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North Valley Tornados: Tornados News
COY lunch
Tuesday, January 29
Steve Liu Named District II Girls Coach of the Year

From http://www.cysadistrict2.org/coachpgm.htm

Stephen Liu has been named District II's Girls Coach of the Year for 2007. Steve has volunteered for five years as head coach of the North Valley Tornados, a U16G, Division 1 soccer team with players from Fremont, Milpitas, San Jose, and other neighboring communities.

Steve began his coaching career in 1999 as assistant coach for the Tornados, who were then a U8 recreational team. At the time, he did not have any children and only had limited experience working with kids, but his community-minded spirit, friendly relationships with the players and their families, and love of the game sealed his commitment to this team. The Tornados have been recognized by other teams, coaches, and referees for their sportsmanship, player development, and dedication to the sport. This year, five Tornados were selected for District II ODP teams, and all were selected for their high school teams—with thirteen playing on the varsity level.

Each year, Steve volunteers more than 700 hours to develop practice sessions, plan game strategies, coach the team, and provide personal assessments and guidance for each player. In addition to this time, he also sponsored and organized activities for the Tornados for “Take Your Children to Work” Day at Cisco Systems, participated with the Tornados in the 2007 Relay for Life at Milpitas High School, serves on the North Valley Youth Soccer League board of directors as spring league coordinator, and is a new dad to his six-month old son, Ryan.



Friday, August 31
College Soccer: Educational Seminar with Craig Winans (SJSU)
craig
On August 23, at the Milpitas Community Center, the Tornados were visited by San Jose State Women's assistant coach, Craig Winans.  Craig is a firm believer in youth sports and more importantly, what youth sports can do to get kids thinking about a future in higher education.  As a personal favor to Steve, he generously took time out of his busy fall prep schedule to address the team in a private Q&A session about intercollegiate soccer.

"I hope every Tornado prioritizes continuous education.  It's important that players and parents demystify college sports and the process to pursue their goals so they understand what they can do now to give themselves a competitive advantage," said Coach Steve.  "I'm so grateful that Coach Craig prioritizes this too and provided his guidance."

The session was very informative, and covered topics such as:

  • College life in general and the importance of deciding the right school for you
  • The real demands intercollegiate sports place on student/athletes
  • Eligibility rules and selection criteria - the truth about recruitment
  • Scholarships and financial assistance
  • What players should be doing to prepare themselves now - take active control!

A big, warm Tornado thank you for Craig to volunteer his time.  Go Spartans!



Wednesday, July 25
Tornados Whirl Through Campista Loco VI

The Tornados survived Campista Loco VI and emerged stronger in fitness, skill, and unity. Steve is very proud of the girls and says, "This was by far the best camp in all the six years we have done this as a team. Participation, intensity, and positive energy were unmatched." Special recognition goes to the following players who made it through with 100% attendance: Amanda, Andrea, Angelica, Briana, Gigi, Helen, Justine, Kristen, Mari, Rachel, and Vanessa! They truly tested their perseverence and demonstrated committment to our theme "Rise Above" for 2007-2008!

Camp days were "extra-wide, double sessions" (two blocks of three-hour practice sessions) from 9AM to 5PM. The weather cooperated and fortuantely stayed relatively cool. The girls really maintained their focus and self-motivation. They pushed themselves in every exercise with minor need for motivation. What a great show of trust, dedication, and heart!

We had attacking and defending themes each day with a major emphasis on communication and identifying "visual cues" for smarter tactical play. We mixed in a variety of fun games in teamwork and communication building. We laughed hysterically as we raced soccer balls across the field without using hands or feet, embarrassing ourselves with "Barnyard Music", and miserably failing to create a good "Leaning Circle". By far, the most popular and most hilarious game was "Tank and Driver" (think total chaos). Every day, we also developed and discussed our team character and brand during lunch time. Themes included the importance of: attitude, work ethic, perseverance, courage, confidence, poise, and integrity. We are, after all, a total package of mind, body, and spirit!

Most of all, the girls really bonded (shared challenge works wonders ;-) and they have really started to play well together. They sweat together, learned together, shared thoughts together, and laughed a ton together. Follow up news articles will share some anonymous responses to various questions Steve had asked them throughout the week. It isn't important who said what. What is important is that a Tornado said them and they are all quite inspiring. You should be proud of having such fine daughters who have finished a huge accomplishment and have all found each other as Tornados!



