Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase. – Martin Luther King Jr.

….the hardest thing to do in this world is probably figuring out how to be a parent. The years pass and for the most part other than the fact that we get older, some things never really change. Kids grow up but we, as parents somehow stay the same. We wish all these great things for our kids, and yet we find that life sometimes has a way of teaching lessons - that we can’t protect them from disappointments (no matter how much we want to). So yesterday when the final whistle was blown, hearts sank deep as 18 families stood and watched their daughters lose in OT. The hurt was evident in every face – little could be said to comfort. Wanting the girls to win, yet knowing that this night, it just didn’t happen. The other team found a way, and the only thing that really resonated was that at least this time, the loss was just a game. That there are far more painful things to lose and unfortunately, fairytales don’t always have a happy ending. But it is experiences such as these, that build character and resilience and for that, not any one of those girls wearing checkered shirts should feel bad.

Their leader and only goal scorer Jessica Benko, did what a leader does, she changed the momentum of the game minutes after the opposing team scored first to tie the game, and send it into overtime. Jessica plays with the experience of a wise soul. Everything is left on the field and her desire and determination to become better and constantly improve, leaves many of us in awe. For years, she has carried the team, and no one would argue the almost perfect season was a result of her leadership on and off the field.

But that’s not the only story to tell. These girls, all so different, have something very special – they are teammates, sisters and although they may not all hang out all the time, when it is time to walk onto the field, they are united and make each and every parent so very proud. There is no greater chuckle then when Killer Katie Tominac is on the field. Always fighting for the ball, (God forbid someone’s leg gets in the way). Or Stefanie Cikojevic who scored her first goal this season to earn herself a puppy – yes that’s right, a puppy. Or Ivona Ereiz who sacrificed her yearly visit to Croatia to see her grandparents to become the teams leading scorer. There is a story to tell about each of them but not the space to tell it. Each and every one of them is so uniquely different; yet bring something of themselves and their personality to the team. This is what makes them such a great team.

It’s tough to teach how to deal with disappointment especially when you do your best and it just isn’t enough. When someone like Nicole Smiciklas, that plays defense and playing with extremely painful blisters, executes the perfect slide tackle with arms down and leg extended, you got to know that the pain of the turf is worth helping her teammate in net. And what can anyone say about Kayla Brdar, the goalkeeper, other than what an amazing kid. With a smile that could light up the room, this kid carries the greatest burden - protecting the net. Last night Kayla didn’t get beat, the other team got lucky. The game gets decided in two 35 minute half’s, thankfully with the support of Madame Manager, Kathy Benko, the team is not far from reaching their final goal, to become exceptionally strong young women that will rule their worlds. Two years ago when these young girls couldn’t win a game, this was what was said, “And even if we win, if we win, HAH! Even if we play so far above our heads that our noses bleed for a week to ten days; even if God in Heaven above comes down and points his hand at our side of the field; even if every man, women and child held hands together and prayed for us to win, it wouldn’t make a difference. You see – it just doesn’t matter if we win or lose. IT JUST DOESN”T MATTER! All that matters is that we have each other. And it doesn’t hurt that all the best looking girls are on this team.” Some things will never change ladies…you’ve come a long way.

Congratulations to Kayla Brdar, Ivana Misljenovic, Kate Tominac, Savana Biondic, Elizabeth Granic, Andrea Ivancic, Kassie Bezjak, Ivona Ereiz, Stefanie Cikojevic, Kristina Zelich, Jessica Benko, Kristen DaSilva, Sofia Marcuzzi, Nicole Smiciklas, Megan Cvitan, Shaylan Moreira, Kristen Duic and Anica Barac with coaches Dean Smiciklas, Bruce Barac and manager Kathy Benko.

On behalf of the coaches, managers and the players, we would like to thank all of the parents on this team for their undying support. The team definitely would not be the same without each and every one of you.

September 13, 2010 - Final Score Burlington 2, Mississauga Croatia 1 – Thank you for an amazing season!