Boston Breakers

The following is part of a weekly series in which writer Todd Civin presents the lighter side of the Boston Breakers of Women's Professional Soccer (WPS).

The league is built based on the down-to-earth nature and approachability of its athletes. "Getting Silly with the Breakers" is a fun-filled way to create a comfortable bond between the fans and the professional athletes who are the Boston Breakers.

A special thanks to Erica Hunt, the communications director for the team, as well as the players themselves for making this approach possible.

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Born in Riverside, Calif., and raised in Mission Viejo, Kasey Moore has probably spent more than her share of time in one of three places—the beach, the mall, or a traffic jam.

What would motivate a girl from the valley to decide to pack her beach ball and surfboard and take her game to the University of Texas to play for the Longhorns?

Cowboys? Chewing tobacco? Tumbleweed? Spurs? Mechanical bull riding? Only her hairdresser knows for sure.

They say you can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl, and if the same holds true for a valley girl, one can assume that Kasey Moore looked like a fish out of water walking down Main Street in Austin, Tex.

As you can see from the interview in this week's segment of "Getting Silly with The Breakers," Moore apparently settled in just fine and even got herself a pair of cowboy boots before shipping off to Boston.

Check her out in the video below, sporting her bright orange Longhorn T-shirt opposite her bright orange curly hair. No one says "Hook 'em" like Breakers' defender Kasey Moore.

Now y'all come back now, ya hear?

Todd Civin: You went to college at University of Texas....Can I assume you watched the national championship game against Alabama?

Kasey Moore: I had the date marked on my calendar since football season started knowing we were going to make it there, and I was lucky enough to actually be at the game. I am from Southern California, but my family was having a hard time finding tickets. We found some tickets for my parents, and I to go a few days before the game, and decided to go for it and get them!

Needless to say it was a tough loss, but that game may have been one of the best games I've ever been to! Hook 'em!

TC: Who was more popular on campus the men's football team or the women's soccer team?

KM: As much as I would like to say women's soccer, I don't think any sport is even close to being as popular as the football team. I have had some of them in my classes, and let's put it this way...no one is coming up to the women's soccer players in the middle of class and asking for their autographs!

TC: What was the biggest transition going from California to Texas to Boston?

KM: Being from Southern California, I am a beach bum and moving to Texas was a little different because there were not too many beaches...OK, actually no beaches close to me.

I finally got used to Texas and even bought my first pair of cowboy boots and then moved to Boston. Boston was unlike any city I've ever lived in, and I love it. Between living in Orange County, Calif., Austin, Tex., and Boston, I am just loving life.

TC: You were a three-time All-American from University of Texas, more than Earl Campbell, Ricky Williams, Vince Young, and Cedric Benson. How does that make you feel?

KM: Wow! I had never heard that stat before. I see Earl Campbell around campus all the time when I am in Austin, and that man is a legend. To even be mentioned in the same sentence as him is amazing. All those guys have done such great things for UT and are just larger than life!

TC: Which would you rather eat from your favorite restaurant, the Renaissance, or Dana Point? Would it be the tarragon chicken or the New York sirloin?

KM: Renaissance is amazing! My grandpa has owned the building since I was a little kid and I have been going there forever, but I would actually have to go with their black and bleu steak. Hands down without a doubt one of my favorite meals!

TC: You will forever go down as the second pick in the history of the Boston Breakers of the WPS. How did that make you feel?

KM: It was just such an honor. I didn't really know what to expect on draft day, and for them to pick me as their second pick was just an amazing feeling!

TC: Is your hair naturally curly? Is it humanly possible to straighten it?

KM: Yes my hair is naturally this curly, and if someone has four hours and would like to straighten my hair for me, give me a call because there is no way I have the patience to do it myself!

TC: You scored three goals in the 2003 Snickers National Championship Game. Did they give you a lifetime supply of candy bars?

KM: I wish! If they did give a lifetime supply of candy bars, I probably would have ended up on the "Biggest Loser" or something by now.

TC: Who is a crazier teammate, Nobis or Latham?

KM: Latham, hands down. That girl can have me rolling on the floor laughing in like point two seconds and gotta love that she is from the Big 12.

TC: How did you feel when Jon and Kate divorced?

KM: It broke my heart. Those kids are so cute I can't handle it. If I could adopt Aiden, the little one with the glasses, I would do it in a second. I watched the show just because the kids were so cute.

TC: Favorite sports movie of all time?

KM: Bull Durham, without a doubt. I could watch that movie over and over again, and it never gets old. Crash Davis may be my all-time favorite sports character ever!

TC: What was it like for you playing next to the MedImmune Defensive Player of the Year, Amy Lepeilbet?

KM: It was great. Amy is one of the nicest people I have ever met, and then she gets on the field and you are like, "Whoa this is hands down one of the best defenders I have ever seen." I was so happy when she won the award, because she works so hard day in and day out and deserved to be recognized for it!

TC: Who were you playing with the first time you said to yourself,  "Holy cow, I'm playing with...?"

KM: Kristine Lily. I remember being one of those annoying, screaming little girls at the 1999 Women's World Cup final game against China and now to be playing with her just blows my mind. I was cleaning out my room in California over the break, and I found some stuff signed by Lil and just started laughing. Things have definitely come full circle.

TC: And just to prove there's still some valley left in you, you graduated from Capestrano HS. Have you seen the Capestrano Cougar tackling the Diablo Mascot on Youtube? Do you approve?

KM: I totally approve! That is actually one of the things I remember most from high school. One of my best friends, Matt Ankeny, who was this basketball player and over six feet tall was the cougar, and he got suspended from school for like a week for doing that. He had no idea, but there was actually a girl inside the Diablo costume, and people were not too happy with him after that. The students loved it, but the faculty was not too pleased.

