Blog #1 – by Eddie Na
Who knew I would be getting an opportunity like this?
I was called up to the Guam National Team this year and it couldn't be more exciting. I was born on the island making me eligible to play for the national team, I had spent 11 years growing up on the island before moving to Washington and continuing to develop as an individual.
Initially, the plan was to be flown out November 14th, but I was told too quickly and unfortunately, had to decline the first offer. Around New Years, the coach had messaged me again and told me that I would be flown out March 15th for a training camp in Taipei, Taiwan. For those who don't know, a training camp is a way for coaches to assess the team and experiment with a different set of guys to pick the strongest squad possible for the upcoming games. In my case, it was almost like a try out, where I was told "If you do well in Taipei and the friendly against Taiwan, we will fly you out to Oman for a World Cup Qualifier game".
The travel day was not easy. I left at around 10 am on March 15th and did not get to my hotel until March 16th (in Taiwan time) at around midnight. The travel day added up to about 17-20 ours, which is the longest I have had to travel in a while.
The first training was intense but eye opening of what I had to do in order to get on the squad. My sole objective during this trip is to cement myself as a key player in the squad and improve the team. It was a lot of defensive work. I was asked to defend in areas that I was not familiar with, in areas where I normally would not be. I was asked to change positions from a central forward to a right winger, which requires a lot more defensive work and a lot more fitness.
Although I am still adjusting to the position and the team's style of play, the experience is amazing. I haven't felt more comfortable with a team besides the PLU Men's Team in the Fall. The environment is extremely friendly. Everyone is very accepting and curious to know my backstory and are constantly checking up to make sure I feel comfortable and I could not be more thankful. The "Gaffer" as he likes to be referred to, is the coach and he is really friendly. On the field, he demands the most out of everyone in every session. He also is strict with what he wants which has motivated me to work harder and harder everyday that I am here. The rest of the staff is very professional and friendly.
During training, I was asked to wear a training bra that would track, what I was told, over 100 variables including my acceleration, top speed, distance travelled, average pressure of each step I take, and much more. There is a constant feeling of a family oriented team, which is enjoyable, and we've highlighted it in our team meetings.
Every second I have been here, I have learned more and more about life in general than I ever will ever again. I've also been highly motivated like I haven't felt in such a long time that I am excited for every session. Every chance I get to be better is exciting. This is a dream trip to be apart of and I hope that as I continue to show what I can do in front of the coaching staff, they will want me back again and again.
I love this trip. I love this team. I love Guam. Lets hope the friendly against Taiwan goes well!
