USA Softball

August 5, 2008

Good morning all!

It's about 7:15 a.m on Aug. 6, and I am safely in China! We arrived here yesterday around 2 p.m., but then had to get all our bags, go through accreditation, customs and find our way to the buses. It's been quite the trip so far.

I spent our week off in Texas! I was able to catch up with so many people while I was home, which was a nice way to relax. My dad and I worked out quite a few times, so I could leave for China with a good feeling about my pitching. Also I took in two Astros games. They won both, so I might be a little luck for them. My packing started two days before I had to leave, but that didn't help me with the last-minute stresses. Check out the pics to see the mess I had lying around (coming soon!).

On the 2nd, our team arrived in San Jose, Calif., and went through processing, which is where we get all our podium wear, opening and closing ceremony outfits and some other lounge wear. It's always fun to see everyone trying everything on, and laughing at each other when we look silly in some of the stuff. Overall though, the clothes are nice. Our opening ceremony outfit will be hot since it includes pants and a long-sleeved shirt, but it looks good. The meetings were good and informative; the USOC likes to show motivational videos, which get all of us pumped up to get out and play.

The 4th was our day to fly to China. It was also the day I officially enrolled in grad school at DePaul! =) We were up and out of the dorms early to ensure enough time at the airport. The 12-hour flight was so long. I didn't sleep much, and finally convinced someone to switch me seats so I could be next to a teammate and not get bored. (Crystl) Bustos, (Jennie) Finch and I had a good time talking and reading magazines together.

The athletes village is really nice. We had our first taste of the dining hall food last night. There is a 24-hour McDonald's in there, but Finch and I insisted we weren't going to cave to that temptation, yet. I had some BBQ pork, a lamb kabob and some potatoes along with a salad and pita bread. There's a little bit of everything, so I think we'll survive. We all went to bed really early last night, so that means today started really early. We have practice at noon, and then I'm sure we'll all head to the international zone to get our souvenir shopping out of the way!

I'll report again soon!

=) Cat

August 10, 2008

Well, where to start? This Olympic experience has already far exceeded the one we had in Athens, mainly because to the fact we were able to go to the Opening Ceremonies, but also because I have seen so many familiar faces already. I've run into most of the Longhorn clan that is here, which makes someone feel at home.

Now to opening ceremonies ... that night in and of itself will forever be one of the best Olympic moments for me, and for most of the team! We had the day off from practice - the only one we've had since reconvening - and the last one we will have between now and going home. I don't sleep in here, so I was up about 6 a.m. and waited until someone else in my apartment was up. The first up was (Jennie) Finch, so we sat and chatted for a bit, then decided to go grab breakfast.

After breakfast we decided to get a workout in, so with iPods in hand, we headed to the gym here in the village for some cardio and a light lift. It was nice to be productive on a day off even. After working out, we just roamed the village, and then hung out back at our place. (Crystl) Bustos is constantly doodling, while the other three of us just have random conversation. We had to be ready for the ceremony at 5:30, so we started the process of getting ready about 3 p.m. Because of the international differences in wall plugs and wattage, our team has already managed to fry two hair straighteners and a few hair dryers. For 15 of us, we had to share two dryers and one straightener in a matter of a few hours. Impossible? Never... we managed!

Our outfits were by Ralph Lauren, and I think they were one of the nicer ones we saw. The only issue was it was extremely hot out, so we were all sweating pretty badly once we were outside.

We were first taken to the Fencing Hall where we were to be addressed President Bush, and then each sport took their picture with him. His father also accompanied him, so we met both of them. I used my Texas connection to get personal photos with both of them. Check out the gallery!

At the same time, all the athletes were mingling, so we got to meet and take pictures with plenty of people. Both the men's and women's basketball teams were extremely kind to take pictures with everyone. While taking a picture with Jason Kidd, he asked me if I thought he could hit off me. After saying I thought he could try, he and Lebron (James) challenged Finch and I to a face off. We'll see if we ever get this debate settled!

