They were enjoying all fruits of their many years of labor. Their dreams of just a few years ago, playing in front of huge crowds, of being recognized, had been realized - repeatedly.

In beginning, we wanted nothing more than for these players to be given their due, for them to enjoy their success. Now they are living like superstars they have always been, with fans hanging out in their hotel lobby and screaming for autographs wherever they go. Easy access is probably gone forever. Recognizing and understanding that was an eye-opener.

Imagine being a Bruce Springsteen fan in early Stone Pony days, before he rocketed to worldwide fame and glory. Perhaps you had a chance to talk to him, maybe even hang out with him. While you knew he was something special and you wanted him to reach rarefied air of superstardom, once he did, your little secret was out. No more casual chats. No more hanging out. Now you’re lucky to get an overpriced ticket in nosebleed seats from a scalper.

But of course, like Bruce, try as they might, our National Team can no longer satisfy everyone. They still carry their own pens for autographs after games, but now there are increased post-game media demands.

While goalkeeper Briana Scurry did post-game ESPN interview that day in New Orleans, forwards Cindy Parlow and Mia Hamm were first to be interviewed by local media, followed by forward Tiffeny Milbrett, defender Brandi Chastain, and Head Coach April Heinrichs. The rest of players signed autographs, but with 15,000 fans, it was simply impossible to accommodate every fan.

Leah didn’t try to acquire autographs that day. She already has plenty, and on that day, we also had field photo credentials. Not only is autograph-collecting taboo for "objective" journalists, but our memories of game will be in photos we captured.

After game, as players boarded bus, I saw one woman approach a team official. She was ranting and raving that she had driven five hours to bring her daughter to game and that her daughter didn’t get any autographs from players. The team official explained that players signed autographs for a half hour INSIDE stadium, which was true.

Apparently, this woman and her daughter had been positioned in wrong place and were headed home empty-handed. As she stormed off, she yelled, “BOOO Women’s National Team!! I’ll never come to another game! BOOO!”

I am certain other fans left empty-handed as well or disappointed with just one or two autographs. I am also certain this woman’s experience will be repeated during current 10-game Fan's Celebration Tour and at future games as well.

Our National Team players are victims of their own success. After working so hard, for so long, to develop their fan support, it is simply impossible for them to continue to be so accessible and provide autographs to every fan who wants one.

So if you are lucky enough to see our National Team play this year or in any other games in future, go to enjoy skill, intensity and passion these gifted athletes put into their effort. If you are really lucky, and do get an autograph or two, even better.

But you shouldn’t be disappointed if you don’t get any autographs. And you should forewarn your kids that it might not be possible this time around, which will lessen their disappointment.

Finally, as you’re driving home, take advantage of opportunity to focus with your kids on positive values (hard work, commitment, perseverance) these incredible athletes exemplify. Those are lessons we should want all our children to learn.

The run up ski slope was both physically and mentally draining. That day I only went up about 1 mile, but it was one of longest runs I had ever done.

After combination of my summer training and that challenging uphill practice, cross country race hills didn't look so bad anymore. At top of hill I'd find myself thinking "That wasn't bad at all. Where's another hill for me to run up?". That one day running up that mountain changed my perception of uphill running, and I have not feared hills since.