DURHAM, N.C.-- This preseason started off unlike any other. It was the first time that not all of our teammates were in attendance at our first meeting, but with good reason. Libby Jandl was in New York City finishing her internship, Kelly Cobb is currently finishing a chemistry class in Alaska before she heads out to the U-20 World Cup in Japan and Mollie Pathman is jumping in and out of our sessions because she is on a rigid pre-U-20 World Cup workout schedule.

Although our roster is incomplete, we still have maintained a solid level of energy and enthusiasm to start off the year. We welcomed in a class of six ecstatic new freshmen. We guided them through fitness testing and acclimated them to the first few two-a-days.

It has been pretty hot and humid out on the field, but anything is better than the cold! Our first test was the beep test, which was followed by our first DWS team dinner. On day two, we practiced in both the morning and evening.

In the morning session, we completed our second fitness test, which was the 300's. After every practice we stretch, roll out and occasionally do an ab/stability workout under the direction of Coach P. We then head to the training room for weigh-outs and ice baths. The first few ice baths are FREEZING and a bit difficult to get through, but since each tub holds 3-4 people, it is another time for us to socialize and joke around with each other.

We are trying out a new Gatorade recovery drink in replacement of the chocolate milk we used to drink after games and particularly tough practices.

On the morning of day three, we finished our fitness testing with the 800 and had a high paced and fun practice. In the evening, we opened up the field and played possession and 9 v. 9 plus one neutral player. After Friday night's session, Libby Jandl, who flew in from NYC after her last day of work, finally joined us.

Saturday morning was an off day aside from a few sprints and strides. We then took the two and a half hour trip to Wrightsville Beach in order to have a nice change of scenery for the middle, and most grueling days of preseason.

We are very lucky to have the hospitality of the Koballa family, who has taken half of us into their home for these next few days. The other half of our team is staying at a beautiful house across the street from the Koballa's. The view here is amazing. Through every window we can see out across the sound.

Tonight we did an incredible team bonding exercise with Dr. Greg Dale, where we found out much about our teammates that we wouldn't have otherwise. We also went over our values and helped the freshmen learn the culture of our team. On Sunday, we have another two-a-day and continue to prepare for the upcoming scrimmage on Thursday. We are all feeling the excitement for the days to come!

Go Duke,

Kim DeCesare & Laura Weinberg