November 2005

PAGE 15

WSYSA Night at

Seattle Storm

Showcases TOPSoccer

ore than 100 soccer players, parents, and coaches participated in WSYSA

M

Night on August 25, 2005, when the WNBA Champion Seattle Storm took on

first place Sacramento Monarch at Key Arena. A portion of every ticket sold for

this event was donated to the WSYSA TOPSoccer Program.

In addition, TOPSoccer players and their buddies provided half-time enter-

tainment as they demonstrated their soccer skills in front of thousands. The nerv-

ous energy of the group built as they "hurried up and waited" in the wings as the

first half wound down. After the basketball teams exited to their locker rooms, the

crowd watched in amazement as the players ran/walk/drove wheelchairs across

WSYSA TOPSoccer takes over center court.

the hardwood, and the goals were set up straddling mid-court.

The teams from Seattle Youth Soccer Association and Greater Renton Junior

Soccer Association TUSK were cheered on by the sell-out crowd, many of whom

had never seen TOPSoccer in action. The spirited game, officiated by Kaila and

Megan Muir, saw several goals scored, and many near-misses. Both players and

their buddies returned to their seats to watch the rest of the basketball, satisfied

with their great performances in front of this capacity crowd.

Following her instrumental performance in defeating the Seattle Monarchs 76-

63 to clinch second place in the WNBA's Western Conference, Storm point guard

Sue Bird conducted her first Question & Answer session of the year, with many of

our youth soccer players in attendance. She started off the session by saying, "I'm

hungry. Does anyone have a Starburst"? In response, Colby, a TUSK TOPSoccer

player, steered his wheelchair over to her, and handed her the requested refresh-

ment.

In answer to their questions, the group learned that soccer was Sue's sport of

choice in her younger years. She played center mid-field/forward until she moved

to a school in New York that didn't have a soccer program. Sue was following in

her older sister's footsteps, participating in basketball and track as well as soccer.

Sue encouraged the young players to take part in a variety of sports, "That way

you get a more well-rounded workout for your entire body". Sue Bird demon-

strated that she is a good role-model for youth players. You get the sense she'd like

to take up soccer again, once her WNBA career ends, hopefully many years from

now. s

Sue Bird visits with players after the game.

Sparta '91 Makes International Friends in Minnesota

teams enjoyed frozen treats together

By Vickie Norlin

Team Manager

after the game. The Mexican girls also

made woven bracelets to exchange

he Sparta `91 Girl's U-14 team from

T

with the Sparta `91 girls.

Tacoma,  Washington,  recently

Sparta `91 is a select team affiliated

attended the USA Cup held in Blaine,

with the North Tacoma Soccer Club.

Minnesota. The tournament was attend-

Coached by Steve Norlin, with assistant

ed by more than 980 teams from 13

coaches, Andrew Norlin and Monty

countries and 37 states with a total of

Laughin. The team consists of 17 girls in

15,000 players involved. Opening cere-

7th and 8th grades from Truman M.S.,

monies were held in Olympic-style

Mason M.S., St. Patrick's Catholic

event fashion. Sparta 91' carried two, 10

School, and Goodman Jr. High. The

foot tall Red/White/Black Flags with

team members are: Jessica Alverdes,

SPARTA across the front, along with a

Molly Bauer, Ramsey Bolotin, Elizabeth

colorful parade of teams dressed in

Craddock,

Alison

Croley,

Kate

game uniforms or native country appar-

Donahue, Stephanie Ebreo, Janelle

The tournament was not only a

exchanged the pins with other teams as

el, also carrying their banners before a

Jones,  Rachel  Kimmerly,  Nicole

chance to experience great soccer, but

a sign of friendship. The highlight of the

packed stadium of 13,000 spectators.

Laughlin,  Kristina  Norlin,  Megan

also an opportunity to build cama-

event took place when Sparta `91 com-

Sparta `91 made an appearance in the

O'Keefe,  Gabriella  Rivera,  Sarah

raderie with national and international

peted against the girls team from

semi-finals after hard fought battles with

Sawatzki, Morgan Sullivan, Laura Winje,

teams. The girl's had individual pins

Mexico. With temperatures in the

teams from Minnesota, Wisconsin,

and Emily Zimmermann. s

made up to look like their team and

upper 90's and high humidity, the

Missouri, and Mexico.