Never the selfish one – always the one who gives – both in life and college and on the pitch in soccer.
She works hard – her degree will be in Engineering Science – a 3.85 GPA.
Maddy is on the right with her teammates and roommate.
She is up early before sunrise to hike and run – when she visited us this last spring – she was on the beach for sunrise – capturing pictures and filming – her minor is Photography.
She runs – she hikes mountains – and most of all – a team player.
Maddy – not celebrating her own goal – but that of a teammate – that is Maddy!
This is her and her life.
She distributes the soccer ball from the left wing position – pinpoints passing and so fast in doing so.
She loves to score – but she loves to see others do the same.
Number 13 Maddy – celebrating teammate’s score.
Dedication for four years straight – a team award for going above the recommended physical fitness regimen for her team. The BELL AWARD was given to those players pictured here and for four straight years, Maddy has achieved that award from her coach.
Maddy was second from left – four years straight given this award from the coach and team captain her senior year.
The four years have gone by so fast – she has done this on her own since she was a sophomore in H.S.
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Papa’s World – The joy of college and soccer – MADDY!
Randolph College – the University of Lynchburg – one a sophomore – the other a senior.
Both colleges are in Lynchburg, Va. Ella is a sophomore, Randolph – and Maddy is a senior.- Lynchburg.
Both start on their teams – Maddy a wing and Ella midfielder.
Sad this most likely will be the last game they play against each other – but as a family – MEMORIES!
Captains meeting midfield – Ella middle on left in white – Maddy on the right – middle in black.
Shaking hands
And then THE HANDSHAKE AMONG SISTERS! MEMORY!
And then the procession out onto the pitch – Number 10 white – Ella and number 13 black – Maddy.
For us as grandparents and as mother and father – there is no winner and no loser !
For the granddaughters – bittersweet as for the second time – Maddy’s team has won.
Ella never came out of the game – and she has now started and played every game as a freshman
and now as a sophomore – the only freshman to accomplish that.
She will be a very good player when it is all said and done.
Maddy is ending her career for a third straight year as a starter.
Lynchburg has gone to the NCAA tournament for 16 straight and won a national title in 2016.
Wearing the same numbers all the way through – youth – travel and HS teams.
Since they both could walk with their father working with them on ball handling and passing – shooting and footwork – they both take the corner kicks for their teams.
Today Ella has grown so tall – almost 5’10”
Maddy will graduate in Engineering Science with now a 3.85 GPA!
No one lost here – proud parents Debby and Mike – the tradition of the family – love of soccer and life.
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The experience of a lifetime – travel – helps kids and play soccer.
Maddy traveled to Costa Rico – part of her education at college – and with her soccer team.
She raised money for the trip with donations from many people and also knew she would be working
with the underprivileged children of this country.
At the first school children went to – the toilets would not flush and no toilet paper.
Yet the children loved having them as mentors in games and contests.
Maddy as captain – far right outside of the line of players.
They played matches against semi-pros of the country and won two of three matches –
losing 3 to 2 on a put-in from their own team!
This trip will shape her future for years to come.
Along with working with the children – they also had downtime to white water raft –
zip lines and hiking – working out and running on beaches
seeing a volcano and the rainforest.
Maddy is in the back row – fourth in white from the right – team picture of their own team and a mixture of semi-pro and college players from Costa Rico.
LESSONS OF LIFE!
Maddy – on the right holding the American Flag!
She has grown up before our eyes – soon to be a senior and one of the captains of her college soccer team.
3.85 GPA – Environmental Science – Engineering
One last year of college and one last year of playing college soccer.
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Sarah MADDY Ella granddaughters
GRANDDAUGHTER IN COSTA RICO – WORKING WITH CHILDREN – PLAYING SOCCER – LIFETIME EXPERIENCE!
One is the oldest granddaughter while the second is the youngest granddaughter with her twin sister.
One is in her third year at University of Lynchburg – Enviromental Engineering major.