I went and introduced myself to Coach G (Gail Goestenkors), who is now the head coach at Texas after an amazing career at Duke. I don't know why I was so nervous, but I was; I could hardly talk to her. I had always wanted to meet her once she was hired at Texas, but I never ran into her when I was in Austin. Maybe next time I see her I won't be so scared. I also met Coach K (Mike Krzyzewski), who's the head coach of the men's basketball team. It's so amazing to meet these athletes and coaches you see and read about all the time.

Once we wrapped up our visit with the President, our delegation was escorted to the waiting area until it was our turn to march out into the stadium. I sat with a few of the baseball players and chatted about different things. It's fun to hear how many of them actually watch when we play. Once it was time to march we all were filled with emotions. Walking through the tunnel to the stadium, all the athletes started chanting "U-S-A, U-S-A," which sent chills throughout my body. Knowing we are all here for one reason - and one reason only - just excites you!

More emotions set in once we were walking around the stadium. We kept finding American flags in the crowd and would get so excited! We waved at every flag we saw, regardless of the fact we didn't know the person waving it. There's so much pride the comes with being part of Team USA!

Once the march was done, we all stood in the infield of the track to watch the ceremony. The torch lighting was my favorite part. We figured they would hoist the last torch-bearer up, but never did we imagine he would have to pretend run around the whole top of the stadium. He was incredible. Seeing the flame rocket around and up the torch was the best part, though. The Games officially being once the torch is lit, so we all beamed with excitement as soon as we saw the flame.

The day after the ceremony it was back to practice. We are practicing at noon everyday in order to mimic our game times and yesterday we had a surprise guest! (Well, not really a surprise since he asked the night before what time we practiced.) President Bush came to catch batting practice and wish us good luck. He really didn't know what he was getting into though.

Coach Candrea called the team together to talk with President Bush, and Laura Berg, who is our prankster, got the President with one of her classic pranks. She hugged him, and when she did, she left a chalk handprint on his back. We all got a laugh out of this since she does it almost daily to someone. Once we let him in on the joke, he laughed, too, and even took a picture with her so you can see his hand print. She claims she is now going out on top and retiring from pranking! That's doubtful though!

We had a team press conference last night, which went well. Today everyone has been getting calls and texts from their family saying they have arrived here in China. Not only are we glad they are safely here, but it means games are right around the corner. In other news... my room got our TV today, so we can now watch all the events going on. Before we had to sneak into our coaches' common room to catch anything.

Oh, I visited Beijing Normal University, where the USA has set up alternate training spots for us. Also they have an amazing chef there that is cooking great food daily. Some of the team went the other night, but most of us took advantage of the opportunity to get out today. We can also see massage therapists and chiropractors there. We enjoy getting out of the village sometimes.

Only one more day of practice before we start! I can't believe it's almost here. We have waited for so long for this time to arrive. I know I'm ready, and I feel as if the team is more ready than ever. Each day that passes, more memories are made, and this team is ready to leave our legacy here in China.

I'll write again soon! Think good thoughts... Go Red, White and Blue!
Cat

Well, another few days have passed, and the one word that describes this experience is unbelievable.

After the Opening Ceremonies, we had a few days of intrasquad scrimmages. What other way to best prepare then facing each other? Honestly, I feel like we got so much out of playing ourselves. Our hitters faced good pitching, and pitchers faced hitters that would make us pay for hanging a pitch. I think we all made the adjustments that were needed going into the tournament.

We also had our team press conference, where media can address us as a whole group. Unfortunately, the majority of the questions weren’t about us as players, or even what this team is capable of; everyone asks about the future of softball as an Olympic sport. While this is a big issue for the sport, our minds are on playing this game to the best of our ability. As the Games go on, I think people will start to see we are focused on one thing right now - GOLD!