Todd Civin is a freelance writer who writes for Bleacher Report, Sports, Then and Now, and Seamheads. He also shares his top stories on his blog The 'xoxo' of Sports. He is a supporter of Team Hoyt, the father/son marathon and triathlon team of Dick and Rick Hoyt. He encourages you to support their movement of "Yes, I Can" by visiting their Web site at www.teamhoyt.com

With last week's 2010 Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) Draft fading away into the rear-view mirror, I checked in with Boston Breakers ' chief cook and bottle washer, Tony DiCicco, to get his views on how things fell into place for his team.

DiCicco, the head coach and Director of Soccer for the Breakers, connected with me from California where he and the other coaches are performing duties with the US National Team.

The Breakers were in possession of the second and eleventh picks in the draft, following last September's trade with the expansion Philadelphia Independence. In that swap, the Breakers sent last year's No. 1 selection, Amy Rodriguez, and the No. 5 pick to the Independence in exchange for their two first round picks.

DiCicco, like most of the coaches, had a game plan going into the draft and hoped to find those players on his wish list available when it was the Breakers turn to select.

"We have a pretty good idea of who we want going in," he explained. "But it's no secret out there who the top players are. They're known by all of the teams."

Following the No. 1 selection of Tobin Heath, by the expansion Atlanta Beat,  DiCicco selected UCLA and US National Team forward, Lauren Cheney, with the second pick in the draft. Cheney is a player that DiCicco is very excited about adding to his current roster.

"We needed a center-forward, back to the goal, good passer, goal scorer so she was my first choice in the draft," explained DiCicco, who coached the U.S. U-20 Women's national team to victory in the U-20 World Cup in Chile in 2008. "And I think she is getting better. She's worked herself into a starting position with the US National team."

I asked DiCicco who he would have selected if he had the first pick in the draft again this year.

"That would have made my decision a little more difficult," he explained. "But I still think I would have taken Cheney."

Following the selection of Cheney, DiCicco had his sites set on two players from his U-20 Women's National Team, Nikki Marshall and Kiersten Dallstream. Unfortunately, Marshall was selected with the seventh pick in the draft by the Washington Freedom and Dallstream with the No. 9 pick by the Los Angeles Sol.

"I had Nikki wasn't going to be there. Kiersten was a little bit of a surprise. I had spoken to her the night before and told her we were going to try to get her with eleven, but she went at number nine. The coaches obviously did their homework."

With the Breakers' second pick of the first round and number 11 overall, DiCicco selected goal keeper, Alyssa Naeher. Naeher, the first of seven keepers selected in the draft helped lead Penn State to their 12th straight Big Ten Championship. She and coach DiCicco have some history together though as she's played the past two years under his guise with Soccer Plus Connecticut.

"We thought Alyssa may go to FC Gold with the No. 10 pick. We were fortunate that she didn't go there and we grabbed her at eleven. We may have waited until the 16th pick to take her if Marshall or Dallstream were still around."

DiCicco explained the two time outs that he and his draft team chose to take during the draft, timeouts that surprised many of the draft's onlookers.

"You're trying to get it right. Everyone has pluses and minuses and we felt it was better to take our time and get things right."

I asked DiCicco if he thought he had found a sleeper in the draft, someone who went lower than he expected, but who he has high hopes for.

"I'm hoping a bunch of them are like that. Gina DiMartino (selected with the last pick of the sixth round and 56 overall) went lower than I thought she would. So we are hoping that she's one."

DiMartino, who's sister Tina will be playing for the Los Angeles Sol this season, is another one of DiCicco's selections who previously played for him on the U-20 National Team. Her younger sister, Vicki, was her teammate at Boston College and is currently a defender for the U-20 National team.

DiCicco reminded me that no matter how well prepare he and his staff were for the draft, it is still an in-exact science.

"Here's the bottom line, Todd. Last year there were three players who weren't drafted that ended up starting for us. It's very similar to Brady (Tom of the NFL Patriots) being drafted in the sixth round. The NFL has data on every player and films on every player,  they've seen every player. No one does it better than the NFL and here you have Brady going in the sixth round."

Unlike the NFL, however, where the General Manager is the big deal at the draft, DiCicco explained that it is he and his coaching staff who handle the draft day decisions for the Breakers.

"I'm Director of Soccer Operations for the Breakers, while Andy (Crossley) handles all the business side. As far as the players go, I handle that and, frankly, I wouldn't want it any other way."

Overall, DiCicco felt a bit more at ease at this years draft than he did at last year's event and felt that things went much more smoothly because of it.

"Last year, I had just gotten back in December from the U-20 World Cup and I felt somewhat behind. This year I felt a lot more confident regarding who was out there. A lot of the players had come in with my U-20's at one point or another. They may not have made the final team, but I was familiar with them."

Where last year's draft was used to fill the Breakers roster, DiCicco feels that this year's selection will provide some depth for the 2010 squad. Despite the losses of Angela Hucles (retirement), Heather Mitts (free agent to Philadelphia), Kelly Schmedes, and Sue Weber (expansion draft to Philadelphia) and Stacy Bishop (free agent to Atlanta), DiCicco is excited about his returning squad.

Off-season additions of Leslie Osborne and Tiffany Weimer, who both played for FC Gold Pride last season, are expected to join veterans Kelli Smith, Kristine Lilly, Christine Latham, Jennifer Nobis, Kasey Moore, Maggy Tomecka, Amy LePeilbet, and Allison Lipsher on the 2010 version of the Breakers. 

Free Agent Fabiana is also expected to resign with the team after solving some paper work challenges with the Brazilian government.

Overall, DiCicco is eager to get started and see if he has made the right choices to lead the Breakers to the playoffs.

Todd Civin is the Community Leader for the WPS and writes for the Bleacher Report, Sports, Then and Now and Seamheads. His top features can be found on his blog, The "xoxo" of Sports.

