French became my hero when she and Betsy Barr came out to talk to (and play with!) my soccer team a few weeks ago. In fact, when she is quoted in the article as saying she "ran a session for a women's soccer team", I wonder if she is referring to my team? That would be cool. (For the record, when we scrimmaged, Frenchie's team defeated Barr's team 2-0. I would mention who scored both goals, but that would be bragging. ) However... I'm not sure I can have a hero who watches TV shows like "The Bachelorette" and "Joe Millionaire" -- the cognitive dissonance is just too much to handle. Gee whiz, this is a silly post, but as long as I remember to hit "Delete" instead of "Submit Reply" I'll be fine.
That is a good article. Thanks for posting it, Chiefs! Does that mean you'll leave off now about her not being the right person to play the left flank? I'm just teasing you!!! ;-) Someone has to balance my posts!!! Seriously, I've yet to hear of anyone who's had a bad experience with Frenchie. As a fan I've always had a strong sense of her being a good person as well as a good player so when I hear stuff like that it makes me happy. It's always a bummer when your fave athletes aren't who you'd like to think they are, so I'm usually somewhat cynical about athletes meeting my expectations as people. By all accounts French does, however, and that's cool. I'm going to compound the silliness by actually continuing to reply to you. [silliness] Ummm...maybe she's just saving all of her brainpower for other endeavors? ;-) I have to say I've never seen either of those shows. IMO, reality TV has just steadily dropped in quality since the very first Real World on MTV--everyone now behaves oddly because they know they're on camera and they know how other reality TV shows end up looking once they're editied. It's just not as much fun. I was definitely a fan of the first few Real Worlds, though. Now that you know more about my TV watching habits than you ever wanted to... On another note...she went to a Republican party event? Hey, when do the Democrats get equal time? (I'm kidding, I'm kidding!) [/silliness]
i also had a great experience w/frenchie after a game last season at spartan. i was there w/a student and she and i chatted about her transition to the team, about portland and about teaching. we just stood and talked for a good 20 minutes. it was a highlight to my summer in san jose. and my student was PSYCHED of course to meet her (but, though i didn't let on, i think i was more excited!)
I LOVE Frenchie!!! I met her back in 2001 when she was still with the Freedom. Me and several friends were at Summer's watching two WUSA matches on a Sunday when she came in with one of her host parents (is that what you call them???) and she saw our "Sara Whalen Sucks!!!" sign that we made on one of the paper placemats and she laughed and she talked to us for several mins and then sat in the booth near us. I was enamored with her! My friends in DC have told me of several positive experiences with Frenchie while she was with the team. She is a very genuinely nice person and makes you feel totally at ease.