One is in the fifth grade – so caring she calls or zooms her grandmother almost every day.
One starts at the attack front position for the ranked lady soccer hornets soccer team.
And had played in 13 games as a freshmen – started her Sophomore year and again as a junior.
One moved to sit beside her older cousin at the soccer game.
Both are dear to our hearts!
Cassidy with MARLEY – the newest addition to her family!
Always smiling – always caring – always protective of her brother – just who she is. Cassidy
Maddy – a junior at the University of Lynchburg – Environmental Engineering – playing soccer and carrying above a 3.80 GPA! Next to Papa in the picture.
Number 13 – left front attacker – crossing a dribble with her left foot to get around a defender. On a top 25 team in the Division III national polls.
Granddaughters – oldest to youngest – youngest admires the oldest – both exceptional to us –
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It all started many years ago – youth travel teams – Maddy two years older –
They played together until Maddy left the travel team in Winchester –
to compete in the Ludoun soccer program 65 miles away!
She made this choice on her own as soon as she could drive.
It was soccer hot bed right outside Washington DC.
Ella remained as she was too young to travel that far.
She also suffered a broken bone in each foot different years that had her not playing.
Maddy secured a spot in the try outs and maintained a above 4.0 GPA all through HS.
Maddy selected University of Lynchburg to continue her soccer playing.
Today they are ranked nationally in the top 25 in Division III and at this date – 11 – 1.
Ella number 10 – was recruited by two colleges and selected Randolph College
She now plays for the Wildcats which are situated across town in Lynchburg Va.
Ten minutes from Maddy and the campus of the University of Lynchburg.
As a Freshman – she has started every game and played all the minutes except two per game!
Maddy number 13 – played 13 games as a Freshman and has started as a Sophomore and a Junior.
Here – Ella is about to get the ball and Maddy number 13 is guarding her.
In all these years this game is the first time they have ever competed against one another.
Here they are in the middle at the top – it was a very good game – tough – no one scored in the first half.
Each half is 45 minutes – and ended up 0 to 0 at the half.
Ella – number 10 – tallest in the starting line up – the difference was the bench – Lynchburg kept throwing fresh players into the game.
Because of the Pandemic and covid –
the coach could not travel to recruit – Ella was recruited before the pandemic!
She plays midfield defense – the coach wants her to shoot – five times a game instead of always passing.
She is young and it will come – she plays so effortlessly.
As soon as he can he puts her back in after she rests for two minutes.
So proud of Maddy number 13 who drove herslf 65 miles each way to practice – so she would get noticed – and now plays on a team that is ranked in the top 25 in the nation at Division III.
She is fast – quick and plays attacker both left and right and midfielder in the front.
You can just tell she has the skills – the coach tells the team –
with Maddy do the 1 – 2 – do not worry – she is fast enough she can break for the goal – just get her the ball – this is where she passes back to the middle and breaks for the front!
SISTERS – Ella – number 10 Maddy – number 13
Proud parents – Mike and Debby
Ella made the shirts representing both schools and their mascots and colors – she is such a artist!
Ella and Maddy – Randolph and Lynchburg – sisters going head to head.
Lynchburg gutted out a 2 to 0 win –
scoring both goals late in the second half –
they just had a stronger bench.
Sarah – sister – freshmen in H.S.
Sarah – will turn 15 later this month – she could of played soccer – but had no interest and will run track.
She already is just above six and one half minute miler.
She played soccer when younger and also was fast and good.
Our granddaughter – number 13 – she deked this player out and went right past her!
She is now a Junior at the Unversiy of Lynchburg in Va. Starting the last two years – and only one loss this season – currently sole possession of first place in their conference.
Papa – Maddy Myers – Sherry
This young lady not only starts and plays most of the entire games – but is a ALL ACADEMIC –
Into hiking – sunrises – and her major is Enviromental Engineering.
