Hey All, Hope you have all been doing well! I know it has been a long time since I last wrote, so I am just wanted to let you know what is going on with me.  I have been working really hard to get my knee back in to playing shape over the last 8months, while also looking for a place to play.  I worked at Moxie’s in Lethbridge while I was rehabbing, which was a REALLY great experience. I had never served before and thought “serving cant be THAT hard”, and let me tell you!! There were days when I thought I would never step foot in a restaurant again because it was that trying.  I am so appreciative to have had the experience that I had at Moxie’s and to have been able to work with some AWESOME people. I learnt a ton as a server and have gained a greater appreciation for servers and really, people in general.

Around December I started to have troubles with my IT band.  I was working a lot, and training too, and I think it was just too much.  I actually ended up getting a contract offer for a Div. 1 team in the Czech Republic right after Christmas, but couldn’t take it because of the IT band set back.  I was really happy to have gotten a Div 1 offer, so it was a bit crushing to not be able to take it. But, with the help of some really great physio, acupuncture, chiropractic, training people, they have helped me get through this little set back.  And all though I think they enjoyed the fact that they got to beat me up a little bit too much, I know I wouldn’t have gotten back with out them.  They ROCK!!

So after that, I decided I could be ready to play soon, and started looking again for a place to play.  I knew that Australia had a league starting in March as I had a friend go and play down there last March so through networking I got in touch with a coach in Melbourne, and that is where I will be playing for the McKinnon Cougars in the Big V league.  Our first game is March 16th and it all happened very quickly.  I got an email saying they wanted me there ASAP, so after a little family vacation in Phoenix, getting my passport renewed days after I got back and applying for a VISA I left Sunday night and arrived in Melbourne Tuesday around 1130 (Australian time).  I practiced with the team Tuesday night, and we have a test game tonight so it should be interesting.  The team looks really good, taller then most teams I’ve been on, and also much quicker.  They are asking me to play the 1 position, which will be fun as I will get to push the ball a lot more then I have in the past.

I am very excited to be able to play again, and to have this opportunity to play in a different country again.  I know, especially in this field, that jobs are not guaranteed so I am looking forward to making the most of this experience and being able to continue to grow and learn as a person and an athlete.

Thank you all for your support through these last 8 months.  Although there were trying times, I never once doubted that I wouldn’t be able to get back playing.  Your kind words and encouragement through out my rehab process really helped me to always believe in myself.  THANK YOU ALL!!!! 
Talk to you again soon,

Lauren