Our games started on Aug. 12, and we came out on fire. Our offense was unbelievable, and Jennie (Finch) and Monica (Abbott) both held it down in the circle. Games where we have a little bit of everything going on fires us up. Game one also marked the first time a lot of us were able to see our family since their arrival. We are here for one reason, but it’s nice to see our families’ smiles when we know they are around. For me, I have my mom, dad, both of my brothers, my aunt and uncle from Chicago and their two kids, and one other aunt from the Dallas area here. Yep, my entourage is nine people deep … 10 if you count their interpreter! =) It was nice to chat with them, hear their experiences at the Great Wall and in the Forbidden City, the nice restaurant their interpreter took them to, and how amazing their house is.

I can’t put into words how surreal game two seems. Even as I lay here in bed typing, I can’t help but smile at the thought of our game against Australia. Never would I have dreamed of a game like that. Our team fought through to come up with the runs when we needed it, and Stacey (Nuveman) called a great game behind the plate. We did everything we had to do! As soon as the last pitch was thrown, I erupted with smiles. For everyone who has ever said I don’t smile when I play… there you go! Thank you to everyone who has made comments on my webpage, and also to all those back home that stayed up to watch! I know they are late games, but your support is appreciated more than you know.

As Coach Candrea says, there is no time to celebrate - it’s on to the next game! Our focus is now on Canada, but only after a good dinner! =) (Of course I would bring up food!)

Tonight at the USA’s alternate training facility, Beijing Normal University, it was Mexican food night. Our team took advantage of this and filed over there after our game. After an ice bath, a flush massage on my legs and a nice shower, I went and enjoyed fajitas, black beans and good company. There are a number of athletes who head over there to train during the day, so we get to know many of them. I usually see the Lopez family – they all compete in taekwondo - which is nice since they are from back home in Houston, and I know them a little bit. Today Sanya Richards arrived, too. I ran into her at dinner and caught up. I love seeing familiar Longhorn faces! =)

I hope you all are enjoying the Games!

#8 Cat Osterman

Hey everyone …

Not a whole lot has gone on since the last time I wrote. Everyday seems to be Groundhog Day. With most of our games at noon, we go through the same routine everyday. Since nothing major has happened, I’ll fill you in on the little things in our daily lives.

(Jennie) Finch and I usually are up by 7 a.m., although today being the day of our late game, I actually finally slept past 7 and woke up at 10 a.m.! We start to get ready as we wait for (Crystl) Bustos and (Laura) Berg to get up. Usually we head to breakfast by 7:30, and then return to our house with plenty of time to finish putting on our uniforms, do our hair and make up, and for me to make my pot of coffee. I take a big mug of coffee to the game everyday. I can’t deny that I am addicted to good coffee!

We pick up and turn in laundry every morning. We’re fortunate that the laundromat is not too far from our building, so we can just hop on over there quickly when we need to. It takes about 12 hours for them to get laundry done, so we frequent the ‘mat. So far, no one has lost anything, but I had a scare for a minute when it took them two days to locate my bag, but they finally found it.

The dining hall still hasn’t gotten old yet. There’s a good variety of food, and we tend to try most of it in one sitting. I think the dining hall might be our favorite place to chill. We eat and then sit at our table for an hour talking and people watching. I will say the Athletes Village is fun for people watching. One of the countries had their rookies dressed up in the nice Chinese outfits often seen in movies, and they had to stand in the middle of the entrance with a sign that said, “I’m a rookie … you can take your picture with me for free!” They didn’t look too happy.

Our team has made friends with some players on the baseball team, the cyclists and some of the track and field members. It’s fun to see them around and be greeted by a smile.

Speaking of smiles, when we warm up we have some volunteers who help us gather the home run balls. One guy is as nice as can be. He literally runs to get every ball that goes over, and runs the ball back to us. Every time I turn to get a ball from him, he has a smile so big that it’s contagious. I smile back and say thank you, and he keeps on smiling. It’s just something that makes my day to see him enjoy helping us out for an hour.