The following is part of a weekly series in which writer,Todd Civin, presents the lighter side of the Boston Breakers of Women's Professional Soccer (WPS).

The league is built based on the down-to-earth nature and approachability of its athletes. "Getting Silly with the Breakers" is an fun-filled way to create a comfortable bond between the fans and the professional athletes who are the Boston Breakers.

A special thanks to Erica Hunt, the communications director for the team, as well as the players themselves for making this approach possible.

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As a person who can barely walk and chew gum at the same time, I marvel at a person who is born with an over abundance of talent. It seems like the cards fall the right way for some and the genetic pool blesses them with athletic ability, intelligence, and head-turning good looks, while guys like me struggle through life merely with the head-turning good looks (Yes, even I'm laughing).

The Boston Breakers resident Resident, Maggie Tomecka boasts a resume that looks more like a combination of resumes. Doctor of medicine, Professional Soccer player, two-time college National Champion, high school basketball star, Polish immigrant. And did I mention, tall, blond and blue eyes?

That's right, Dr. Tomecka was blessed with more quality DNA in her right pinky than many of us have in the town we were born in. And if that's not enough, she's personable and really funny.

Tomecka was kind enough to share her quick witted sense of humor in this week's edition of Getting Silly with the Breakers.

Todd:  What made your family decide on of all places, Shrewsbury MA after leaving Poland?

Maggie: Shrewsbury is just a fabulous place to live.  Home of the one and only Dragon 88. All those who live there know what I am talking about.


TC:  Do you speak any Polish and if so, tell us something in your native tongue.

MT: Yes. The spelling would throw you off though. We can talk later.


TC:  You led Shrewsbury High to the State semi's in basketball, can you dunk?

MT: Of course, that's child's play. I can touch the top of the backboard. Don't believe me? How much you willing to bet?

TC:  Nickname in High School?

MT: Magda. People had trouble saying my full name, Magdalena. Later it turned into Mags.

TC:  Is there any place in the world better to shop than Spag's (famous store in Shrewsbury)?

MT: Doubt it.  Spag's was the bomb.


TC: Your WPS bio says you would have a dinner party with both Elvis and Obama. What would you serve?

MT: Cocktails.


TC: Favorite flavor of cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory?

MT: There are so many amazing cheesecakes there, I can't pick just one. Banana Cream, White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle, Tiramisu. The list goes on.


TC: Tell us about the goal you scored vs. Connecticut in the NCAA quarterfinals as a freshman.

MT: Wow, I can't believe you have a record of that.  It was a shot from 30 yards out into the right upper (corner). Couldn't do it again if I tried. I was shocked when it went in.    

     
TC: Who was bigger on the UNC campus, you or Dean Smith?

MT: I would have to say Dean Smith. He has just a few more championships.


TC:  What was it like working in Dominica for two years?

MT: It was a great experience working at clinics in the poor communities there. I can't say I didn't miss the U.S. though. Life in Dominica was a little different, the power would go out weekly, tap water would be brown when it rained, food consisted of tropical fruits and chicken.

Calling America was expensive, and I missed my friends and family.  It was definitely a character building experience, which I wouldn't trade for the world.


TC: At six-feet tall, are you the tallest player in the WPS?

MT: Probably.


TC:  What did your boss say when you told him you had to leave your residency to play pro soccer?

MT: My plan to go back and forth, doing my residency for six months at a time in the off-season, was all arranged prior to starting, so I never actually had to tell anyone I was "leaving."  The Anesthesia Department at UNC has been beyond supportive of me achieving my personal goals and dreams.

Although, I can't say I don't sometimes question my sanity. Trying to balance everything can get a little overwhelming at times. It is well worth it though. I love playing soccer and playing in WPS has been one of the most special times in my life.


TC: Your Tarheel teams won two National Championship teams and you went 27-0 in 2003. What was the one highlight of your college career?

MT: Winning the championship my senior year, finishing off a perfect season. Well, either that or running 120's every Tuesday. It's a close call.


TC:  To expand on that, your high school soccer team won the district finals and went to the state semi-finals,your club team won two state titles, your college teams won two National championships, you are a doctor of medicine and a pro soccer player and your family escaped from Poland to emigrate to the US. What's next?

MT: Retirement.


TC:  Which of these moments are you most proud of?

MT: I just thank God for everything He has blessed me with, including an amazing family, friends and career.  


TC: Which would you rather win...A Gold medal in soccer or a Noble Prize in medicine?

MT: Wow, hmm, I would take either. Preferably both.  


TC:  What is it like to play your home games at Harvard Stadium?

MT: It's awesome. It's so easily accessible for fans, so a lot of my friends have been able to come to games. It's a beautiful stadium in the most prestigious university in the world. I mean, I can't complain.


TC: Coolest person you've met as a result of being a Breaker?

MT: Christine "Lay-down" Latham


TC: Favorite all time episode on Friends?

The Poker Episode, just because I had to act it out in my drama class in high school.  (I was Monica...shocker, totally OCD)


TC: Did you ride the mechanical bull pictured on your facebook page?

MT: Absolutely not. How did you get on my page? I am going to have to adjust those privacy settings.

Todd Civin is a freelance writer who writes for Bleacher Report, Sports, Then and Now, and Seamheads. He is a supporter of A Glove of Their Own, the award-winning children’s story that teaches paying it forward through baseball. He also shares his top stories on his blog The 'xoxo' of Sports.

Philadelphia, PA (January 15, 2010) – As many had expected but the Atlanta Beat had yet to confirm until Draft Day, North Carolina’s Tobin Heath (Basking Ridge, NJ) was the first player selected in the 2010 WPS Draft on Friday by Atlanta at the Philadelphia Convention Center. 