Cisco Day 2007
Thursday, August 30
Cisco Systems Hit By 15 Tornados In One Day!
On Thursday, July 12, Cisco Systems sponsored a "Take Your Children To Work Day".  The concept as "Take Your Daughter To Work Day" as a method to inspire girls to future possibilities in science and technology oriented industries.  15 Tornados accompanied Coach Steve to experience corporate life.  Well, not really, instead of the normal tedium of boring meetings and such, the girls found themselves entertained with an agenda packed full of activities.

During the course of the day, the Tornados got to experience:

  • A private guided tour of the Executive Briefing Center and Demo room where visiting CEOs and leaders of countries come to discuss the future
  • A first look at new Cisco Telepresence technology (pictured)
  • Private Q&A sessions with key executives: Sue Bostrom (Senior VP, Chief Marketing Officer), Rebecca Jacoby (Senior VP, Chief Information Officer), Paul McNab (VP, Marketing), and Maria Cannon (VP, Sales).
  • Hanging out for the afternoon in the Connected Home Demo Room the home of the future

"I may have been slightly crazed to bring 15 teens to work, but there was an opportunity to expose them to more than just soccer.  It will be a day I'll remember for a long time, probably as the most "fun" day I've had at "work" in 12 years," said Steve.  "There was one rule.  It was the same simple rule the team had to follow any time we venture out into public... hotels, etc.  'Don't embarass me!', " he continued.  Fortunately, the Tornados behaved wonderfully.


Telepresence

Wednesday, July 25
Why Are The Tornados Special To You?

Congratulations to all the Tornado players! They have successfully completed Campista Loco VI with flying colors! Tornado summer soccer camp has traditionally been an initiation into the new season. For 6 days, players test themselves physically and mentally in the ultimate sacrifice to themselves and their teammates. Most importantly, it is a time to align mindset and attitude to create a strong team bond.

I am very pleased with the positive outlook that the players share for the game, the season, and their teammates. I asked the Tornados the question: "Why Are The Tornados Special To You?" This is what they wrote. I am posting them anonymously because it isn't important to know who wrote what. The important thing is that someone on the team wrote these things and your daughter is one of them!

  • I am VERY proud to be a Tornado because of the dedication and love this team has to the game and to each other. We work hard, but we also know how to play hard. We have a ton of fun!
  • I enjoy being a Tornado because I don’t think there is a better relationship between the players and the coach than on our team. Like I’ve said before, the Tornados are my second family. If I am struggling, my “sisters” are there covering me. This team has helped me get through some pretty tough things in my life (since it’s in the past, don’t ask). I never worry about having no one there when I’m the last one across the finish line. My teammates are always there cheering me on.
  • I like this team better than any other team I’ve been on because of the people, talent, and the desire to succeed and work hard.
  • I am proud to be a Tornado because the people are nice and are helping me to be a better soccer player.
  • The Tornados are special to me because they train skill and they always give 110% effort. They never give up and always work hard. We are always improving. So while being extemely tough, we still always find a way to have fun together.
  • I think that if you have a great team like this one, you will play forever. I think the people on this team will still love soccer enough to be playing in college and beyond. Unlike other teams I’ve been on in the past, we have cool skills AND friendships!
  • We may not be there yet, but we will be champions. We all have strong bonds with each other and if we keep that bond, our teamwork can help us win, be recognized by others, and simply be the best out there.
  • I am proud to be a Tornado because “We-R-Fam-i-lee!” On my old team everyone blamed each other for mistakes or for losing. On this team, we always stick together!
  • I like being a Tornado because I feel like I belong with my teammates. When new girls come on the team, we instantly become friends. I also believe that we have all the potential in the world and all we have to do is make that potential into a reality.
  • I am proud to be a Tornado because I love my sistahs! Everyone is very nice and helpful. Duh!
  • I am a Tornado because when I tried out, I liked the atmosphere, the positive attitude of the coach, and I was happy with the good skills of the team during the first scrimmage I went to.
  • I am proud to be a Tornado because of the comraderie that all the players share. I think this team is one of the most dedicated teams to soccer and to each other. They pour their heart and soul into the game and give it everything they’ve got, win or lose.
  • The Tornados are special to me because we aren’t like other teams who just play on the field. We are all best friends which makes it easier to play on the field. We all hang out together and unlike other teams we’re really cool!
  • I am a Tornado because we appreciate hard work and we go through hard work together and have a good time doing it.


