Atlanta, Georgia is the home of The Atlanta Beat. The Atlanta Beat is one of eight Professional Women's teams in the Women's United Soccer Association. As both a Soccer (Football in every civilised country) player and coach, I am a huge supporter of this league. I have a block of season tickets to every game, and am always willing to bring interested, energetic folks to the games with me.
This set of photos was taken from a photo op for Season ticket holders.
1 November, 2001 Atlanta, Ga
Myself, Eddie Rockwell and Mark.
The Atlanta Beat General Manager takes a moment to showcase the
inside of his Sport Coat. My good friend Mark and I wonder,
"Is he or isn't he?"
Nikki Lamb (#13), Myself, Emily Burt (#3) & Kelly Cagle (#14)
Such a friendly group of young ladies. They were a bit more restrained
then the last time I met them. I still say Nikki and I make a very cute couple.
Charry Korgel (#11), Myself & Dayna Smith (#17)
Ahh, I love being surrounded by folks with light-coloured eyes and
light-coloured hair. Dayna was very friendly, and apparently single.
Hmm. . .perhaps I will see her another time. . .
Julie Augustiniak (#15), Myself & Kerry Gragg (#7)
Ahh, Julie. . .You are as breathtaking in real life as in you were
when you modelled with your twin sister and fellow defender Nancy.
Kerry was incredibly personable, and cracked many jokes whilst thanking
everyone for making it an enjoyable time.
Charmaine Hooper, Myself & Nancy Augisiniak
Nancy was, of course, also as breathtaking in real life. You exude an
aura of like-ability Miss Augustiniak. Don't ever lose that. Charmaine
was her usual charming self. She engaged everyone in friendly conversation,
and then surprised me by asking for a picture of the three of us. I was
both honoured and humbled.
Oh, and that weird white line through the center of the photo? It is the
string from one of the many festive balloons. I thought about colouring
it to match the background. Somehow, that just didn't seem right.
Nikki Serlenga, Myself & Kylie Bivens
Ahh, Nikki. . .
Brianna Scurry, Myself, Someone Wilson
I find myself identifying with Football goalies. They tend to get the brunt
of criticism when the team wins, and little of the credit when they win. I
joked a bit with star goalie, Brianna Scurry about her performance in Boston
during the championship game. I asked her "why didn't you stop more goals?"
She joked, "I tried."
Melanie was also quite friendly. I went to one of the
games with a gay lad. At first glance he said "My, that is a cute boy" as he
glanced at Melanie. I explained that she was a young lady. He laughed, and
said, "well, she is a cute girl too!"
Lisa Kryzkowski, Myself & Cindy Parlow
Well, I met one of the few ladies taller than myself. . .Cindy Parlow. She
has a great disposition, is a gorgeous young lady, and very light on her
feet. Lisa was appreciative of some light ribbing on her name. I joked it
should be pronounced "She-chef-sky" after Duke's head coach. She laughed.
Fun was truly had by all.
Mystery Beat Player, Sharlotta Nonen, Myself, & Humare Sawa
Off in the corner, away from the hubbub, stood a quiet little table. At
this table were some of the Journeywoman players. They don't always start,
play long periods of time, or even get the inches of newsprint that the
other players do. Persistance does pay off, though. These women are paid
to play a sport they love, and are beginning to get folks, like myself,
chatting with them, and urging them on. Way to go, Ladies!