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The US Women's National Team celebrated
a traditional Thanksgiving FIELD HOCKEY: USA Women Give Thanks at
World Cup PERTH, Australia – The U.S. women’s national field hockey team had a lot to be thankful for in 2002, and the team celebrated appropriately with a traditional family Thanksgiving on Thursday. Although thousands of miles away from grandma’s house, U.S. manager Kate Roberts arranged the traditional Thanksgiving feast for the team, family members and friends on the team’s day off from play at the 10th Women’s World Cup. The U.S. is currently 1-2-0 at the 16-team event that serves as the sport of field hockey’s world championships. The U.S. team spent a tumultuous 2002 just to earn its place in the World Cup tournament. After the terrorist attacks prevented the team from competing in the World Cup Qualifying Tournament in September 2001, the U.S. women spent a taxing 2002 preparing and re-preparing for an oft-delayed qualifying series with India. The team finally defeated India in a best-of-three series in June to earn its spot in the World Cup. “It was tough,” said the USA’s Jill Reeve on the nine-month ordeal. “I’m just thankful for this opportunity to play in the World Cup and to be surrounded by these amazing people every day of my life.” Likewise, Reeve’s teammates expressed their thanks for each other and the support of their families. “I’m thankful that we’re all here with our friends and our families,” said Tracey Larson who is appearing in her first World Cup. “We get to play in this beautiful country and get to do what we love and be with the people that we love. I’m thankful that my sister is here and that my dad made it safely. I’m thankful for all of that and I’m thankful that we get to eat soon.” The U.S. returns to action on Friday against Spain before taking on South Africa on Saturday. The U.S. concludes pool play with games against England on Monday and the Netherlands on Wednesday.
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