Saturday, August 4
The History of Tornado Nicknames

Ever wonder why Steve had selected certain nicknames for players? Is there rhyme or reason? Sometimes no... but sometimes yes! I'll do my best to give you the history.


PlayerNicknameOrigin
Amanda(Owwie) Boo BooThis girl has no fear. In her first two days, Amanda managed to get smacked in the face, stomach, elbow, (and even pinky toe) so many times her teammates started calling her Owwie Boo Boo (think Ali Baba). I think she set the record for fastest at earning a nickname!
AndreaDocShe ain't gangsta, but Doc Drea just sounds mean... So, don't let her smile fool you! She can and will put the beat down!
AngelicaRockyLike the boxer, she's able to take a beating and keep on going. This girl reminds us what it means to "Fall 7 Stand 8". Steadfast and solid, one of the "rocks" of the team.
AnnissaFreakyI was considering a few nicknames for Annissa. Jawbreaker: sweet on the outside, hard on the inside. Squishy: (just ask the jellyfish). I finally settled on Freaky. Not only fun and funny, she has the ability to find something unnatural from deep down to help the team when it needs it most.
BrianaBam BamThis is what happens when players try to push her around. BAM1: The first hit. BAM2: Them hitting the ground.
ElisaHornetHornets are small, fast, and ferocious. They will swarm you and sting you over and over again until they are done with you. Sounds like someone I know!
ElizabethZIL (was Butter Cutter)Although she is known as Zil (that's Liz backwards for the short bus people out there), I used to call her the Butter Cutter. Ever since Liz was 9, she had poise and control with the ball. I would watch her dribble through opponents like a "hot knife through butter!" Now "ZIL" is what they get when they step up to her.
GigiKokoActually, she came with a nickname already... Gigi, but that doesn't count. During camp this year, Gigi made many friends, one of which was a stray dog named Koko that kept showing up to practice. She loves that dog... NOT! But the name sticks!
GladisMagooOk, this is ancient history as far as cartoons go, but Mr. Magoo, you see... couldn't see! And Gladis can't see... without her contacts! And for her to be our GK! Pretty scary when you think about it. I try not to.
HelenCatapultPretty obvious when you see that she can throw the ball in farther than some can kick! If she ever is lucky enough to go to France, she would be known as Trebuchet (Tre-boo-shay). Good thing she isn't French...
JessicaStarbuckWell, in a matter of two weeks, Jessi had managed to memorize the entire operating manual of a Starbucks franchise. With no shyness for her newly acquired knowledge, the whole team now knows how to properly make a Chi Latte.
JustineGeckoWhat has sticky hands? Enough said!
KristenRooShort for Kangaroo. Leaps like one too! Plays forward like Rooney!?
LuBig (Meany)Lu is the most soft-spoken, nicest girl you'll ever meet... until you have to play her 1v1!
MariBeepUh... well we all know the story BEHIND (lol) this one. BUTT (lol), if you want to know. Ask her. She'll make sure to tell you in SURROUND-SOUND for a complete experience!
MelinaGumbyOne of the best nicknames I've given. Green... Smiley... Friendly... and UNBREAKABLE!
PriscillaS'moreThe Sandlot. The beach. The bonfire. Priscilla dominates the magic of combining marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers.
RachelThe BossAll you need to do is spend 5 minutes with her to figure this one out. Listen or get out of the way! I think she will work well with Sarge. Note to parents: it isn't because she knows all the Bruce Springsteen songs on karaoke... but that would be fun to find out.
RiyanaSwooshYou can't think of Riyana without thinking running. You can't think running without thinking Nike. You can't think Nike without thinking "SWOOSH"! So you can't think SWOOSH without thinking Riyana!

