AuburnChick's Adventures

A few weeks ago, Soccer Chick received an email from the women’s coach at Rollins College.  He had seen her play in the last State Cup round and was very interested.  He asked her to visit the college so they could talk.

Because we were traveling to south Florida for the Round of 16, we decided it would be a good time to throw in a visit to the college.

Rollins College is located in Winter Park, Florida.  It’s on the outskirts of Orlando…about a six-hour drive from home.  We began our journey after school on Thursday.

Now, first off, I have to make a few comments about hotels.

You know you’re spoiled when you walk into a hotel room and start critiquing it.  How many plugs does it have for us to recharge our cell phones, camera batteries, and iPods?  This one did not have near enough.  Someone would run out of juice the next day, and a fierce battle began.  Thanks, Mr., for booking El Cheapo Hotel.  This hotel was apparently acquired by the hotel next door, as there were two very different buildings.  The hotel’s restaurant was located in the center, and the waitresses reminded me of those from the 70’s…short dresses, white pantyhose…

To their credit, our waitress was AMAZING!  We were in a hurry, although we were polite enough not to act like it, and were served within ten minutes.  We had eaten and paid in fewer than twenty.

The hotel we stayed in Friday night was much, much different.  It’s a Residence Inn.  Every room is a suite with a full kitchen, king-size bed, and living quarters…pull-out bed, comfy chair, and desk.  What a difference!  The Mr. is henceforth banned from making hotel reservations as the latter one was made by Soccer Chick’s team manager (a woman, no less).

Ok…back to the point of this post.  Chicky’s visit to the college.

We drove down Park Avenue, which runs straight into the college.  What a quaint area!  Park Avenue is a brick street, lined with shops and cafes.  You can do some serious shopping only blocks from the school!  There was a beautiful park across the street from the shops.  It reminded me of the times of old…lampposts, large, open grassy area…the perfect place for summer concerts.

Then, we saw the college entrance.  As we passed through, the first thing we saw was the soccer field, located on our left.

Can you believe it?  The soccer field!!!!  Soccer fields are usually stuck way in the back of schools with little signage to point the way.  Here it was, the central part of the school!!

Oh yeah, a very good first impression.

We drove around for awhile, looking for the athletic center.  The Mr. is directionally-challenged, so we went in circles.  We finally located the building and had him drop us off while he searched for parking.

We had a long meeting with the soccer coach.  I’ve gotta say that he did a great job…asking Chicky very specific questions about what she was looking for in a college, what she expected from her soccer career in college, and a host of other things she had probably not given much consideration to before.  And then he told us how he saw Chicky fitting into his program.  He made us feel like she was sought after for a very specific reason, and he made her feel wanted.  That was the best part.  I guess that’s what recruiting is about…making sure you’re a good fit.

The assistant coach, a very likable gal, took us around campus.  Here are some pictures I snapped along the way…

Lake Virginia - Rollins has several water sports that compete on this lake, which provides a scenic backdrop for many dorm buildings

The view from the top floor of one dorm building. You can see the high rises of Orlando in the distance.

We ate lunch at the main cafeteria.  Now, this was not your typical cafeteria food.  It was absolutely divine!  I ate Pasta Fagiole.  Chicky had some kind of fancy salad, while the guys ate some Italian concoction.  There was seafood, all kinds of meats, subs…you name it, it was there.

Several of the girls on the team ate lunch with us, so we got to pick their brains…ask pointed questions…and watch the overall dynamics.  They all seemed to genuinely like one another as well as the assistant coach, who was still with us.

After lunch, Chicky attended class with the team captain.  This was where I got nervous for her.  She tends to be very shy when meeting new people, which makes this recruiting process very difficult.  She clams up, so people don’t get to see her very vibrant personality.

While she was in class, we went to the bookstore.  I could totally see myself decked out in Rollins gear…sitting during a game and cheering her on.  I restrained myself.  She’s not there yet.

After class, Chicky attended a technical drills testing session.  Yay!  We got to sit in the stands and watch.

Here are some pictures of what it would (or will) look like from my seating, should she decide to play there…

Before we left, Chicky asked us to purchase a t-shirt for her from the bookstore.  Ahhh…me thinks this is a good sign.

Time will tell.

Filed under: soccer | Tagged: Rollins College, soccer |