And coming down the soccer pipe line – is the youngest and only boy – BODE!
Will soon turn eight and already golfs with his dad – is all boy – bikes – running –
always looks at trucks – barefooted while outside – cold weather and all.
Loves and adores his older cousin Ella who as a Freshmen at Randolph College –
starts at midfield and plays most of the whole games.
I believe Bode will be the same!
FAMILY
Beyond those protected trees is our backyard and our home!
This drainage ditch is at the end of the cul de sac –
and allows the runoff to make its way to a very large second pond in the development.
We have seen a gator in each pond!
And we found some unknown tracks in this ditch going back and forth.
I told Sherry not to get too close to the high grass as we also have snakes around here.
Just down the street – two houses – two pictures were taken in the road –
A small gator was on its way to a third pond up the road and a large copperhead was also there.
Not at the same time – but N.C, has them both where we live.
I have also seen a very large black snake – which are good as they kill the copperheads!
All part of living in the South near the marsh and beaches!
Cassidy and Marley on football game day!
At least three times a week – she either calls her MorMor or zooms!
Sherry is MorMor – Swedish for Mothers- Mother!
She is very close to her and is the one who does not want us to leave
or asks when we are coming again.
She is sweet – but also very determined and head strong.
Marley is the new puppy – a GoldenDoodle –
who judging by her legs and feet – is going to be very large!
She is loving – likes to run and pull her leash – Taylor – Cassidy’s sister –
is the one who handles her the best.
She nips and chases both Bode and Cassidy!
Our front porch in October – Low 80’s to high 70’s in the daytime
low 70’s at night – beautiful weather – slight warm breezes – why we moved here!
Front porch sitting early morning with my coffee on this glider!
Protected from the sun and rain when it blows the other way.
I told Sherry – we had to have a front porch and this is one of the models
along with a office room – that was available!
The office was her wish list!
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WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY – FAMILY MEETS THE FRIENDS! email: fitztdf@aol.com
Maddy – our oldest granddaughter – entering her third year at the UNIVERSITY of LYNCHBURG!
She has like it seems played soccer all her life – since she was old enough to put on a uniform.
Always the smallest on the field – at first the ball was almost bigger than her!
But – in her Junior HS year she had a grwoth spurt – and ended up being 5′ 6″ tall and a star soccer player.
She went to Lynchburg and as a Freshman played in 13 games and starting last year as a starter.
This past weekend – in their first game – lost a hard fought game to a team from Florida – a very good non division team – 2 to 1 – but the write up was about how she played and the skill set she brings – almost several times bringing them back for a tie.
She has excelled and is one of the best players on a very young team – starting 7 Freshman.
The Freshman are all big – 5′ 11″ to 6.0 ‘ tall and all really good.
They won their second game 6 to 0 over a team from NY city.
Ella Myers – # 10 – a 5′ 9″ freshman at Randolph College in Lynchburg Va. just ten minutes away from her sister Maddy.
She was recruited by two schools and in a preseason interview – her now coach said –
“Ella Myers – will play and get a lot of minutes at midfielder”!
She has started all the preseason games – and both regular season games – and played almost the entire games!
They have won both games and in the second game – a 0 to 0 tie going into minute 64 of the second half –
she scored her first college goal in what would be the winning goal – ( one was added later) as a Freshmen.
She had a very hard journey to get here –
breaking a bone in each foot at different years –
losing a couple years of playing plus not having a couch that believed in her playing!
Yet – TWO COLLEGE coaches saw the potential and recruited her.
Her HS team came within one goal of a state championship!
She just missed by inches of scoring that goal!
HER MOTTO I have given her –
” I AM A SKILLED PLAYER – and NOW HERE I AM”!
Both of them overcame the odds – from being the smallest with huge skills – from overcoming broken bones and a coach who did not believe in her – to both of them starting on their respective COLLEGE SOCCER TEAMS!