Alumni:

And though they wear different uniforms, their nicknames still live with them. And I know some of you still secretly wear green socks underneath! ;-)



PlayerNicknameOrigin
AlisonDr. KYBWell, I originally named her Sweetfeet because she had... well, sweet feet - quick and agile with good ball control (especially for a 10 year old!). As she grew older, she named herself Dr. KYB... Doctor Kick Your Butt!!!
Amanda TMatchmaker /
Apple
Amanda... two nicknames... and her volume goes to 11 on a scale of 1-10. Matchmaker: She was more persistent about asking when Leslie and I would get married than when our next game was! Apple: "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!" Like Mom... like daughter... :-)
AmrunSmileyAmrun was probably the meanest, dirtiest player I knew. Yeah right! Her nickname is so obvious, why even try to explain it. She's just lucky she has straight teeth!
ArianaShoozOne of the funniest nicknames with a double meaning. 1) She kicked like a mule... sending free kicks into nets from 35 yards out when she was 12 and the crowd would yell... SHOOOOZ! 2) Because there were about 4-5 games where she showed up ready to play... WITHOUT CLEATS! and the crowd would say... AWWWW... SHOOZ! WHERE ARE THEY?!
DanielleSgt. DeweyI don't know why the Dewey part... I think it has to do with some silly TV show. I added on the Sergeant because... well you've all heard her bark orders at you and make you wanna cry for mama.
DesireeTwinkletoesI had a moment of inspiration as I watched her glide weightlessly through the agility ladders and warmup touches. They just sparkled... lol
DominiqueBulldogWhen Nikki goes in to win a ball, she's head down and single-purpose driven when she sinks her "teeth" into her opponent and doesn't let go.
EmilyEnergizerRemember that pink bunny that kept going and going and going??? Emily was like that, except she wasn't pink and doesn't play the drums.
HayleyMonstaHayleymonsta, Hayleymonsta, Hayleymonsta. It just rolls off the tongue. Plus, it helps that she sent MONSTA crosses into the box!
JackyMotorThis one has a double meaning. 1) because she would motor on the field. 2) I drove with Jacky on a roadtrip to Sacramento or Lodi and spent like 3 hours in the car with her non-stop talking and laughing... full on MOTOR-MOUTH! We didn't need a radio that trip!
JuliaRamboIf you haven't watched the movie, First Blood, then you must be under 20 years old. Watch it and you'll understand. Sometimes, you just need a type of person that will tie a bandana around their head, flex their muscles, and strap on a big gasoline powered machine gun and blow everyone away in the name of justice (or in our case, Tornados).
KristinaBooActually, she just came with this one. If I remember her first words to me, they were, "Hi, I'm Boo." And I said, "Hi, Boo. Does that come with a last name? Boo Who?" Maybe it's because she makes her opponents cry so much?
MunvirZippoWhat is a sure way to ignite a fire? With a lighter made of solid steel.
NatalieEverlasting GobstopperShe was a jawbreaker... with flair!
RubyTripaSpanish for GUTS!
SarahFrench FrySeriously? I don't know how this one was started. I think she gave it to herself. At first I thought, oh, I get it... TALL FRY instead of SMALL FRY. But that wasn't it. When I asked another Tornado why French Fry, she said, "I don't know, because she's long and yellow (hair)?" I guess that must be it.
TamaraDebbie /
Barbara
Another one of those weird things. She just started calling herself Debbie one day. That went on for a few months until she was bored of that. Then she renamed herself Barbara. Who knows?
VanessaBlankyNo this isn't because of the blank stare she gives you when you ask her a question (LOL, just kidding Vanessa!). Back when she was 10, Vanessa used to play as a tenacious defensive back. I called her the blanket because I could throw her on the field and she would smother an attacker until her fire went out. To this day, she still uses this tactic to win balls in all parts of the field.


Monday, August 6
Tornado Juggle Ladder
IMG-Soccer Ball
Juggling may not make you a good soccer player, but good soccer players have the control to juggle. Studies show that it even increases your brain power! :-) Here are the personal bests of Tornado players

PlayerMax
Helen616
Riyana387
Sarah315
Kristen232
Mari227
Justine202
Elisa172
Amanda172
Liz127
Briana114
Rachel108
Angelica101
Vanessa68
Julia64
Lu64
Gigi63
Danielle59
Andrea42
Annissan/a


2K6-SVC-Crazy
Friday, September 8
Tornados Take First Place in Silicon Valley Cup!

