On the Blueline: Team Building at the Golden Arches, on the Alley

Photo by Matthew Manor

The following article, written by former Harvard standout Caitlin Cahow, appeared February 7 on the USA Today Web site.

By Caitlin Cahow
Special for USA TODAY

USA women's hockey national team member Caitlin Cahow, a 2006 Olympic bronze medalist, will document her experience for USA TODAY as she prepares to compete at the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver.

Entry No. 10 - Feb. 2, 2010

Howdy! That's how we cowgirls out in Colorado Springs like to greet one another when we return trail weary from the dusty plains. OK, so I have never actually been on a dusty plain, but I have glimpsed a few from the top of the incline in Colorado Springs as I gasped for what little oxygen was available and knelt in a prayer of thanks that I had not fallen off into the abyss... But that was last June, when we were still set on testing our physical (and emotional, spiritual, what have you) limits en route to making the Olympic team.

Now that we are the 21 chosen to represent the Stars and Stripes, my Colorado Springs outlook has improved tremendously. Sure, we are still hard at work preparing our bodies and minds for the challenges ahead. But right now, it is mostly about coming together as a team and hitting the ground running when we get to Vancouver.

For me, this is the best part of the season. The summit still awaits for the taking, but the dangerous crevasses lay in our wake, defeated by strength, courage and the support of 21 like-minded souls sharing the same mission. One could argue that the toughest terrain lies ahead. But in my mind, the Olympic Games are the culmination of years of tireless toil, the reward for all the early mornings and late nights in silent rinks with only our teammates for an audience. Now the real fun begins as we attempt to achieve the highest honor in sports. As the days and hours count down until opening ceremonies, we are settling into our team culture, building upon the respect and trust that we share and enjoying every moment together.

Complete article can be accessed via the USA Today Web site by clicking here.