OK. Tisha is retiring soon -- hopefully not until Aug. 24, but it could be possibly as soon as next Sunday afternoon. So tell us about your favorite Vench memories and what made her such a great player. Possibly one of us can print it out and send it to her.
These are the personal affectations Tisha has had on me. Up until WWC'99, I had no idea women's soccer even existed. Then, one night, I happened to tune in to a game between the USWNT and some other team from Foxboro stadium. I remember my wife asking " What are you watching?" and saying " they actually have a Women's World Cup!". Yes... I was clueless. All of a sudden... it was " my God! Who the hell is this short haired broad flying around the pitch? ". A fan was born. I searched the internet for everything I could find out about the USWNT and Tisha. I found Elaine's website. I found BigSoccer. I tracked down a copy of "The Sporting Life" that had a photo shoot of Tisha and sent them to my new found friend, tishavench15, copyrights be damned. I, along with other tisholics, were traumatized with April Heinrich's decision to dump her from the USWNT. I won't elaborate here, but suffice it to say, Tisha publically took the news like a trooper. The dawning of the WUSA gave me a chance to see Tisha play again. Unfortunately, during the inaugural game, a collision with Lindsey Stoecker resulted in a broken wrist. Depression, at first, but then, back she comes to play with a cast on her arm. A great run by the team lands them in the playoffs, and then into Founders' Cup I. If there is any debate about Tisha being a clutch goal scorer, just remember it was she who scored the game tying goal, then coolly slotted the first penalty kick past Bri. I could go on and on... I would like to thank gousa9 and tishavench15 for posting as much personal info about Tisha that a fan could possibly want to know. I enjoyed the in depth chats Elaine set up for Tisha's fans. I relished finally getting to see Tisha play in person in Philadelphia last year. I wish her the best for the rest of her life. Thank you, Tisha
What a great thread, Tim! Don't be surprised to see some of posting in here numerous times in the next few weeks. I think that every single player from the 'early days' is special, and they all had an enormous, important role in putting their sport in the spotlight. It's tough to single some girls out, but Tisha is in her own class. She handles herself very well, and her coaches and teammates have gone on and on about her character on field and off for years. I noticed her in 1996 while watching Olympic game highlights late one night during vacation. It was the first match of the Games, and she scored the game-winning goal. Her heading presence and work rate stood out. Since then, I followed her and the team as much as I could. I will admit I lost some fandom towards the USWNT when she was cut. However, following her allowed me to learn about other players who are nothing short of fantastic (i.e. Lilly, Foudy), who didn't get any press before '99. I became big fans of these players through being a fan of Tisha's. Even more importantly, I became CyberRays fan for life because she was allocated to the team. I think the CyberRays are great, and I'm happy to have become a fan of their's. My favorite moments are ones that I was able to share with fellow Tisholics. The chats that Elo set up were just awesome (sif, buff415), 'the' backflip, being so happy for her when she finally became to engaged to her husband, tying up FC I, and reading her diaries every Tuesday for a few weeks in 2001 on womenssoccer.com. It's sad that she won't be playing much longer, but once again, she's doing things the right way. I know all of her fans are excited about her being able to follow another dream she has had for years, having a family. Let's hope she surfaces every now and then to update everyone.
My favorite Tisha quote (paraphrased here): "If you don't have something nice to say, then zip it." She leads by example. and tends to be one of the more positive players I've seen. Plus she's from my home town!
Tisha's name has always been linked with the term "world-class." She will long remain in the hearts and minds of US fans and CyberRays fans as the hero in Foxboro during both the '99 WC and the FCI, and so much more. If ever there were another a player who deserved the Finals MVP title as much as the actual MVP, it was Tish. I can still remember her calmness in rallying her teammates just after giving up that go-ahead goal with less than 7 minutes left, promising that they were still in it; then a couple minutes later, making good on that promise to force OT. I lost count of how many times I've rewound that tape to re-witness Tisha's late-minute heroics. They say that the first PK in a shootout sets a tone for the team. Unlike her counterpart, Tisha nailed hers, and the rest is history. As the first player to win the "Grand Slam" of soccer and 50% of what was once regarded as the "best tandem midfield" in WUSA hangs up her cleats, many fans mourn the end of, but celebrate, a storied career.