The Tornados strung together 6 solid games over the Labor Day weekend at the Silicon Valley Tournament to emerge undefeated and capture the championship in the Girls U-15 Class 1 silver division! They displayed maturity and discipline to finish with a 5-0-1 record with 12 goals scored and 2 goals allowed. It was a grueling weekend to play 2 games each day over the three day period, but the Tornados proved they had the fitness and composure could get them through.

The weekend challenged the Tornados in many ways. It was wonderful to watch the Tornados overcome those challenges... not as a few individuals, but collectively as a team. When a player struggled, others stepped in to elevate themselves. It seemed that everyone had a moment to make a difference and they did it when it really counted.

Personally, I am extremely happy and proud of the girls on this team. I believe I speak for all the team when I say it was a crowning moment that had a lot of sentimental significance. The team has been working hard for about 18 months to "rebuild" ourselves. During that time, we stuck to our two core principles: committment and attitude and believed that time will create the skill and talent to beat our opponents. Along the way, our faith and dedication was tested many times. There were ugly losses and disappointing "almost could have done it" moments. This weekend, it finally "all came together". This is surely not the end, but it is an excellent proof point that we are on the right track. If anything, we have learned a valueable lesson in perseverance.

So ladies, congratulations! Let's keep building for the future and keep knowing that all the extra effort you do eventually will pay dividends



Monday, August 28
Tornados Win Hearts of Fans in SoCal

The Tornados recently returned from playing in our annual "out-of-state" summer tournament in Southern California. As always, the tournament was fun and a great experience. However, this year was a little extra special as unique challenges presented some opportunities for Tornados to rise to excellence.

Due to numerous vacation plans and unexpected injuries, the team was forced to face the weekend with a line up of only 10 players. We were to play anywhere from four to 6 games that weekend not only without substitutes, but also a player down. Essentially that equates to approximately 240 minutes of soccer without relief with the added expectation to give %110 to make up for the player imbalance. All this against four teams from a strong SoCal soccer community. I was nervous.

However, what I witnessed that weekend was motivating to me beyond belief. The girls played 4 solid games without one complaint. They needed to be fit, persistent, and smart to hold. The first three games ended in ties, and sheer bad luck prevented them from being wins. The first game saw a goal directly bent in from a corner kick called back for "out of bounds". The second game had an equalizer scored by the challenging team in the last few minutes of the game where fatigue certainly started to show. The third game was solid until the end where we narrowly missed a go-ahead opportunity high in the far corner. The girls had managed to get through three tough games undefeated, and narrowly turning those ties into wins... all with 10 players.

Looming ahead of them in the fourth and final game was the San Diego Surf who had soundly beaten all the other teams in the bracket. It was the fourth game in a long weekend. We were tired. We were sore. We had just played 180 minutes without a break. We even played with 9 for short periods of time for minor injuries. Yet the Tornados were fired up before that game. They had played 3 great games in a row and began to look like a team that craves overcoming adversity. And they played the Surf brilliantly. The girls were patient, purposeful, and moved off the ball urgently and challenged with intensity. We narrowly missed a few good scoring opportunities. Then Surf put a goal in that was arguably offside.

They were not discouraged and played with the same intensity until the end. And though they lost that last game 1-0, they certainly won the hearts of all that watched them that weekend. I heard many comments from non-Tornado observers that weekend. And though they also didn't go undefeated (0-1-3), they went 4 for 4 in coach compliments. Every coach that weekend shook my hand and asked me something along the lines of, "How do you get those girls to play with such heart? I wish I could for my team." To me, that is the biggest compliment I can hear about the Tornados. Because that is something much harder to teach than how to kick a ball properly, or how to run faster, or how to score goals. That is something that is built over time through the efforts of players, parents, and coaches. So my response was, "I guess I'm just lucky that way." (What, do you expect me to give away our best secrets? ;-)

And in true Tornado style, we work hard and we play hard. The road trip was a blast and the girls BARELY managed to uphold my one steadfast rule in the hotel... "Don't embarass me!" We had an awesome time at Disneyland. But, the highlight to the antics was singing karaoke (Hollaback Girl - by Gwen Stefani) to a crowded restaurant. I'll never hear that song the same way ever again... ;-)



