After a day of some traveling and a vision of endless bags exiting off of the bus as we arrived yesterday on campus, it was nice to finally wake up this morning to the place we would call home for the next two weeks.

Our very own rooms at Surrey Sports Park. 

For me, home is now Flat 4 – which was quickly nicknamed CLUB 4 due to the epic beats always coming from our hallway.

The morning was filled with many clouds and rain was in the forecast. Yes, we are in England, and yes, it has been sunny the entire time. I know, we can’t believe it either. But whatever the weather, it was another chance to get up, get to work and prep for our first game that was now only two days away.

Coffee dates were held in Flat 2 with our brand new coffee maker and our Dunkin Donuts brought all the way from the states, thanks to Wendy, of course, the best team manager and mom around. We were set for our first meeting of the day.

As we came into the meeting it was all business, like always. Another day of work was ahead of us, so we needed to be focused and ready as one. Luckily for us, the meeting started with getting some advice from Team USA alumnas through a video that was put together.

It was a pretty incredible moment to say the least – to sit together, listen together, feel together, cry together and smile together just by hearing words being spoken to us from past U.S. team members.

That small meeting room quickly became more than just a meeting room. It became a gathering that felt safe, loved and trusted by not only the people in that room but everyone who has been connected or part of this process along the way. 

As I reflect on that moment, I realize that the best part about that feeling we all had while watching those videos and listening to all of those amazing women is we will get a chance to feel that again with one another. There will be many more opportunities to come just like that in the next two weeks – and that is one of the many feelings as a Team USA player you may not ever be able to describe to anyone, but you know what that feeling is.

As we dried our tears and giggled at one another, we headed out to a rainy practice. Getting to see the fields for the first time as well as many of the other teams around quickly reminded me how real everything is beginning to feel.

It is no longer counting down the weekends or training camps. It is counting down the days and hours until we stand hand in hand together on the field as we look up to our flag and remind each other how grateful we are with a simple hand squeeze.

 

I hope nights like this we never forget #usawlax #roadtotheworldcup

A post shared by Kelly Rabil (@kelbelrabil) on Jul 11, 2017 at 11:27am PDT

The rest of the day seemed to be one that was very much needed –  a couple of meals together, some down time in the dorms and a chance for us to just catch our breath and just chill. Yes, so much of this process is about being on the field and working to be your best for your teammates, going after one goal. But so much more of it is about the unique parts of this process – the chance to get to live in a dorm with 18 other sisters, spend 24 hours together, smile, laugh, cry, be YOU and wake up the next day and say, "Let's do it again."

Two more sleeps. The wait is almost over. 

– Kelly Rabil
(Twitter: @kellyberger, Instagram: @kelbelrabil, Snapchat: @kellyrabil)

Player Profile

KELLY RABIL

Nickname: Bergs, Kel, Berger
Years with the U.S. Program: 12
U.S. Senior World Cup Teams: 2013 (Gold), 2017
Position: Midfield
College: James Madison 2007
Honors:  IWLCA First Team All-American (2006), IWLCA Third Team All-American (2007), CAA Player of the Year (2006), First Team All-CAA (2005, 2006, 2007), JMU Co-Athlete of the Year (2007-08)
Hometown: Columbia, Md.
Current Residence: Baltimore
Current Career: Fitness Instructor

What does playing for Team USA mean to you?

To play for Team USA, it is not only an honor to put on the jersey, but it is an honor to play among the all-time greats. The women that I get to run up and down the field with are not only incredible lacrosse players, but more importantly incredible people and those relationships I could never replace.

What was your youth lacrosse experience like?

I played REC in my youth. I picked up the sport pretty late and I was cut from the travel squad. I played with my friends and my dad was the coach. It was really fun.

Was there ever a time you doubted yourself?

Of course. I think everyone doubts themselves. I surrounded myself with positive people and positive things and reminded myself that no one is perfect and everyone goes through a hard time. It's how you take on that hard time that makes the difference.

What advice would you give young players who dream to reach your level?

Never quit and always finish the play. If you drop a ball, no one remembers that you dropped it if you work your butt off and get it back.

What other sports did you play in high school?

Soccer and basketball. I was also a member of the dance team.

Who is your favorite lacrosse player?

My husband, Paul Rabil. His work ethic is still so unreal to me and the way he continues to work to improve his game every day is inspiring. I also wish I could be as fast as him!

What is your go-to pregame meal?

Some chicken and veggies. Then I want a soda and a burger after the game!

What's one thing that always puts you in a good mood?

Remy Rabil, my pup.

 

Just reminding my #partnerincrime to be on his best behavior while I'm gone and that momma is gonna miss him #remyrabil

A post shared by Kelly Rabil (@kelbelrabil) on Jun 28, 2017 at 2:56pm PDT

Follow the U.S. women's national team as it competes for gold in the 2017 Federation of International Lacrosse Women's World Cup in Guildford, England, and the 2017 IWGA World Games in Wroclaw, Poland. This "Mission Log" will continue throughout both events with each player providing insight on their journey.