Even Great Teams

EVEN GREAT TEAMS require rest to perform their best. In the 1998 NCAA women’s soccer final, a weary University of North Carolina squad couldn’t contain a well-rested opponent.

The Tar Heels faced the University of Florida Gators less than 48 hours after playing a four-overtime, 149-minute semifinal match against the University of Portland. The 1–0 decision gave UNC the opportunity to capture its third straight and 16th overall national women’s soccer championship.

But the Gators scored early and played great defense. Florida’s Danielle Fotopoulos broke toward the top of the North Carolina box and drew a foul from Lindsay Stoecker. On the ensuing free kick, the striker cleared UNC’s defensive wall. The ball buzzed over the outstretched hands of goalie Siri Mullinix, hit the crossbar, and dropped into the net for a 1–0 Gators lead.

Two tremendous saves by Florida goalie Meredith Flaherty, a transfer from Clemson, preserved the shutout. Late in the first half, North Carolina’s Lorrie Fair fired an 8-foot shot toward the net that Flaherty stopped with a two-handed save. In the closing minutes before halftime, Anne Remy booted an 18-footer that glanced off the shoulder of Florida’s Erin Gilhart and caromed toward the upper left corner of the goal. But Flaherty dove and tipped the ball out-of-bounds. The Gators won the national championship 1–0 over an exhausted UNC squad.

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POINT Even college students like the Tar Heels soccer stars need rest. Participating in lengthy, stress-filled games saps energy. Without adequate sleep and recovery time, players often don’t play to their full potential. When that happens, winning becomes difficult or even impossible.

God created our body to refresh itself. Nutritious food such as fresh fruits and vegetables help. Drinking water rather than soda or caffeine is always a good idea. Exercising works out stress, and sleep restores energy.

Taking care of ourselves as our heavenly Father desires helps us win in athletics and in life.

GOAL! A lack of sleep results in memory lapses, attention deficits, depressed moods, slowed reactions, and decreased motivation. Sleeping eight to nine hours a night is about right. Keep a record of your sleep for a week. Are you getting enough? Thank God for rest and rejuvenation.