2K6-RND-Wedding
Wednesday, August 2
Tornados Crash Steve and Leslie's Wedding

Well, it was years in the making, but it finally happened! Steve and Leslie got married on July 1, 2006 at Palmdale Estates in Fremont. Tornados from today and yesterday were there in full effect. It was hard to recognize them without shinguards, ponytails, and sweat on their faces :-)

The food must have been good. The Tornados hit the buffet two, three, and I think maybe four times (Mari!). They got to meet Steve's famous aunt (the big liar!) and the rest of the family and friends. In the end, they even got to cut a rug with Steve (now I know who has rhythm!) and built their own Conga Line. Thanks to Jesus, Amanda, Angelica, Danielle, Elizabeth, Julia, Kristen, Liz, Mari, Rachel, Sarah, and Vanessa for coming. The wedding certainly was energized by your presence ;-)

Special thanks to Dani and Julia for working the video camera. The commentary is hilarious! Also, my warmest thanks to the Tornados of the past, Amanda, Boo, Desiree, Emily, Hayley, and Melina for coming and showing that you are forever Tornados at heart! It makes me feel great that this team is still special to you guys!



Wednesday, August 2
Why Do You Play Soccer?

Yeah, what makes these girls pursue a game with complete passion and intensity? Why do they force parents to get up at 4AM or drive 200 miles or sit for two hours in the rainy, windy, chilly Winter? Let's ask and find out!

  • I love the game! It’s fun and exciting! I love to be aggressive and LOUD! I like it when I accomplish things I couldn’t do before.
  • I love the sport and spending time with my teammates. I also love the feeling of juking someone!
  • Soccer makes me feel good. It teaches me discipline, patience, and teamwork. Obstacles like being unfit are a challenge and when you practice, you solve them. You build friendships and confidence too.
  • It’s fun. I like the people, the atmosphere, the sport, the traveling, the color of our uniforms, the work put into playing, and the lessons discovered.
  • I like to feel like I am part of a team that works together. I also like how when you are on the field, you forget about all the problems of life and focus on the game. Finally, I like to be competitive and I like the satisfaction of winning.
  • Soccer has this amazing thrill like when you’re on a breakaway or you’re saving a goal and the crowd is cheering for you. It feels great. It’s a good way to exercise. It’s a team sport so you can make a lot of friends.
  • It’s fun and I love my soccer tan.
  • I enjoy the sport and the friendships it creates. It’s my life and my second family. It keeps me in shape. It lets me vent when someone gets on my nerves!
  • Is a fun way to exercise, meet new people, make new friends, learn new skills, and express myself. It’s nice to have something that you are good at too. And even though it’s sometimes hard and challenging, it feels great to win and accomplish things both small and big.
  • Soccer is a great sport. You learn a lot. When I tell people that I play, they respect me. And, every year I get better and when I do well, it makes me feel good inside.
  • Unlike other sports that are just about how physically in shape you are, or how buff you are, soccer is about technique and how strong your will is to improve it.
  • It is a sport that gives me a sense of accomplishment when I make a good play or do a drill correctly. It also gives me a way to express myself and if I’m angry I can vent.
  • I love the challenge of leadership. I play to stay in shape, and I love the girls surrounding me!
  • I get to play a great game with the friends I love.


Wednesday, August 2
How do you view the challenge of being an underdog?

At camp, we discussed how this team has a lot to prove to ourselves and our peers. We discussed that this year has the Tornados often facing these challenges as an underdog. We discussed what that means and how Tornados face challenge:

  1. "A Tornado is someone who looks challenge in the face, and however hopeless it might feel, she takes it head on with all her might because she believes it is the right thing to do. And win or lose, she knows she is a champion because she has been brave enough to believe in herself and is confident she has done all she can."
  2. "It doesn't matter how many say it cannot be done or how many people have tried it before; it's important to realize that whatever you're doing, it's your own attempt at it."

