CO with a two of my teammates, Jessica Mendoza and Jaime Clark. We had a great time in the snow, and did a 1/2 skiing on the mountain. Actually, I am an old-school skier while the other two are new-age snowboarders! I stick with what I know, and I'm comfortable on two skis, so why change!!

Our training is still ramping up towards this summer, as preparations continue for the World Championships. I'm getting anxious to actually play games, as months of practice can start to wear on you. All of the National Team players are doing what we've got to do to be ready this summer, particularly after we struggled last summer. It's not normal for USA Softball to LOSE games, so it didn't sit too well. Our plan is to get back to where we need to be and belong...on the winners podium!

I hope everyone is well, and as always is DREAMING BIG!
Stacey

March 15th 2006
I hope this note finds everyone doing well and enjoying life! Things around here are much the same: training hard for the upcoming summer season and trying to enjoy the "calm before the storm". This summer is shaping up to be a particularly busy one. If I am selected to the National Team, which I hope to be, the schedule is VERY busy with a lot of training involved in preparation for the World Championships. Worlds are in Beijing in August, so USA Softball will be spending the summer getting ready to defend our World Championship and Olympic Gold. Last summer was a wake-up call, and we're working to get ourselves back to the #1 slot in the world!

A couple of weeks ago, my family and I took a mini-vacation up to Lake Tahoe for some R&R. It was a wonderful weekend with LOTS of snow...we got over 18 inches during our stay! I love the winter and the snow, and it was so amazing to look outside and see the snow "pouring" down (or whatever it is called when the snow is coming down hard and steady...). It's always nice to spend some quality time with loved ones, and we really enjoyed our time. The highlight was DEFINITELY our snowmobiling day trip....SO MUCH FUN!

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the college softball season. I know I am!!

Take care and Dream BIG!
Stacey

March 1st 2006
Hello everyone! It looks like we are soon to be out of the "winter" weather here in California (can we REALLY call it winter weather...) and into the springtime. And as we all know, with springtime comes college softball! I spent this last weekend down in Palm Springs at the big college tournament at Big League Dreams park...what an event! The level of competition was amazing, with so many great matchups through out the weekend.

I was in town to be a part of ESPNU's broadcasts of a triple-header as the color analyst. We broadcasted three great games: Stanford vs. LSU, UCLA vs. Oklahoma, and Texas vs. Arizona. All three games were close ball games, with a total of 4 runs being scored in the combined games. Needless to say, low scoring games really put television broadcasters to the test. Without a lot of action on the field, we spend a lot of time relying on our research, or "homework", done prior to the game. It was a lot of fun, but a VERY LONG DAY being in the booth from 7am until the last game ended at 3:15pm.

I'm still working hard getting ready for this summer and the National Team schedule. We have monthly workout camps in Tucson from now until June, which is a great chance for us to stay sharp and work together in a team setting. We are holding the camps in Tucson so Coach Candrea can participate...otherwise, because of being smack in the middle of the college season, he woudn't be able to join us. So how it works is Coach will have a USA practice in the morning and then U of A practice in the afternoon. He's on the field all day! Needless to say he's a busier guy than usual when the National Training team comes to town!!

I hope everyone is happy and healthy, and still Dreaming BIG!
Stacey

February 5th 2006
Hi everyone! I hope that this new year is going well, and those resolutions are working out for everyone. I'm not big on specific "resolutions", but it seems a lot of other people are, because there are DEFINITELY more people at the gym in the morning!!!! I'm busy training, getting back into shape and revving up for this summer. One thing I have known before but REALLY know now is how HARD it is to get in to shape, and how EASY it is to get out of shape! Any work-out person knows what I mean, and right now I am learning that lesson all over again!

I have also tried to get in a few rounds of golf during this off-season. No matter how often I hear how difficult golf is, I still CANNOT believe how truly tough it is!! It is hard for me to believe that I can hit a softball that is dropping, rising, slow, fast and everything in between...but I can't hit a little white ball that is just SITTING ON THE GROUND, not moving at all! It is a frustrating game, but those few good shots each round keep me coming back for more.

It is so hard to believe that the college season is less than two weeks away...it seems yesterday we were watching the Women's College World Series. Good luck to everyone as the 2006 season gets underway.

Take care, and I hope everyone is dreaming big!
Stacey

January 15th 2006
HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope 2006 is treating everyone well so far, and everyone is settling into the new year. I always feel it is slightly difficult to get going at this time of the year, after the Holidays and all. I'm sure that is why someone invented "New Year's resolutions"...we need to get back on track after the plentiful food of Christmas!!

Mark and I celebrated our two year anniversary on New Year's Eve, and had a nice time with family and friends ringing in the new year. I cannot believe two years have passed since we tied the knot...SO MUCH has happened since then! We also had a GREAT Holiday party with all of my old high school friends. I don't get to see them much, but it is always special to hang with your oldest and dearest friends.

One piece of news is that Athens now has a little brother: Sydney! We were not planning on getting another dog, but Sydney (formerly named Joe) was rescued by a woman who no longer could afford to take care of him. We brought him home for a "trial run" to see how he and Athens got along...and needless to say, two days later he was re-named Sydney and was home to stay!! He and Athens are great buddies already, and it is awesome that the two of them have company during the day. Now all we need is a HUMAN child....(some day....)

I just got back from a week of training camp with the National Team. It was great to see everyone, and also a wake-up call to continue working to get back in shape. Coach Candrea has high expectations for us leading up to Beijing this summer, as we all do of ourselves as well. We're easing back into the softball thing, but the strength and conditioning are ALWAYS a challenge!!

I'm very excited about the upcoming NCAA softball season. ESPN has already slated a few games for me and I am expecting more to come. It is GREAT to see how much coverage softball continues to get, and I hope to be a part o