My name is Caitlyn. I live in Horsham, Pa. I am ten years old and love soccer. Basically soccer is my life!! My team and I won the championship in P.A.G.S Div. 1, we were undefeated! Winning the championship was really exciting for my team because the 1st year we played together we never won a game. I love watching movies of when you played because it inspires me! I want to thank you alot for making a difference in womens soccer. You showed girls like me that we can do anything if we really want it. I play fullback for my team and love it! Next year we move to a bigger field and I am a little scared. Were you scared when this happened? My mom said you were going to have a baby. You must be tired. Today I watched a movie about you and your team even though I knew you won it was still nerveracking to watch! You are one of my biggest heros. You show that girls can do anything they want if they really want it. I wish you good luck with the baby! Love, Caitlyn

Hey Caitlyn, Thanks for the email. I am feeling good and I am a bit tired but not too bad. I am very excited about having a baby but I do miss my teammates too. I was watching probably the same movie this past weekend, Dare To Dream. I too get nervous and teary eyed and I lived it. As for a bigger field, it is always a bit scary or nerve racking to move on to new levels, but I bet after the first time on the field, you will feel at home and say �huh, this isn�t that much bigger.� It is still soccer know matter how big the field, so have fun with it. Caitlyn, thanks for the note. Always Believe, Kristine

Kristine, The producers of Dare to Dream did a wonderful job- it�s a fitting tribute to one of the most special teams of all time. I can�t imagine what it must be like to have been part of something like that. Jamie

Hey Jamie The movie was great and it was amazing to live it as well. It is just great that the story lives on! kristine

Rupert A. Nock Middle School January 2008 You�re an inspiration of hope for the future of a student at the Rupert A. Nock Middle School in Newburyport, MA Dear Kristine Lilly, My Name is Nicki and I go to the Rupert A. Nock Middle school. First of all I just want you to know this isn�t fan mail or anything it�s just a school project letter asking for advise to someone who inspires us. I have chosen you as my inspiration hope because you are my favorite person on the USA soccer team and you must have followed you dreams to be that far in your soccer career. You inspire me and give me hope because you were just a normal person once and must have practiced a lot o be so great at soccer and I hope someday I could be as great at soccer as you are. I play for Newburyport soccer and a club team called NESS. In the spring and fall I have soccer 6 and sometimes 7 days a week. . I have tried other sports but soccer is just the one I love the most and feel I could someday be extremely well at it. My hope is to play on the Varsity team in high school, play for a college team, and then hopefully play for the USA team. Some qualities I admire in you are never giving up and following your dreams. I want to know who inspired you to become such a great athlete because who ever did they must have done a great job. If you have any advice for my hopes of being on all the best soccer teams please write back. Thanks, Nicki

Dear Nicki, Thanks so much for a great letter and I hope you received a good grade for your project. The person that I looked up to growing up was my older brother. He played many sports and I wanted to do anything he did. the great thing about my brother is he let me tag along with him and play sports with him and his friends. I was 4 years younger so it was a bit hard but it was worth it. I didn't receive any priviledges because I was so young nor a girl, so i had to get up and keep going at it. My thoughts to you and others about going after a dream, just keep going after it. Always work extremely hard and never think anything will come easy. When you reach your goal, even work harder to stay up there. Nothing in life is easy and you always have to work at it and be the best you can be. I hope that helps and thanks again for being such a fan of mine. Take Care, Kristine

i had to make a power point on soccer and mine was mostly about u my role model!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I admire u so much

Awesome! I feel privileged Hope you did well on it! kristine

Dear Kristine Lily, I am a big fan of yours and met you 2 times before You proubly don't remember me because you meet so many people. I think you are truley a role model and very strong and pretty. When I grow up I want to be exacly like you! Since you grew up in Wilton and I live in New Canaan we almost grew up in the same town I came to the Krikit store when you were there. I am 9 years old. My comet about you is that your really good at playing soccer!! I hope I will meet you again you are pretty amazing kristine. Yours truley, Lindsay

Hey Lindsay So you live in New Canaan that is great. It is a nice area to grow up in. I really enjoyed Wilton. Thanks for being a fan of mine! I bet if I saw you I would remember your face, I do remember faces better than names because I do meet a lot of kids. You should come to my soccer camp this summer in Wilton. June 23,24,25th. if you go to my website and click on the kl Soccer Academy tab, you will see the information. Registration will be up soon. Hope to see you this summer kristine