Here's what they had to say:

  • I view the challenge of being the underdog as an opportunity to prove the un-believers wrong. I see it as a chance to shine and blow away expectations.
  • We don’t have the expectation of winning and when we do win, it's a great feeling and a big deal!
  • Many wrongly think teams are underdogs because they are really bad teams. I think underdogs are just not well-known teams that are not expected to win. I’d like to be an underdog that ends up winning. Then we could be a top team. That’s the next step in the staircase!
  • I know what it feels like and it’s not very easy. But, I think that it just makes you work so much harder to be the very best and come out on top. We have less to lose and a lot to gain.
  • I feel that this opens up a lot of opportunities for us. We aren’t under the pressure of maintaining our place and can only get better. We have a goal to work towards. We can come up from behind and take the so-called better teams down.
  • We can do it if we WORK HARD and BELIEVE!
  • I feel both bad and good. I feel bad because we should be able to be champions. I feel good because other teams may underestimate us and in the end we will win and be on top!
  • We can make things happen that no one else expects. We can go to the top and then be feared. Everyone cheers for the underdog teams deep down inside. We can be cheered for too!
  • I feel that underdog doesn’t mean favored to lose, just more to prove. If you’re an underdog, you really have NOTHING to lose. You can put everything into a desired game and not have to worry about the consequences of losing. It just provides you with more experience. It gives you the chance to prove everyone wrong and show them what hard work, dedication, passion, and sweat can do.
  • I think being an underdog teaches you that you always have to be ready to play. You always have to be ready for a challenge, and you have to work together to succeed.


Wednesday, August 2
What are your goals for the Tornados and what do you expect of yourself to help achieve them?

The girls were taught to distinguish the difference between a goal (what you strive to attain and what you keep focused on during inevitable failure) and expectations (what you can control and what you should judge your success against.) Here is a list of what players hopes and goals are for the team, and what they personally will hold themselves accountable for along the journey.

  • Goal: My goals for the team are to win at least one tournament and get more wins than losses during league. Expectation: To achieve these goals I will practice my hardest on the things I am not typically good at like playing out of pressure calmly.
  • Goal: My hopes for the team are to be able to advance in state cup and come out as one of the top 4 teams. I also want us to get 1st place in any tournament we enter. Expectation: My part will be to be in the best shape that I can be in. I will improve my defending and attacking because I can always do better in both. I will not retaliate after I’ve been fouled.
  • Goal: My hopes for the Tornados this year is to place in the top 25 in the state. Expectations: Personally, I will work extra hard in practice and games. I will encourage my teammates.
  • Goal: Win at least one tournament and place in all tournaments. Finish with over a .500 record this year. Expectation: I will work hard on 1v1s, perfect my passing, and shoot often to score more goals.
  • Goal: I hope that the Tornados will be really good, play our hardest, and use our many individual talents to our advantages. Expectation: I will contribute my very best in every effort, skill, and support as a teammate.
  • Goal: I want us to win the August tournaments or at least place. We need to score more goals and perfect our passing. Expectation: I personally will make sure I use my speed even when I’m tired. I will work my hardest on shooting under pressure, beating defenders, and shooting from outside the 18.
  • Goal: I really want the Tornados to be able to win at least a couple of tourneys this summer. I also want us to be the best attacking team by the end of summer. We are the champions! Expectation: I will work my hardest to improve my 1v1s.
  • Goal: This year, I want the Tornados to show top teams who we are and that we can beat them. Expectation: To get to that goal, I need determination, teamwork, and most importantly heart. I will try my hardest to be more of a leader for the team, even if I don’t feel like one just yet.
  • Goal: I would like the Tornados to step up a level when we play teams both stronger and weaker than us. We say, “We can win this!” OR “It’s just an off game”, but it’s just an excuse. The Tornados can play well and win. We’ve done it before and can do it again. Remember Lodi! Expectation: I will play 110% every game without depending on others to lift my A game.
  • Goal: I would like the Tornados to win the fall season. I believe the teams we are playing against are all teams we can beat. Expectation: In order to accomplish this, I will try my hardest to get quicker on my feet so I will be able to defend better.
  • Goal: I want to win every game we face. Expectation: I will always try my hardest and force excellence out of others too.
  • Goal: One of my goals for the Tornados is to never ever have another Sonoma 6v6 performance! Also, I would like to win at least 3 tournaments this year. Another goal I have is to win our league this fall. Expectation: To do these things, I will try my hardest at practices and games. I will train myself outside of soccer to stay in top shape for games. Finally, I will never give up even when we are losing, but instead, fight until the bitter end.
  • Goal: My goal for this team is to be able to beat top teams. I want to show them that we are good enough to win. Expectation: I will work my hardest to perfect my defending skills so I can stop any forward.
  • Goal: My hope for this team is to place well in state cup, and even if we don’t win every game, I want this team to improve and get serious. Expectation: I will be a positive leader (to help us go all the way in state cup someday!)
  • Goal: My goal for this team is to be one of the hardest teams to beat in district 2. Expectation: I will be helpful to others when they need it. I will be a leader by example.


