Junior National Teams - my thoughts

First of all, congratulations players, parents, coaches - of those chosen, of the alternates and of those not chosen this year. As an assistant coach, I saw both tryouts, mostly the girls, some of the boys. The level of play was extraordinary and the personalities were unique, interesting and fun. I was on the junior national team in 2000, back when you just sent in letters of recommendation, and let me tell you, juniors ultimate has come a long way since then. The boys' coaches had to turn players away from the tryouts because there were so many applications. The average length of ultimate career of these kids is about as long as i've been playing...now. Their resumes included middle school, high school, college, club, coaching - everything you could think of. These teams could win college nationals and could almost certainly make club nationals, at least out of the central region.

I'm particularly happy to be a part of this program as we are representing the country well geographically and from what i've seen, the attitude of these juniors is of pure sportsmanship, gratitude to their coaches and parents, and respect for their teammates and opponents. I look forward to seeing the improvements made over the next few months and then watching them pleasantly dismantle their opponents.

Fun facts about the team and the tryouts (for more check out http://www4.upa.org/juniors/2006nationalteam):

In general, the west coast tryouts were more athletic and made more dynamic plays (layouts, skies, etc.)
In general, the east coast tryouts were more skilled and made better choices (throws, cutting, etc.)
It was rainy and windy on the west coast, beautiful on the east coast

Fact - kids are fast. We had some sub 10 80s run on the girls' side and some very strong miles on the boys' side
Fact - kids are jacked. We had gals pulling out the back of the endzone...yikes!

At least three of these players are younger siblings of former national team competitors

If you're not on the team, you should really try to come watch the team play - they are the cream of the crop and the people who will be setting the ultimate trends for many years to come.
If you're on the team - get ready to bring it. Though it may feel weird to represent your country, remember that you are representing your country's ultimate community and i'm sure you can think of more than one person to play for when it's USA vs. everyone else.

Can't wait,
Miranda