Holiday Happenings: Hannah Alley

A Holiday perspective from sophomore, Hannah Alley:

Hi everyone! I hope you all are doing great and having a wonderful holiday season. So far my break has been very relaxing and refreshing. I came home to a winter wonderland in Chicago! There was at least a foot and a half of snow and it has been at least zero degrees there everyday! With that kind of weather my workouts were limited to the ever thrilling court-runs! I was very excited about heading to Florida for Christmas! While I have been here I have been laying on the beach, passing around the lacrosse ball with my sisters, swimming in the pool and golfing. Oh and having a field to run on was also much more enjoyable. My daddy longlegs like much better to stride out on the 100's than to be confined to a gym! Christmas was wonderful, and now we are getting ready to celebrate my Dad's birthday tomorrow!

I have to say that I am very disappointed my Chicago bears lost today and did not make the playoffs but I know I still have hope in the EAGLES football team!! I can't wait to watch them play, and I am so jealous of some of you seniors that are going!

Well, after watching the movie Miracle last night, I have to say that it got me that much more pumped for us to have "our time" this 2009 season! With this tough workout packet, our team's work ethic and leadership, as well as, the support and guidance of our coaches, I know we are going to surprise the nation just like the USA surprised the Russians! Sorry this is so cheesy but I am just so excited!! Miss you all so much! Have a great rest of break and a Happy New Year!

Love,
Hannah

A Day of Festivities

Your Eagles continued a three-year tradition by decorating holiday cookies with the children at Franciscan Hospital on Friday.  This has become one of the most memorable days of the year for the team AND for the children.  It is a reminder for all of us about what truly matters in life, and certainly is a day that puts wins and losses, tough conditioning runs, hard lifts, difficult exams etc. into perspective.  There is nothing more powerful than seeing the faces of these children light up when we arrive and spend a couple hours of our day giving back.  There is no question all of our faces light up as well - these children truly have an amazing impact on us all!

The visit to Franciscan ended with a surprise visit from two gold medal winning women's soccer players who now play for the Boston Breakers.  The children of Franciscan, along with your Eagles, were very excited to meet these stars (Angela Hucles and Heather Mitts) and touch an Olympic Gold Medal!

The Day of Festivities ended with our annual team holiday party at Bowen's house.  With good food supplied from Blue Ribbon Barbecue, along with some great desserts, the team was 

well fed and enjoyed another evening together.  With the Christmas tree decorated and the Menorah lit, everyone was in the holiday spirit.  We also enjoyed the company of Judith, as she always brings a smile to our faces!  And, we had the pleasure of

two little elves celebrating with us: Addison & Bailey Kent, Jen's two youngest daughters.  Cannon kept them company as well...giving hugs and being entertained by her "big sisters."  

After our dinner, we all spoke of the things we were most grateful for during the past year, and there is no doubt everyone is very grateful for a wonderfully tight-knit team who believes in one another, cares about one another, and is led by a great group of seniors.  The evening ended with an exchange of small & fun gifts from one "Secret Snowflake" to another - laughter and happiness filled the room!

The 2009 team is clearly a special one, and we are all looking forward to the season the lies ahead! 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL and BEST WISHES FOR A GREAT NEW YEAR!

(see all pictures from the day under our picture section!)