In my down time, I’ve been reading a lot. I finished the second book of the Twilight Series, and I’m almost done with Cal Ripken’s book that my mom bought me for Christmas. I am going to start the Alchemist next ... and continue to download movies to watch at night. I just finished downloading Gone Baby Gone, so it will be first up!

We’re 5-0 and have the Netherlands tonight. We’re excited to get these last two games underway, and then focus on the medal rounds. I hope you all are getting some sleep after our late-night games! Keep cheering us on! =)

It’s movie time for me….

Cat

Well, I figured it’s finally time to face reality. After all, life does go on. I don’t think I have ever felt the way I’ve felt for the last week. It’s been an emotional roller coaster to be honest. It’s hard to put all of this into words, so bear with me.

I’ll start with the game. Wow, I never expected it to end up the way it did. I’m not saying that because we’re that arrogant or cocky, but we really were ready for that game. We expected Ueno to throw, and we have seen her enough over the quad to be prepared. The way we had been playing, it felt like it was all going to come together for us. Personally, I wish I could take back two pitches. If I couldn’t take back two, I would take back the home run. I should have learned my lesson with the first rise ball. I just wish I could have done more.

When the game initially ended I wasn’t crying. I was in shock, disbelief and just down right disappointed in myself for not getting it done. Sure, it’s a team sport, but we all still felt an individual responsibility for the game. When we walked through the line to shake hands, my tears started falling and they came full blast. Coach Candrea stopped me to tell me he still loved me, and that there are far worse things that can happen in life. Then our director, Ronnie Isham, hugged me for what felt like 20 minutes. I just cried on his shoulder. Once we were all in the locker room, I think I cried in my chair for another 30 minutes. I can honestly say that is the longest and hardest I have ever cried. I felt like I let down the team, and none of us ever want to do that.

We had a day and half left in Beijing after the game, so we did the media circuit, which - I won’t lie - was hard. Yes, a silver medal is better than no medal, and the opportunity to be an Olympian is so many peoples’ dreams. But when you expect more, you do go through a period of emotional letdown.

It’s not that we’re selfish or ungrateful. I am thankful for the fact I was on this team, and that I have been to two Olympics. But just being there was not our goal. As we answered the questions, the hardest to swallow was everyone asking if we thought it was good for the sport’s reinstatement now that we lost. How can you ask an athlete to justify losing? We’re out there to compete; we don’t ever want to lose.

That night, we had a get together with all our families at the USA House. We enjoyed some down time, got last-minute things signed by the team, and listened to Ronine and Coach talk. Coach announced that he is through coaching internationally, which, to be honest, made me cry again. The best coach in the world should not go out on a losing note. We took pictures with each other one last time, knowing that soon we’ll be parting ways.

I flew home to Chicago on Saturday, and completely destroyed my condo with all my dirty laundry and stuff we got in Beijing. I also got a sinus infection or something on the way home, so I’ve been battling that, too. I did go into the office, more out of boredom than anything. I wasn’t expected to go in until I was ready, but as I said, life does go on. While I know there are worse things to happen in life, it doesn’t take away the present pain or disappointment. It really did happen; it’s really something to deal with no matter how big or small it may seem to someone else.

I don’t plan on the emotions of this to go away any time soon. I am sure I’ll be affected for a while, but I do know I can learn from this.

Thank you to everyone who has left all the kind messages on my blog. I appreciate all of y’all’s support and love. I could never imagine the number of responses you guys provided. While I don’t respond to them, I do read them, and you guys put a smile on my face when I was ready to read every message! Thank you!

Now what? Well, I’m doing a clinic in Utah this weekend, and then the real world is waiting. I’ll be coaching full time at DePaul this year and I’ll start grad school this semester, too. And I’m continuing to play! Despite some photo captions that were floating out in cyber space, I did not leave my cleats on the field in Beijing! I’m not done yet!!

Until next time…. #8 Cat Osterman