And YES – they will play against each other come Ocrober 6th.
and we plan on being there to see it!
Cheering both of them on – a win for us no matter the outcome.
Sarah who is fifthteen – could of been just as good had she continued – Maddy – oldest and still the smallest of the three girls and Ella – proud of all three – you go Sarah and reach for the stars in your own dreams!
It will be a grand time watching this match and who knows – if the teams continue winning meeting in a playoff.
SISTERS
So proud of you Ella for showing them what they had and how they overlooked you!
” I AM A SKILLED PLAYER – AND NOW HERE I AM”
Thank you for reading Papa’s World – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog email: fitztdf@fitztdf
OH MY! Here Sarah is first day of H.S. and Ella first day of college and soccer!
Now – Maddy is also in college – her third year of classes and also playing soccer!
Life is changing – Deb and Mike – from three girls at home – to now just Sarah.
The twin girls – soon to be 11 years old and Bode – soon to be 8 years old.
Are also growing up so fast – and so we live on through them!
Sarah growing up – almost as tall as Ella who is taller than Sherry at 5′ 9″ !
She is now in her first year of H.S. following in the footsteps of the other two. She also could of been a really good soccer player – but has chosen the arts as her focus – dance – acting – and writing!
She looks to me just like her mother Debby!
Full of life – independent – caring – and gives her dad a run for his money! LOL
Fashion – make up – leader in trends – this is Sarah!
Full of life – she wanted grandma to take her to NYC – now I think it is Paris!
She will walk her own path in life – always looking forward.
All three of these girls – are like this – never asking just giving – helping and caring for others.
Ella from her dorm room on campus of Randolph College in Lynchburg Va.
Her picture is her first day of classes and her first day of soccer practice.
She will compete against her sister Maddy in the same cofference – and Maddy is at
The University of Lynchburg – right across town from Ella!
Maddy played in 15 games as a Freshman and was a starter her Sophomore year.
Our calender is marked for when they play each other.
We hope to plan a long weekend to see them both.
Ella is so excited – on her own – no pressures from peers – just being Ella and playing soccer and taking classes.
As you can see in the picture – smiling – gentle – caring – “TINY” as we called her – all grown up!
And then there is Papa – Thomas David Fitzsimmons – graduating in May – 1967 – all those years ago.
My best H.S. friend – bottom right hand corner – Bobby – who we have reconnected the last ten years –
who in October will come for a visit – with his wife Pam – and we will play golf – beach it –
and just be talking of old times past!
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WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY – FAMILY MEETS FRIENDS!
Our sweet little Ella – “TINY” as her father calls her.
And now today all grown up – nearly as tall as her grandma Sherry – off to college in the fall and part of the soccer team – in Lynchburg Va. for Randolph College.
349 students in her senior class
The procession about to begin – and they came and came – a never ending line.
The honor guard – James Wood – H.S. founded Winchester in the 1700’s named after a officer in the Continental Army.
Honor roll – athlete – recognition – artist – will become a Phys Ed teacher just like her father.
Ella – about to hug her grandma Sherry!
Sisters – Maddy to the left – Sarah to the right.
Parents – Debby and Mike
Family – MYERS
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Sherry – grandma – grand daughters – daughter – mother – CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH as is Debby – Health – lifestyle
We made the trip back to NVA to see Ella play soccer for her senior recognition night and picked up the three little ones so they could cheer her on! Taylor – Cassidy and Bode.
Ella will continue on in college playing soccer for Randolph College in Lynchburg Va.
She lost two years with injuries to her feet breaking a bone in each one.
But – she was determined and it paid off.
Her team is now 8 – 0 – 2 and headed to states.
They have five players continuing onto the college level!
Ella number nine – entering the field to play final game of regular season at James Wood H.S. Winchester Va.
Olivia holding the picture of Ella as a little one – have gown up together as neighbors and best friends.
Proud parents – Mike and Debby
Being escorted by her parents and honored on the field.