Heath was the first of four North Carolina Tarheels selected during the first round including defender Whitney Engen at No. 4 (Sky Blue FC/Rolling Hills Estates, CA), forward Nikki Washington at No. 5 (Los Angeles Sol/Mesquite, TX), and forward Casey Nogueira at No. 8 (Los Angeles Sol/Raleigh, NC).

The first round included 11 selections for the nine WPS teams with expansion teams Philadelphia Independence and Atlanta Beat both receiving additional picks at the end of the first round, which they traded away prior to the draft.

The first overall four picks went largely how the experts had predicted with Heath going first, the Boston Breakers then selecting attacking forward and 2008 Olympics gold medalist Lauren Cheney (UCLA/Indianapolis, IN), and 2009 MAC Hermann Trophy winner Kelley O’Hara (Fayetteville, GA) of Stanford going to FC Gold Pride with the third pick.

Engen, the consensus top defender in the draft, went fourth, while Alyssa Naeher (Penn State/Seymour, CT) was the first goalkeeper selected at No. 11 by the Boston Breakers.

The draft festivities included a Commissioner’s Welcome from WPS Commissioner Tonya Antonucci and appearances from NSCAA President Randy Waldrum, NSCAA Executive Director Joe Cummings, as well as Los Angeles Sol goalkeeper and WPS All-Star Karina LeBlanc.

Draft day began with a panel of coaches discussing the growth of global professional women's game including former North Carolina and current Boston Breakers Head Coach Toni DiCicco.

2010 WPS Draft
FIRST ROUND
1. Atlanta Beat – Tobin Heath, M, UNC
2. Boston Breakers # - Lauren Cheney, F, UCLA
3. FC Gold Pride – Kelley O’Hara, F, Stanford
4. Chicago Red Stars – Whitney Engen, D, North Carolina
5. Los Angeles Sol # - Nikki Washington, F, North Carolina
6. Sky Blue FC – Brittany Taylor, D, Connecticut
7. Washington Freedom – Nikki Marshall, D/M/F, Colorado
8. Los Angeles Sol # - Casey Nogueira, F, North Carolina
9. Los Angeles Sol – Kiersten Dallstream, F, Washington St.
10. FC Gold Pride # - Ali Riley, D, Stanford
11. Boston Breakers # - Alyssa Naeher, GK, Penn State
 
SECOND ROUND
12. FC Gold Pride # - Becky Edwards, D/M, Florida State
13. Philadelphia Independence – Malorie Rutledge, M, LSU
14. Los Angeles Sol # - Michelle Enyeart, F, Portland
15. Chicago Red Stars – Jessica McDonald, F, North Carolina
16. Boston Breakers – Jordan Angeli, D, Santa Clara
17. Saint Louis Athletica # - Kristina Larsen, F, UCLA
18. Washington Freedom – Carly Dobratz, M, Washington State
19. Saint Louis Athletica – Ashlyn Harris, GK, North Carolina
20. FC Gold Pride # - Kaley Fountain, F, Wake Forest
 
THIRD ROUND
21. Atlanta Beat – Blakely Mattern, D, South Carolina
22. Los Angeles Sol # - Kiki Bosio, F, Santa Clara
23. Atlanta Beat # - Shameka Gordon, D/M, West Florida
24. Chicago Red Stars – Kelsey Davis, GK, Portland
25. Los Angeles Sol – Estelle Johnson,  D, Kansas
26. Sky Blue FC – Katie Schoepfer, F, Penn State
27. Washington Freedom – Beverly Goebel, M, Miami
28. Saint Louis Athletica – Amanda Poach, M, Santa Clara
29. Sky Blue FC # - Melissa Clarke, M, LSU

FOURTH ROUND
30. Atlanta Beat – Jill Hutchinson, F, Wake Forest
31. Philadelphia Independence – Kelly Henderson, D/M, Boston College
32. FC Gold Pride – Erin Guthrie, GK, Rutgers
33. Chicago Red Stars – Michele Weissenhofer, F, Notre Dame
34. Boston Breakers – Katherine Reynolds, D, Santa Clara
35. Sky Blue FC – Danielle Johnson, D, Ole Miss
36. Washington Freedom – Kristi Eveland, D, UNC
37. Saint Louis Athletica – Veronica Perez, M/F, Washington
38. Los Angeles Sol – Mary Casey, GK, Maryland

FIFTH ROUND
39. Atlanta Beat – Mallori Lofton-Malachi, GK, South Florida
40. Philadelphia Independence – Carrie Patterson, F, Georgia
41. FC Gold Pride – Ashley Bowyer, M/D, Ohio State
42. Chicago Red Stars – Sophie Reiser, M/F, Columbia
43. Boston Breakers – Cynthia Morote-Ariza, F, Loyola-Chicago
44. Sky Blue FC – Meagan Snell, F, Santa Clara
45. Washington Freedom – Lauren Robertson, GK, Ohio State
46. Saint Louis Athletica – Carolyn Blank, M/D, WVU
47. Los Angeles Sol  - Lindsay Browne, M/F, Clemson

ROUND SIX
48. Atlanta Beat – Kasey Langdon, F, Oklahoma St.
49. Philadelphia Independence – Jennifer Anzivino, D/M, Rutgers (to Sky Blue FC)
50. FC Gold Pride – Eilzabeth Harkin, D, Arizona State
51. Chicago Red Stars – Fiona O’Sullivan, M/F, San Francisco
52. Boston Breakers – Carly Peetz, D, Nebraska
53. Sky Blue FC – Kelly Isleib, M, Utah
54. Washington Freedom – Mara Osher, D/M, Boston University
55. Saint Louis Athletica – Sarah Teegarden, M, Wisconsin-Milwaukee
56. Boston Breakers – Gina DiMartino, M/F, Boston College (pick traded from Los Angeles Sol)