3 stand out, besides Elo's site... 1. Her poster on the entrance of Niketown in San Francisco. I used to see it when I was working in the area. 2. The backflip celebration after her goal in the 1999 WWC, enough said. 3. The Founder's Cup party in downtown San Jose where she and the team were signing. It was nice to see that piece of hardware. Good luck to her in what she decides to do, and mostly, thanks! Cheers!
sadly enough... Tisha's fading... we need a picture of Tisha before she's completely gone ETA: i mean Tisha's picture... not her actual self... silly me
Tribute to Tisha The success of the US women's national team in 1999 made me a fan of the sport. They were a great team not only because of their soccer skills. Their camaraderie on and off the field, their love of the game and love for each other--these qualities also helped to make them champions, one and all. Their exuberance was infectious; it was exhilarating to watch them play. And of all the players on that team, Tisha stood out from the rest. I was surprised and angry when April cut Tisha from the national team. What poor judgment on April's part to let Tisha go. Being the classy person that she is, Tisha accepted Apri's decision without rancor, gracefully, and we fans bade her a fond farewell, and wished her all the best. The WUSA has allowed us to share in Tisha's life for three more years. She made a huge contribution to the success of the CyberRays in the first year; in the second year she was voted team MVP by her teammates and received the Heart of a Champion award. I have little doubt the Rays would be in the playoffs now if Ian had given Tisha more playing time in the earlier part of the season. I have seen Tisha play in person a number of times, and will miss seeing her on the field. As far as we fans are concerned, Tisha will be leaving in a blaze of glory. A great player and great person, Tisha has nothing more to prove. Have a great life, Tisha, and thanks so much for the memories.
Here's a very nice artile from the Mercury: http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/6501166.htm
So what kind of tribute did they do at tonight's game for Vench, Boof (why do they call her Boof?), and my girl Ann Cook ?
Just got back... There was a postgame ceremony with Boof and Tisha, with comments from Marlene, Brandi, Julie Foudy (yes!), Kristine Lilly, and Kate Sobrero. There was also a tribute from her early coach, and a few family and friends wearing the various jerseys from her career (NC, USA, 2001 Rays, and a kid wearing the current threads). The gifts they received were rocking chairs. Supposedly Cook could play next year, but we'll see what she decides to do.
Here is a real good Vench article from today's Modesto Bee: http://www.modbee.com/columnists/agostini/story/7272493p-8198529c.html Have a happy life Vench!
that article nails it. it was an extraordinary ceremony. foudy and lilly spoke about tish; kate sobrero (who played with boof at notre dame) and brandi spoke about kelly. it seemed a fitting end to have non-cyberrays testify to how much these players have meant to them. everyone stressed that tish and boof were even more special off the field than on it. marlene bjornsrud spoke about both. each of them spoke about themselves. both were funny and poignant; both cried. ian presented tish with her framed jersey, which was retired. it was a beautiful summer afternoon. the stands remained packed with fans who stayed to give ovations and pull out tissues. i'm not sure people beyond san jose appreciate what those two brought to the team. tish was the calm soul, kelly the wild inspiration. both have hearts bigger than california. the fans adore them, with reason. to answer fearm9's question, i'll quote (as closely as i can remember) sobrero: "when kelly started notre dame, we nicknamed her 'boof' in honor of her amazing hair, which i soon learned could get even bigger. in the right humidity, she can grow an afro in under two seconds". i suspect the fact 'boof' rhymes with 'goof' is another reason the name stuck. there was no ceremony for ann cook. that appears to have been her preference, either because she didn't want the spotlight or is undecided about retirement. although cookie got limited playing time this season, she's always been a big fan favorite. if she really is leaving, i hope she knows how much we'll miss her.
Great articles, great recounts. Did anyone snap any pictures? I know I'm not the only one from these boards who would have loved to have been there yesterday afternoon. Both players will be truly missed.
hey- took almost 200 pics, and here are the better ones... http://photos.yahoo.com/gousa9 enjoy!! i'll post some thoughts later today...still isn't sinking in that tisha has played her last game elaine
I'm getting an error message- saying the Photo Album is empty. Any suggestions Elaine? Anyone having (or not having) the problem? Thanks for sharing, Elaine..looking forward to seeing them
hhhmm...not sure why that is... but here is another link...this should work (hopefully)... http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/bc/gousa9/lst?.dir=/Tisha's+Last+Game elaine
The link is working now, Elo. Not sure why, I tried it just before you posted your last post and it wasn't working. Now it is, and the pictures look GREAT!!!!!
That's a great article. Tish was always a favorite. She'll be missed. I'm sure the Rays are gonna have as hard a time as the USWNT has had in filling her shoes. Good Luck Tish!!! Love ya!!!
Tisha and Founders Cup III From San Jose CyberRays News: "You can see all the action live at 1 p.m. on ESPN2. And pay special attention to the new sideline reporter. She'll be Tisha Venturini-Hoch, just retired from the CyberRays and making her first move into a new career."