But this time it's from a father who has always held up you and the US women's soccer team as a role model for my own daughter. Girls who are growing up today seem to be grittier, tougher, and much more self reliant than in the past. Recently my daughter brought to my attention, after a father daughter day of skiing, that young men on the school bus with her were teasing her ect and that she wanted to go confront them and their parents with my help. So we went to the home of the young men in question and to my pleasant surprise I did not have to say a word. My daughter who is a 7 year old second grader completely stuck up for herself. Needless to say the situation worked itself out with a little parental guidance. Congratulations to you and your husband, and I, we, hope you all the success, health, happiness in the future. Thanks Jedediah K Hogan

Hey Jedediah, I'm glad your daughter stood up for herself, that is just great. I like it. We have to continue to make girls, women, strong, in how they feel about themselves and you will see them be tougher all around, but with a nurturing heart all the same. Thanks for your note, kristine

no question just a comment!

I am a 51 year old Mom and I just wanted to tell you that you are a terrific role model for young girls. I love your web site. I have 3 daughters, all played soccer and I really enjoyed watching you play over the years. My oldest is now 26 and a mother herself met Mia Hamm at soccer camp years ago. Enjoy your beautiful daughter because as they say before you know it she will be all grown up. My baby girl is 19; hard to believe! Best Wishes� Nancy

A comment after an appearance i did in Weston Ct.

I thought I would drop you a quick note to thank you for yesterday.  All of the girls (both big and small!) had an amazing time and were completely in awe of being on the field with Kristine.  She could not have been more patient and kind and they were so encouraged by her smile and positive attitude.  Please let her know that we are all so grateful for her time and willingness to share her experiences. She truly is an incredible role model!  

after i replied to an email.

Thank you! My 2 "soccer girls" are beside themselves over you replying to my email.   You are a role model I am so glad my daughters look up to. All the best. Alysa

Dear Kristine, I'm so happy that I now have your email. I'd first to say that you've been a great inspiration to me and to many other girls. Just like you on the field I'm more of the play maker than anything else. I believe that your a great role model for girls. A lot you see on the tabloids about stars doing wrong things that are not good to look up to. Your quite the contrary. OMG your sooo amazing and I'm so happy that your playing with the breakers! Boston is sorta like my hometown. I live in R.I and as you can see I live really close. Soccer is great sport and I'd love to see you play soon. Congrats on all your hard work, it shows it pays off. Can't wait for a great season. Sincerely, Lily

Lily Thanks for your nice note! I�m glad you are a breakers fan too. It is great to know that I can be of some inspiration. Keep up the good work in all that you do. Someone may be looking up to you as well. kristine

This is a comment after an event i did in New Hampshire.

Hi Guys, We got back from the Capitol Cup tournament earlier today. It was the first tournament that we have played in. It was a blast. The girls had so much fun and they were all so excited to meet Kristine. We won't even hold it against you that you grew up wanting to play for the Yankees. I have received permission from the Soccer Board to have Kristine do a clininc or talk whichever is easier for you. They just wanted to know what you appearance fees are. Thanks for being such a positive role model for our girls. Hope to hear from you soon. Jason

a comment from a parent.

Kristine,   I would like to thank you for being such a positive roll model to all the young ladies and gentlemen in the soccer world.   My daughter first met you when she was about ten years old when you were doing the soccer camps with Julie Foudy in the Mission Viejo area. She is now a sophomore in college, playing soccer and still has the picture she took with you at the clinic up on her wall in her condo.   We were all so excited to here about the birth of your daughter and we check your blogs on your web site often.   Continued success with all of your future soccer endeavors and once again, Thank you, thank you, thank you.   We are off to San Antonio next weekend to watch our daughter play in her conference tournament and with high hopes that they will qualify for the National tournament.   Vicki

Comment from a mom!

hi Kristine,   Just a long-time fan here sending some baby-best wishes your way!  Your baby girl will go on to delight you like nothing you have ever known.  I quickly learned a response for people asking how my children were ..... 'best think I ever did!'.   Speaking of - my 9 year old daughter, Kendyl, (name borrowed from Kendyl Miner after I saw an interview in '99 days before I delivered!!),  is playing on a few local teams here in Franklin, MA.  She browses the Boston Breakers website and cannot wait for opening day!  We went to the Revolution last night and she commented that the boys were ok, but she can't wait for the girls!  You are such a wonderful role model for those of us who scramble to show our daughters real women, hard working women, women who gain respect and don't sell out.    I wish you all things wonderful!   Regards,   Ciara

a comment from an army soldier!