ROUND SEVEN
57. Atlanta Beat – Shaneka Gordon, F, West Florida
58. Philadelphia Independence – Caitlin Farrell, D, Wake Forest
59. FC Gold Pride – Lauren Wilmoth, D, UCLA
60. Chicago Red Stars – Jackie Santacaterina, M, Illinois
61. Boston Breakers – Casey Brown, D, Boston University
62. Philadelphia Independence – Danielle Collins, D/M, William & Mary
63. Washington Freedom – Caitline Miskel, M/F, Virginia
64. Saint Louis Athletica – Elizabeth Redmond, M, Duke
65. Boston Breakers – Taryn Hemmings, F, Denver

#via trade

The previous story is a press release by the WPS reprinted by What's News as part of an agreement between the WPS and the Bleacher Report. What's News is the alternate profile of BR writer, Todd Civin, and is used for Press Releases only. Look for up to the minute coverage of the WPS draft by writers Phil Andrews, Kat Galsim and Lauren Green following today's event.

While no one quite knows for sure which name WPS Commissioner Tonya Antonucci will announce first at tomorrow's 2010 WPS draft in Philadelphia, one thing remains certain. Bleacher Report readers will get first-hand coverage from a trio of the top writers from the Women's Professional Soccer community.

BR writers Phil Andrews, Kat Galsim and Lauren Green will make their way to the City of Brotherly Love beginning today and cover the annual event from start to finish. The WPS Draft is only one of several exciting events to be held beginning today including the PUMA WPS Fashion Show and unveiling of the new PUMA match ball, the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Annual Convention, and, of course the WPS draft.

The talented triumvirate of beat writers have yet to meet in person but have been busily preparing as a team via email and conference calls. Each of them have decided on which teams they would follow and which events they would be covering in order to provide Bleacher Report readers with the most complete and up-to-the-minute coverage possible.

They are also traveling with photographer, Charlotte Mace, while Galsim will be videotaping many of the events to create a video diary of the events.

Andrews, who makes the City of Brotherly Love his home is the beat writer for the Philadelphia Independence of the WPS, while covering the Philadelphia KiXX of the MISL and the Philadelphia Union of the MLS. He is a graduate of University of New Hampshire and previously worked as a sports anchor at WMUR in Manchester.

Andrews has already filed his first story of the event entitled, 63rd NSCAA Convention Off To a Quiet Start.

Galsim, was born and raised in the Philippines, and moved to the United States after graduating from college. She lives in the Washington, DC area and has established a career in new media advertising. She is the beat writer for the Washington Freedom and has created some amazing stories with many of the leagues top players.

She follows the WPS, the Premiere League, the Champions League, and the U.S. national teams. Her current story with Washington coach, Jim Gabarra, tells of his preparation for the draft and is titled, Washington Freedom's Jim Gabarra All Set for the WPS Draft.

Green is a journalism major at Murray State University in Murray, KY  with plans to switch to physical therapy. She makes New Jersey her home when not away at school and is the beat writer for the Sky Blue FC.

Green recently recapped the BR Mock Draft which was held live on Twitter and has been serving as back up beat writer for several different WPS teams. Her most recent story highlights the Atlanta Beat and their plans for the top pick in the draft. It is entitled, Atlanta Beat Prepared to Make No. 1 Pick in WPS Draft.

The 2010 WPS Draft is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. CT and will include seven rounds and 65 picks in all. The first round will feature 11 picks as the two expansion teams, Atlanta and Philadelphia receive two picks (Philadelphia subsequently traded both of theirs and Atlanta traded one of theirs). Each of the nine WPS clubs will receive one pick in the remaining six rounds for a total of 65 draft picks in all.

Fans are encouraged to follow the 2010 WPS Draft live on Twitter beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Friday and to stay tuned for all the upcoming coverage. 

I see her growing up before my very eyes and even though I know that I had a hand in her creation, I marvel at her as she continues to take on a life of her own.

From the moment she was conceived she was so special and so different than her brothers and sisters. Not sure what it was. She caught the eye of everyone who knew about her and with each passing day she becomes more and more extraordinary.

Others seem to know her name and watch her every move. They marvel at how aware, how astute, and how conscious of the world around her that she seems to be. Her friends strive to be a lot like her, but will be hard pressed to duplicate what she has become. 

This past weekend marked one year since she stepped foot into her world and she never looked more spectacular. The world watched as she performed with grace, humor, and style. From the time the curtain rose to the moment it fell, she captivated those who looked on.

Proud Daddy? Absolutely. Not only for what she was and what she is, but for what she is sure to become.

Daddy takes his hat off to the writers of the WPS Bleacher Report Community. Your star continues to shine brightly. Carpe diem, baby. The world knows your name.

Bleacher Report Community leader, Todd Civin, thanks the writers, fans and media people from the Women's Professional Soccer League for their participation in Saturday's mock draft. I encourage you to see Lauren Green's recap , as well as, Jo Ryan Salazar's simulated draft . This group of exceptional writers continues to capture the essence of the WPS and presents more up close and personal interviews than most professional journalists. I am proud to consider them to be my team and strive to be their equal.

An extra special thanks to Rob Penner, WPS Director of Communications, for his support of our grass roots involvement.

The following is part of a weekly series in which writer Todd Civin presents the lighter side of the Boston Breakers of the WPS.

The league prides itself in the down-to-earth nature and approachability of its athletes, and "Civ" believes that "Getting Silly with the Breakers" is an fun-filled way to create a comfortable bond between the fans and the professional athletes who are the Boston Breakers.

A special thanks to Erica Hunt, the communications director for the team, as well as the players themselves for making this approach possible.

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As my New England Patriots football team falls behind 24-0 in the first quarter of their AFC playoff game, I've decided to take an Imodium, remove my finger from my throat and post this week's "Getting Silly" interview with a "real football" player, Alex Scott of the Boston Breakers.