Saturday, May 20
2006 End of Season Party: Tornado Bowl-a-Rama 2!
IMG-Bowl

The Tornados finished the 2005-2006 season with a big bang! We went to the Milpitas bowling lane and replaced our cleats with the lastest trends in bowling footwear (sadly a standard since 1950) and spent the afternoon chucking 14 pound balls across hardwood floors. Woo hoo!

We had fun watching Elisa try to pick up a ball as big as her. Melina ended up as top bowler. The rest of the team really showed the gutter who was boss. Quite a few pizzas were killed in the process too. At least no one dropped the ball on their foot to take themselves out for the season.

It was also coach Steve's birthday. Sarah and Julia thoughtfully baked Steve a cake. One thing though, I'm not 40. Nice try though guys. Xp The added bonus: it was decorated as a clown with a knife in it's head! See the picture! Everyone knows how much Steve hates clowns... so he says "Thanks! One less clown, one step closer to a better world!" Then out of nowhere, the clown attacked Steve. Briana smashed a piece of the clown cake in his face. Revenge is currently being plotted. It will come out of nowhere when you least expect it!


2K6-RND-Clowncake

Monday, January 17
Welcome Jesus Castano: Trainer
2K6-MUG-Jesus
The North Valley Tornados welcome Jesus Castano as their new trainer. Jesus has played soccer for 25 years. He participated in 3 regional and national championships as a player under 21. His main position was center forward and also has played all positions on the field including goalie. He has been a trainer/assistant coach of the Sunnyvale Blackhawks under 13 team which made it to the semifinal of the State Cup, assistant coach of the Alum Rock Pumas for 3 years, and has been on the NSA coaching staff. Jesus believes the best soccer is played when a team can find the right blend of physical, disciplined European style, and with the creativity of the South American player.



IMG-TornSlideShow
Tuesday, January 6
2003 Tornados Slide Show
A slideshow highlighting the Fall 2003 season.

Sunday, January 18
2004 State Cup Pictures!
Check out this site for Tornados State Cup 2004 pictures

Sunday, May 15
2005 Stanford 4v4 Tournament
2K5-4v4-Team

On April 24, six Tornados took part in the Stanford 4v4 tournament and finished in second place! This was quite an accomplishment as this was the first tournament that we have played together as a team. The weather was great and both players and parents had a blast hanging out all day together.

The girls looked really good in their first outing together. They focused on a controlled, quick passing game and ended the morning a perfect 3-0 with a couple of close matches. After a little Jamba Juice and muffins for lunch, the girls had a few good laughs as we chilled out for a couple of hours just getting to know each other better. Sarah came real close to earning her nickname... "It Wasn't Me, Welker". :-)

The afternoon began with the Tornados assigned to the upper flight. After a narrow loss in game 4, I was impressed with how well they bounced back to play tough and focused to win game 5. The girls came together on their own to decide just what needed to be done. I was especially encouraged to see this amount of "self-coaching". With minimal guidance from myself, they decided what they wanted to do, how they wanted to warm-up, and how they wanted to play. I always enjoy the times I can just be an active spectator! ;-)

The championship title came down to the final game and a win would have sealed the deal. The Tornados were ahead with only a few minutes to go when our opponent (Burlingame) buried one in the net to tie the game. With seconds to go, Sarah nearly put in the winning goal, but it rattled off the post instead... bummer! Although we didn't find the net in the final minutes, the way the team chose to fight hard until the end was a great display of Tornado character and clearly indicative of the great times to come!

Hats off to the following Tornados! Pictures from the event are in the Albums section.

Briana
Hayley
Julia
Kristen
Mari
Sarah



 
 
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