Ms. Lilly Heavey, First, congratulations on your beautiful new joy! I'm quite sure that your little Sidney is putting magic in your life! Second, cudos on helping bring back women's professional soccer - something our nation sorely needs! I say that with an undercurrent of patriotism, and the context of witnessing human suffering in the Middle East and Africa firsthand, where even they embrace the magic of "fútbol". Third, pat on the back for hitting your pushups mark recently, and for getting back in shape. You know what you have to do. So, I just thought I would share a quick note of thanks for all your efforts and achievements, and for the inspiration you give to thousands. Let me tell you about my best little friend, Flora (my daughter, age 12.) She was born and raised in Germany, and played "fussball" with the boys every year beginning at age six. When we moved to Massachusetts in December, 2007 Flora was crushed to leave all that she knows behind, and she still suffers from that. But, Flora has soldiered on, gotten mostly As and Bs in her first year in school, and is playing soccer for a club in Marlborough. Soccer, as you can imagine, is where her spirit lives - it is the fabric that holds her together right now. And, I'm seeing how that can be the reality for many young girls and women here in our country, not just Europe and elsewhere. What I hope for is that Flora, and girls nationwide that are naturally talented like Flora, will learn something from your example. I will do my level best to encourage my little friend, and likewise for all young athletes that I meet. For Flora's inspiration, and for my entertainment pleasure, my wife and I are seriously considering buying season tickets to see you and the Breakers at Harvard next year. So, "Iron Lady," here is one Soldier that will be cheering for you as you continue forward. Best wishes always! And ALWAYS BELIEVE! Hal

comment!

Hey Kristine, Thank you so much for being such an inspiration and role model.  You inspired me to try and play for the Boston Breakers and for the soccer team at my high school.  Thank you!   Sincerely, Erica

Hi Kristine, My name is Cara. I took my daughter & her friend to see the Women's USA Soccer team play China at Ford Field in Detroit, MI. The game was awesome!! It was my daughter's dream, as well as mine to see the Women's USA team play. The team is phenomenal! The passion that the players have for the game is second to none. The footwork is incredible. To see a game on TV is one thing, but to see it live is unbelievable. When you stepped out onto the field, it was a feeling I can't describe. You are such a great player!! My daughter has played soccer for 10 years. She lives, eats & breathes the game!! Her ultimate dream is to attend UNC & play on their soccer team. I'm hoping that dream will come true! Thankyou again so much for bringing the greatest sport there is to Ford Field. It is something we will not forget soon!! Have a Happy Holiday!! P.S. Your daughter is adorable!

Hey cara Thank you for the nice note and I�m so glad that you guys get so much joy from watching us play. I am sure your daughter will be great and will work at her dream. As I am example, you can achieve your dreams, by working hard and keep going at it all the time. Happy new year to you! kristine

Dear Kristine, I just wanted to take the time to email you and tell you how excited I am to watch the Breakers play again, and to watch you again! The first time I watched you play, I was six, and you cleared the ball off the line at the Rose Bowl. Ever since then my life was Mia, Julie and Lil. Your one of the most underrated players I have ever watched and you really don't get as much credit as you deserve. I love the way you play, and love the teams you play on. Good Luck and Go Breakers! I'll be there opening day, face painted and all. Yours in Soccer, Nikki

Hey Nikki Thanks for the nice note and for being a fan. Glad you saw us play in the Rose bowl and now you can again with the Breakers. I hope you have a happy new year! kristine

Dear Kristine, Thank you for the Jersey. I was so suprised. It was the one thing on my christmas list that I thought I wasn't going to get. All of my friends are realy amazed that I got a sighned jeresy.Thank you for giving me that player card, I realy apreciate it. I can't belive you made it into the World Record Book for 2009.Thanks again for the jersey and card. :-) :-D -Caitlin