Hardly an expert in the "proper" English that Scott speaks, I was forced to resort to the internet's English to English translation in order to present a "linguistically correct" version of my weekly getting to know you post.

After a few minutes of educating myself on the finer points of speaking British, I stumbled upon the word "daft" which is defined as - "daft  (d

ft) adj. daft·er, daft·est; 1.  Mad; crazy. 2. Foolish; stupid. 3. Scots Frolicsome.

So in the spirit of both Scott and the country that brought us "real football," I present to you "Getting Daft With the Breakers' Alex Scott; Queen of the Defense."

Civ: You were traded from Chicago to Boston before the season started. Was this to entice fellow countryman, Kelly Smith, to sign with the Breakers?

AS: Are you saying that the Breakers do not really want me? Boston are just keeping me to keep Kelly Smith happy? Hmm, wait till I get back to Boston. You could have started something here, ha. This could now give me a good bargaining tool in the future. Thank you, ha.

On a serious note, I think Kelly Smith like myself is very much her own person and would not make a major decision based around someone else. That would make me feel really special though. What if Chicago drafted me just to entice Kelly Smith there- just to throw a spanner into your thinking, ha!

Civ: What is your favorite spot in London for fish and chips? Can you tell us how they are served?

AS: Ha ha, I would say anywhere in East London! Always served in newspaper wrapping (cone shaped), lots of salt and vinegar fat chips on the bottom with battered fish plonked on the top. Enjoy! Not recommend in a soccer player's diet, however. Maybe as a treat if we manage to beat Sky Blue next year.

Civ: Give us three words in "English" that amused your US teammates.

AS: Oh my God. I really could not give you three words. I think my teammates find my whole vocabulary quite amusing. I can not think for the love of me why. Either that I speak too fast, either that I am very Cockney or they just have no clue what I am chatting about half the time. I think this last one applies to Lil (Kristine Lilly). Kelly Smith translates for Lil when it comes to my speech.

Civ: I saw you interviewed by Nobis and Latham. How would you describe their British accents?

AS: Shocking! Have they not seen Austin Powers?

Civ: What are bangers and mash and do you enjoy them?

AS: This dish is sausages, mash with gravy; a very old school English dish, but it's lovely!

Civ: Who is funnier Monty Python, Benny Hill, or Mr. Bean?

AS: I think I find this question funnier than the people you have given me too choose from. This question is making me feel young. I think people like Ellen Degeneres are very funny British comedian, Alan Carr.

By Andy Crossley, Boston Breakers' general manager

Okay all you draft gurus. With the 2010 WPS Draft less than 10 days away now, the Boston Breakers are urging all would-be General Managers to play Andy Crossley for a day.

Crossley, the GM of the Breakers, wants to know your mock WPS draft predictions for the first round and is willing to pay for your expertise. With the 2010 WPS Draft less than 10 days away now, the Boston Breakers want to know your mock WPS draft predictions for the first round.

The competition is open to WPS fans from all over the world and the prize is your choice of either:

a.) Four (4) Pitch Side seats to the Breakers home opener against Philadelphia at Harvard Stadium on April 18, 2010. These include free parking, sideline seating and a free pre-game barbecue. OR

b.) A 2009 Breakers game jersey from the player of your choice (subject to availability)

To enter, you must predict the order of player selection for the first round.

No. 1 Atlanta Beat (1 point for correct prediction)
No. 2 Boston Breakers (2 pts.)
No. 3 FC Gold Pride (3 pts.)
No. 4 Chicago Red Stars (4 pts.)
No. 5 Los Angeles Sol (5 pts.)
No. 6 Sky Blue FC (6 pts.)
No. 7 Washington Freedom (7 pts.)
No. 8 Los Angeles Sol (8 pts.)
No. 9 Los Angeles Sol (9 pts.)
No. 10 FC Gold Pride (10 pts.)
No. 11 Boston Breakers (11 pts.)

A correct selection only requires that you match the player's name with the slot she is selected in . The team is irrelevant . In other words, if you correctly predict that "Jane Doe" will be picked with the __th pick of the first round, your correction will still be marked correct even if a different team has traded up to that spot to select her. Conversely, if you predict that our team, the Boston Breakers, will select a certain player with the No. 2 pick and we do take her, but we take her at No. 11, that selection will be marked as incorrect.

The winner will be determined by the most correct predictions, with the tiebreaker being the highest point total. Example: the two best mock drafts correctly predict 9 picks each. Fan A correctly predicts picks one through nine. Fan B correctly predicts three  through 11. Fan B will be declared the champion, as the scoring system is weighted to give higher scores to the harder predictions, i.e. those at the bottom of the round. In the event of two or more contestants finishing in a tie for both correct picks and total points, then multiple prizes will be awarded.

If you want some invaluable research assistance, check out the terrific series of position-by-position expert draft previews compiled by the WPS PR staff at womensprosoccer.com:

Top-Rated Forwards
Top Rated Midfielders
Top Rated Defenders

Submit your entries via e-mail to Erica Hunt at ehunt@bostonbreakers.com . Only one valid entry per email address.

Good luck! Follow us on twitter on January 15 to keep track of the picks as they happen. I will announce the winner on my Twitter account from the NSCAA convention that evening.

Andy Crossley
Boston Breakers
http://twitter.com/BreakersGM

The previous story is excerpted from a story on Big Soccer.com written by Andy Crossley and reposted at his request. Use of this excerpted has been approved by the media department of the Boston Breakers.

The following is part of a weekly series in which writer Todd Civin presents the lighter side of the Boston Breakers of the WPS.

The league prides itself in the down-to-earth nature and approachability of its athletes, and Civin believes that "Getting Silly with the Breakers" is an fun-filled way to create a comfortable bond between the fans and the professional athletes who are the Boston Breakers.

