Final Comments... from Jessica Mendoza
We did
it! We brought the World Cup trophy back
to the US and we could not have asked for a better tournament. One of the main questions I was asked after the game from both reporters and fans was “What was the difference between last year’s team that lost and this year’s team that won?”
To answer
that question in a few sentences, we were prepared. We have been training as a team since January. The training not only better prepared us physically, but mentally we were able to bond better as a team and get to know the new additions we have gained since the last Olympics. This training made us more the USA team I have
known from 2004 and before. We could work on the little things that get swept under the carpet when we are in the middle of the summer season, but are so important for big games like last night.
It was
great to see our team come together the way we did this week and perform. There
were so many remnants of our team from 2004 and it was exciting. But I do have to say the most exciting part of this tournament, for me, were the fans. They were amazing! Not only was the game last night sold out, but I felt that all 6,700 fans were completely
into it – cheering at every good play or hit, holding their breath, and even
reacting to every call the same way we were. I always said I wish I could play in a stadium like a major league baseball player and tonight was living that dream. I really want to thank the fans who came out to support us this week. They made this World Cup much more memorable than I could have ever imagined. Thank you –
our whole team appreciated every one of you!!!
Hi Jessica,
I got to meet you when you came to Elgin for the career day. I miss your sister being a student teacher here at Elgin she was nice to talk to. Softball is my dream and I would like some advice on how to get to where you are. I want to be an olympic Softball player and go pro but I just dont know how to get there. I know I can make it its just getting there thats the problem. Well talk to you later. Tara Witherspoon #21
Posted by: Tara Witherspoon | February 27, 2007 at 09:30 AM
Hi Jessica,
I got to meet you when you came to Elgin for the career day. I miss your sister being a student teacher here at Elgin she was nice to talk to. Softball is my dream and I would like some advice on how to get to where you are. I want to be an olympic Softball player and go pro but I just dont know how to get there. I know I can make it its just getting there thats the problem. Well talk to you later. Tara Witherspoon #21
Posted by: Tara Witherspoon | February 27, 2007 at 09:25 AM
Hi Jessica its Sarah I dont know if you remeber me but we met at uncle Daves house and I told you that I was your biggest fan. I think it was so cool that you signed our posters and my softball. I would really like to talk to you again so I hope you can email me back. Well congrats on your outstanding career hope to really hear from you soon
Posted by: Sarah Guerrero | February 10, 2007 at 10:22 PM
I look up to all of the members of the Olympic softball team as they have taken the sport to a whole new level. Since you have joined the team I have noticed there is just a desire in you that keeps you pushing and driving for every inch. I know most players don't like to accept personal accomplishment easily but you deserve it on and off the field. I'm a college player and am looking to improve my game this year from last year. I didn't know if there was any way to get in contact with you just to talk about the game and life on a team. Good luck this season with everything!
Posted by: Elizabeth Hawkins | February 05, 2007 at 09:00 AM
Hi Jessica,
Its me Ted Kwelepeta from Neethlingshof wine estate in South Africa. I enjoyed presenting a wine tasting session with you. Your humbleness can not be matched. Love your passion and charisma. Hope we meet again sometime. Remember I am aspiring to become the first black wine expert from Central Africa. Meet you again sometime,
Ted
Posted by: Ted | January 25, 2007 at 08:05 AM
Hi jessica im doing a report and i was wondering if you could help me out!!!!!!!!! Do u think that those not so good players should get played more often and thier coaches should give them a chance!
please o plaese email me bak i beg u ur like a role model love mir mir
<3 <3 <3 Always
Posted by: Miranda | October 04, 2006 at 07:31 PM
hi my name is desiree and one day i wish i could meet you once and be as good as you.
Posted by: desiree | August 04, 2006 at 11:32 AM
hi my name is desiree and one day i wish i could meet you once and be as good as you.
Posted by: desiree | August 04, 2006 at 11:32 AM
I admire your compassion for the game and wanted you to know that I look up to u, Cat, Monica, and most of the other ladys as well.if you can tell cat that i wrote her something and that i really would like to meet her as well as u. i will give u more info if u E-mail me. talk to u later Jess.
Posted by: Samantha Freeman | August 03, 2006 at 06:38 PM
go usa go congrats to usa for winning the world cup.usa is the best.
Posted by: octavius caesar | July 31, 2006 at 01:51 PM
congrats to usa for winning the world cup usa is the best in the world.go usa
Posted by: octavius caesar | July 31, 2006 at 01:48 PM
Jessica,
I was an amazing tournament for the Team and for you personally. I know you are one of those Team Players that will not take personal acknowledgment easily, but you really did a great job, although I was hoping to see another one of those Home plate head slides that knocks catchers over again - kidding : )
The Team looked and played great. I have a 12U, 14U and 16U softball teams here is So.Cal, would like to know if you book speaking engagements? or Camps?
Mark
Posted by: Mark Goodacre | July 19, 2006 at 12:48 PM
JESSICA MENDOZA- 2006 II World Cup of Softball- MVP!!!!!!!!!!!
Undoubtedly the best with the bat this past week. Amazing!
Posted by: | July 18, 2006 at 03:09 PM
Way to go Jessica. Whatta tournament. I think you were MVP! Go USA!
Posted by: shortstop310 | July 18, 2006 at 02:50 PM