Hi Caitlin Glad you got the jersey and like it! Enjoy kristine

I just watched Dare to Dream for the 3rd time, and was moved, once again, at the fusion of ferocity, skill, and sheer dedication to each other that your Immortal team emotes, even a decade later. I�m no great Soccer fan, Ms Lilly, and I won�t insult your intelligence by pretending otherwise�But I am a passionately intense SPORTS fan�and that 1999 team of yours CAPTIVATED me. Y�all emitted such an obvious love for the game�and such a dedication to each other�that the rest of us ~ the millions of us ~ had no choice BUT to be engulfed by your Quest. THAT is what inspires fans, don�t you know: Great talents bending every effort for each other. It was the camaraderie, above all, that enraptured us�and changed the landscape, forever. THANK you. ~ Christopher

hey Christopher I'm glad you enjoyed Dare To Dream. it is so great on so many levels. I am also glad it is still making an impact on people and the story continues to be told. I have seen Dare To Dream many of times and i still get some chills and i lived it! crazy! kristine

Kristine,   i can't tell you how excited i am that you are back with the national team! you are such an inspirtation, always have and always will be! i just wanted to let you know how happy i was that one of my heros is back and playing soccer again, i've missed watching you play, but i wish you the best of luck and no that you will still do what you've always done out on the field!   Also, i'm hopefully trying out for ODP in 2 weeks and am really nervous, any advice, if you were a coach of that level what would you be looking for? thanks!   ill be cheering you on against China!   sincerely, Emily

hey emily thanks for the nice note. It is great to be back on the field and look forward to the WPS starting in April. Good luck with ODP. If i was coaching and looking at players i would first see that the young player has good technical ability. Making sure they can kick a ball correctly and have the fire to go after it. Good Luck and have some fun too! kristine

Kristine! First of all I am a big fan of yours, and would like to congratulate you in all your sucess. I just turned 17 and currently got back from the u17 world cup in new zealand, finally one of my goals to play in a world cup came true, although it was not easy at all. It was very much worth it though. I feel that all the aspects of my game are very good and I am improving but the only aspect that I feel I am missing is nutrition. So I would like to know, what are female soccer players suppose to eat, how many times a day and small portions I suppose? Thanks. Thanks a lot, Good luck with WPS . Nahiomy

Hi nahiomy So great that you played in a world cup. That is great! I be new Zealand was beautiful. Nutrition is a big part of taking care of yourself. There aren�t certain foods to eat or not eat. I have always had a balanced diet. One thing that usually happens with girls is that we don�t eat enough calories for what we are burning. Eat the 3 meals a day and in between should have a snack in there. Hydrate well. Get protein in your diet b/c we usually have the carbohydrates taken care of. But eat a balanced diet and focus on food being fuel for the body! I would also talk to a professional nutritionist if you are really interested. I know u.s. soccer has one they work with. Ask the coach. Kristine.

a comment from a father about her daughters experience at the region III ODP CAMP!

I�m the father of a girl who is attending the Region III ODP camp July 5 � 9. She called to tell me that you had spoken to the players one night and how motivating your speech was. She even said you signed her cast for her (you couldn�t have missed her even if she didn�t have the cast as she was probably the craziest person there). I just wanted to drop you a note to thank you for your speech as it truly inspired and excited my daughter. During that same call, she said she was also excited because she had played really well and she felt good about her chances to make the pool. Then, the next day she gets the bad news that she didn�t make the A or B pool and was part of the scramble team. Even knowing that she still could be pulled up to the pool didn�t help relieve the disappointment she felt. She couldn�t figure out what the coaches were looking for and what she had to do to impress them. Then she remembered your speech and her mood changed instantly. She felt very confident and motivated and determined to make the best effort she could. Well, as of yesterday, she did get pulled up to the pool. I�m not sure if it was the A or B pool but it didn�t matter to her as she was able to prove to herself that she could do it. So, I just thought you might want to know the impression you left on a 16 year old girl and how that helped motivate her to a higher level. Now I believe that no matter how this turns out tomorrow, whether she makes the team or the pool or neither, she will not be sad or down because she will remember your words and know she gave everything she had and she will be proud of her effort. Thank you for taking the time to speak and inspire young women as it does make a difference. From a proud father