A special thanks to Erica Hunt, the communications director for the team, as well as the players themselves for making this approach possible.

On the field, Boston Breakers' defender extraordinaire, Amy Lepeilbet (pronounced Lee-pell-bet) is all business, as she takes on the top offensive stars of the Women's Professional Soccer League. The reigning Secretary of Defense spent much of the first season of WPS play successfully disrupting the offensive game of the league's top players.

Her stalwart defensive efforts made the Breakers the third stingiest defense in the league and led to her being named the MedImmune Defender of the Year. Her shut-down defense also earned the respect of her peers as she gained the most All-star votes as selected by the players.

Lepeilbet proved that she was indeed worthy of the number four pick in the draft last season by the Breakers, who believe that a strong back line is the key to success and a necessary ingredient towards winning a championship.

Lepeilbet also proved that she is indeed all the way back from an ACL injury that cost her all of the 2007 season and a trip to the 2008 Olympics. She worked herself back into shape playing for the 2008 Pali Blues and certainly caught the eye of the WPS by draft day.

Her 1,710 minutes played last season were second on the team to the amazing Kristine Lilly.

Off the field, the pride of Crystal Lake, IL, is a slight bit less "defensive" and although it was once said that her picture is next to the word "quiet" in the dictionary, she was ready, willing and able to spend some time, as this week's focus of "Getting Silly with the Breakers."

Civ:  You won the MedImmune Defender of the Year, does that make you more likely to use their product?

Amy: Of course, but luckily I have not had to use it yet!

Civ:  Did you receive an H1N1 vaccine and did you specifically request a MedImmune vaccine?

Amy: No, I didn't get the H1N1 vaccine because not only do I rely on my defending skills out on the field, but I defend germs pretty well too.

Civ:  Seriously, congratulations on being named the league's top defender. Who is the toughest WPS player you have to defend against and why?

Amy: There are many great attacking players of all different styles in WPS and that was one of the biggest challenges as a defender in this league. I had to be able to adjust from week to week.

One weekend I would be facing Marta, who is world class with the ball at her feet and dribbling at pace directly at you. The next week, I would be competing against Abby Wambach, who is the best in the world in the air inside the box. 

And the following week I would have to deal with Natasha Kai's endless diagonal runs attempting to break down our back line. This league has so many talented players that every player you face poses a challenge.  

Civ:  As a defender, would you rather break up a rush to the net or score a goal?

Amy: The ultimate play for myself would be to break up an attack, counter, get in the box, and score a goal! This of course is in my dreams!

Civ:  On your WPS profile it says that if you are traveling you never go without your phone, your Apple Book and a beanie? A beanie? Why a beanie?

Amy: I always travel with a beanie, first, because I really like them and second, because with my short hair I can have some pretty crazy bed head and a beanie is the perfect remedy.

Civ:  Did you come off the field at all last season or did you play every minute of every game?

Amy: I played every minute of every game I was available. I missed one game due to National Team duty.

Civ:  You have 37 members in the Amy Lepeilbet Fan Club on Facebook. Were you aware you had a fan club and are you on a first name basis with your 37 fans?

Amy: I had no idea I had a fan club page until a few weeks ago. A friend of mine told me she had joined my fan club and I had no idea what she was talking about. 

I couldn't believe it. Then I took a look at it and I was even more surprised that the page was started by someone I didn't know. Before checking it out I for sure thought it would be a family member that started it. But to my surprise I have a great fan who started it all. Thank you to my fans!

Civ:  How did it feel to be the number one vote getter amongst All-Stars as voted by the players? Do you think your fan club had anything to do with that?

Amy: I'm not sure about that, but I am very thankful to be so well respected by my peers.

Civ:  Will the loss of Heather Mitts have an effect on the team's 1.0 goals against or 4.45 shots per game average?

Amy: Heather Mitts is a very talented defender and our team and back line will definitely miss her. However, I believe we will have a strong back line this upcoming season and will do our best to keep the ball out of the back of our net. 

Civ:  Alex Scott referred to you as the best defender she has ever played with, how do you respond to that?

Amy: My response to that would have to be you are only as good as your teammate next to you.  

Civ:  You were the number four pick in the inaugural WPS draft, did that surprise you?

Amy: I was most surprised by the fact that Boston drafted me. I talked to a few of the WPS coaches that were interested in me and Tony wasn't one of them.      

Civ:  Your favorite TV Show is 30 Rock. What was your favorite episode?

Amy: 30 Rock is my favorite new show, but my all time favorite TV show is Seinfeld. And there is no way I can pick a favorite episode because they are all hysterical.

Civ:  Who will win the Prairie Ridge Invitational Soccer Tourney this spring?

Amy: Prairie Ridge of course! Go Wolves!

Civ:  All your family members have names which begin with A except Mom. Did this make her feel like an outcast?

Amy: My mom is the lucky one because no one ever mixes up her name, where as for the rest of us, everyone calls us by each other's names and blames it on the fact that our names all start with A.    


Civ:  What is the coolest country you ever played in as a result of soccer?

Amy : I have been so fortunate to visit so many great countries that it is difficult to choose just one. My top three would have to be Portugal, Germany, and Japan.

Civ:  Your club team Pali Blues won back to back championships. Which team was stronger 2008 with you or 2009 with Tobin Heath?

Amy: The 2008 Pali Blues was definitely the stronger team!

Civ: Would the 2008 Blues have beaten the 2009 Breakers?

Amy: Considering 12 of us are now in WPS I think it would have been a really good game.

Todd Civin is a freelance writer who writes for Bleacher Report, Sports, Then and Now, and Seamheads. He is a supporter of A Glove of Their Own, the award-winning children’s story that teaches paying it forward through baseball. He also shares his top stories on his blog The 'xoxo' of Sports.

