Three Kids and a Dog: Indiana Soccer Camp

It was Austen's second year attending Indiana University's Soccer Camp and he couldn't wait to go. Like last year, he knew his roommate(s) and had even more friends on his floor from his team. Turns out he even knew a lot of kids from the previous year when he went too.

Austen and his roommate, Jimmy

I drove him down to Bloomington on a Thursday (which I was more than happy to do). And, I don't know who was more excited. Me or Austen. Tom says his happy place is Michigan. My happy place is IU. So many great memories. But beyond the memories, it's just a beautiful campus to walk around. I decided to stay for the long weekend instead of heading back on Saturday to pick him up on Sunday. I walked the campus so much my legs hurt. They took me to downtown Bloomington, through campus, to the renovated basketball stadium, my freshman dorm, my sorority house and Austen's soccer fields. There I caught glimpses of his evening games from afar. I heard his coach yelling at him to get those 50/50 balls and I knew right then that I liked this coach because that's what I've been telling Austen all year.

His Team

I took my computer and iPad and besides walking, I sat outside at the Union or the local Starbucks or Blooming Foods (think small Whole Foods) and worked. I enjoyed the solitude. I walked the Bloomington Trail. I shopped the Farmers Market and took a drive to College Mall and then out to Brown County and back. It was a beautiful evening. I met up with friends to reminisce and have a drink/dinner. But mostly I enjoyed B-Town. It was hot but I was in my happy place. And it was only made better on my morning walk one day past the soccer fields by a kid about Austen's age who asked me "Do you go to IU?" At first I wasn't sure he was talking to me because I already had passed him when he asked the question. But when he repeated his question for a second time, I turned around and saw that he was directing his question at me. I was more than flattered. Do I go to IU? Did this kid really think I was more than 20 years younger than I was?! Yippee! My heart soared. Then I smiled and said, "I did! Best school ever."

I think Austen might agree. He had a really good camp. He learned a few things. Worked on a few others. Did really well in the final game with great play and a goal to tie the game 1-1 and help his team advance to PKs where he easily placed his shot in the right corner. Alas, his team still lost but his play was strong (although he probably could have put the ball in the back of the net a few more times). He was super close to getting MVP of his team but another really good player beat him out for his play during all of camp even though Austen outshined him in the final game. Still a much better final game for Austen than the previous year. He looked more confident out there and sure of himself.

Overall, he had a great time again and asked to attend both overnight camp sessions next year. I can't wait to go back either, Austen. But next year, we may just have to bring the whole family!