World Cup Diary

Lilly: 'We're freakin' excited'

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Posted: Saturday July 10, 1999 01:10 PM

Kristine Lilly Rick Stewart/Allsport

Kristine Lilly is the all-time appearance leader and third all-time leading scorer for the U.S. Women's National Team. The midfielder from Wilton, Conn., won a gold medal with the U.S. at the 1996 Olympics and played on four national championship teams at the University of North Carolina. Kristine is getting ready for the 1999 Women's World Cup, to be held in the U.S. June 19-July 10. Check out her World Cup diary, updated regularly on CNNSI.com.

Saturday, July 10

Pasadena, California

HELLO, EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THIS IS THE DAY WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR, AND HERE WE ARE, USA VS CHINA.

It is game day, and Mia and I are just sitting here with smiles on our faces because we are so freakin' excited for the game today. We are ready and anxious to play. I have a bunch of butterflies flying around in my stomach who are very ready to kick some China butt. We just had breakfast and have our pre-game meal in a half hour.

Pasadena is rocking and fans are everywhere -- all over the hotel when we go out to the stores, at practice, and 90,000 will be at the game today.

Well, the past week has been a whirlwind. We had hundreds of people at our practice on Thursday. Media everywhere, as you can tell by reading the papers. Everyone's families are around and sending us good vibes. Our security guy has been busy keeping people off our floor and giving us time to ourselves.

Even President Clinton is coming. He surprised us in DC as well he and the First Family came into the locker room. That leads me to the updates:

Team tidbits:

• Tom Brokaw was here and did some interviews with team members.
• Wayne Gretzky wrote us a fax today to wish us luck.
• The team is healthy and ready to rock and roll.
• We have an Austin Powers picture board in our hotel with various comments; it is hilarious.
• The brazil game wasn't to exciting. I was rather tired in the game, but we held strong and now we are in the finals.
• Great fans in Palo Alto.
• Kate Sobrero dyed her hair red because Joy Fawcett scored the winning goal, and they had a bet.
• Mia's husband surprised her and flew in on Thursday; she is very happy.
• All the '91 world champions were flown in for the final game -- pretty damn cool.
• We are making history.

So, crazy things have happened and are happening as we speak. Sometimes the media have been a little too overwhelming for me, but when you look at the whole picture, it is a positive thing.

For so long, we knew that people would enjoy our soccer and this team, and finally they are. What can't get lost in this hoopla is the team that has made it to the final -- the 20 players that have been busting their butts for six months and are here today to shine. Every one of us has made an impact in this World Cup, and that is why we are successful.

I love this team and what it has done for women's soccer, but even more for working their butts and hearts to get to this final. Nobody can really see what this team is really about, and that is why I want you all to know that they are AWESOME. Our goal is to win this thing today, and we will give our best.

The best lesson I have learned throughout my life is to just give your best. That is all anyone can ask of you, and that is the most you can give.

So today, enjoy the game; enjoy the 20 players who will be playing a game they love to play, and enjoy what has happened in women's sports.

But most of all, cheer as loud as you can for Team USA , because everyone is as much a part of this team as we are. We appreciate your support and belief.

I hope when I write to you again, I will be a world champion.

Remember that one moment doesn't define who you are. It is a lot of moments that make you who you are. To my teammates: I love you guys, and I will be busting my butt for 90 minutes, as I know you will.

Lastly, remember today's moment. Capture it, and store it in your heart. It is history in the making today, and I want all of you to witness it and keep it close.

Wish me luck.

Take care,

--Kristine

 

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