The following is part of a weekly series in which writer Todd Civin presents the lighter side of the Boston Breakers of the WPS.

The league prides itself in the down-to-earth nature and approachability of its athletes, and Civin believes that "Getting Silly with the Breakers" is an fun-filled way to create a comfortable bond between the fans and the professional athletes who are the Boston Breakers.

A special thanks to Erica Hunt, the communications director for the team, as well as the players themselves for making this approach possible.

---

In last season's series called "Meet The Breakers", I described Jennifer Nobis as "a person who marches to the beat of a different drummer."

Though I hadn't met her at that point, it was clear from Nobis' Boston Breaker bio, that she tends to walk slightly out of step. A free spirit. A non-conformist. 

This season's series "Getting Silly," has allowed me to get up close and personal with the Breakers and has afforded me the opportunity to see these professional athletes with their hair down and slightly tangled. After getting to know Nobis a bit better through this Question and Answer format, I now describe her a wee bit differently than I did before.

As you will see from her Saturday Night Live-like wit, I now aptly describe the pride of Quincy, Ill. as being a few fries short of a Happy Meal. A few crumpets short of a proper tea. A few beers short of a six pack.

In truth, Nobis's sense of humor and quick wit, must make her an absolute joy to have as a teammate. Aside from the fact that she netted two goals last season, Nobis is sure to keep things light during those times when any team starts to press too hard.

And though, she may indeed march to slightly different music than many, I am happy to say that I am right out of step with her. I hope you enjoy this week's segment of Getting Silly as much as I did, creating it.

Civ: Rumor has it that you are the funniest player on the team, is this truth or legend?

Jennifer: I wouldn't say I'm the funniest player on the team, but I am by far the most random.

Civ: You played in Sweden, which is not a very big country. Did you ever see Tiger Wood's wife, Elin, while you were there?

Jennifer: No, because I was too busy looking for my stove that my apartment never had!

Civ: And I'm going to assume you have never met Tiger, correct?

Jennifer: Correct. Everyone would know if I met Tiger Woods.

Civ: Can you say anything for us in Swedish?

Jennifer: Mitt forsta ar i sverige kande hag mig utanfor sa jag blonderade haret for att se ut som en svensk.....Blond och bla ogd!  My first year in sweden I felt left out so I dyed my hair blonde to look like a Swede. Blonde haired and blue eyed! haha

Civ: I know you are very much into oral hygiene, did this inhibit you from eating Swedish Fish while you played there?

Jennifer: Funny thing is, they don't have Swedish fish! But, there chocolate is to die for!!

Civ: And about your teeth, how often do you floss? Have you considered becoming a sponsor for a tooth paste company? Do you use the rubber tip on your gums?

Jennifer: I use to brush and floss five times a day, until I got in trouble with my dentist. So now I floss once a day and brush three times. Sooooo- putting it out there. My goal is to be sponsored by a dental product and maybe one day be in a commercial. I have had this dream since I was five.

Jennifer: No one has ever commented on how nice I look. But, feel free to do so if you want. A lot of fans have noticed my nails and love seeing what nail design comes next. And I am thinking about purchasing Barbie's new nail machine, so maybe next year my nails will be even more glamorous!

Civ: You scored twice for the Breakers this season, how awesome was that?

Jennifer: The feeling was amazing and shocking at the same time. Now I know I can score against great players and I plan on scoring more this season!

Civ: Your bio states you want to have your own radio talk show. Will you do all the talk or will you allow guests to speak as well?

Jennifer: Well, first I would like to have someone write the show for me. Obviously, I would do most of the talking. But, who would want to hear me talk all day? I would love to have guests on my show who are famous but, also people that I have met along the way of making my dream come true. You never know who has funny stories!

Civ: I saw your youtube show, Boston Breakers Breakdown where you did an interview with a British accent, will you use that on your show?

Jennifer: Like I said if I write the show, it will be random and you never know from day to day what will be said or how it will be said! It is a possibility!

Jennifer: If I could bring two, it would be my cell phone and toothbrush. One? TOOTHBRUSH, of course.

Civ: Your bio also states,  If you had a dinner party, who are the four people you would invite (can be living or dead)?  You answered God, Beyonce, Lil Wayne, Benjamin Franklin. What would you serve that that quartet would all enjoy?

Jennifer: I would cook them Fried Rabbit or Squirrel with Mashed potatoes and corn on the cob! My families favorite.

Civ: You're a twin with your brother, Tyler. Is he envious that you are more famous than he is?

Jennifer: Tyler and Tommy (my other brother) have claimed they taught me everything I know, so without there help I wouldn't be where I am today! And no matter how famous I ever get, they can still beat me up!

Civ: You say you love to shop for shoes. How many pair do you own?

Jennifer: 25-plus

Civ: Your three favorite athletes are Drobga, LeBron and Tiger...Still? 

Jennifer: Ha, ha. Yes, still. I believe nobody is perfect and people deserve a second chance.

Civ: And amongst your three favorite cities is Phuket, Thailand. Have you ever been there and what do you like most about Phuket?

Jennifer: I have never been there. But, everyone in Sweden vacations there and I have heard so much about it!

Civ: Did you hit any Brazilian restaurants with Fabiana and her host, Becca?

Jennifer: They took me to Midwest Grill and, of course, I ate more than them and they are Brazilian!


Civ: You majored in General Studies in college. What did you hope to do with this and who is your favorite general?

Jennifer: Hahaha! General Lee! There is not much I can do with my general studies degree, except go back to school. So, dental school here I come.

---

Todd Civin is a freelance writer who writes for Bleacher Report , Sports, Then and Now , and Seamheads . His top stories can be found on his personal blog entitled "The 'xoxo' of Sports." He is a supporter of A Glove of Their Own , the award-winning children’s story that teaches paying it forward through baseball.