All family – friends and neighbors who came out to support Ella and her being honored pregame.The only boy in the grandchildren with Ella’s Sister Maddy – they will compete against each other in college soccer!
They ended up in a double overtime tie for the game – 0 to 0!
They moved onto the districts –
But we were able to come home and watch four games.
Papa – Ella – Sherry proud grandparents – TINY as we called her – has grown up!
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Ella – our second oldest granddaughter – enrolling in Randolph College in Lynchburg Va.
We called her “TINY” as she was growing up –
Her father came up with that nickname –
Today she stands 5′ 8 1/2 ” –
Our little girl is all grown up!
Along with her entrance into the four year program – she will also play college soccer – being recruited – she had two schools to select from – and it just so happens to be cross town from the University of Lynchburg – where her sister starts on the soccer team there – and yes they will compete against one another!
Ella with her mother Debby – all three granddaughters are as tall or taller than their mother. Debby’s mother – Sherry – is 5′ 9″ – so they are most likely inheriting the Swedish genes from her.
It is a beautiful campus – nestled in the foothills surrounding Lynchburg.
The soccer field a easy walk from the dorms.
Ella with her father Mike.
She endured two injuries during her Middle school and H.S.
Both were broken bones in her feet.
One she was stepped on with a cleat
and the other she just landed wrong on it.
She lost two seasons of playing soccer
but when she did – was recruited by two different colleges.
Today she walks the path to her future!
Due to the Pandemic – her H.S. soccer season was moved from the fall to the spring.
She is about to begin playing –
Her travel soccer was played although the number of games reduced.
She competed and will move onto the next level in the Fall.
The start of the game – cold – 35 degrees – steady rain – SOCCER!
We traveled five hours NW to Va. to Lynchburg –
our grand daughters first home contest of the delayed season!
Maddy Myers – number 13 – waiting for the start of the game!
As a Freshmen – she played in 13 games – now a Sophomore –
the first game she had a assist and two near misses in a 2-0 victory!
Out family – father Mike – Mother Debby – sister Ella and grandma – Sherry – Ella will be attending Randolph College in the Fall to play soccer – right across town and will compete against her sister for two years!Hard to see but she is in the middle far side above the Y about to pass the ball!
She carries a HIGH GPA – and as a Sophomore – because of that GPA –
was able to have a room in the buildings right behind her!
She is a determined young lady – her last two years of travel –
she drove herself 65 miles each way so she could compete with the best in the
Metro D.C area in Loudoun County – a hot bed of recruiting for college soccer.
Steady rain – but we stayed watching her and the game.
The entire team waiting for the start of the game in the cold and rain!
Near the end of the game – a 4 to 1 victory and 2 – 0 on the young season!
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WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY
FAMILY MEETS FRIENDS!
Sherry – Certified Health Coach – business owner – The Juice Plus Company – her website – http://www.sf.juiceplus.com
MY SITE: PAPA’S WORLD MY BLOG: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
Ella – back when I called her ‘TINY” – a nickname her father to this day still calls her!
When she was small – she would follow me around –
when there was company she was not sure about –
she would hold my pant leg or climb up into my lap.
OH – TO HAVE THOSE DAYS ONCE AGAIN!
She has the kindest heart – always doing things you ask of her with no complaint.
Our only grand son – Bode – adores her – hanging onto her as she did to me.
She has had a trying past four or five years –
Twice braking a bone in her feet
so that she was in casts and crutches so she could not play soccer.
Missing valuable time – but when she did
she proved she belonged out there!
She caught the coaches eyes when she played – and when healthy – she was voted MVP of her JV team – alongside of her sister – who was voted MVP of her varsity team!
Today – she has sprouted up – four inches taller than her big sister
who is in her second year of college soccer at University of Lynchburg.
Ella and Maddy – loved these two little ones.
With all the adversity of her broken bones in her feet
and this past year – her senior year – because of the Pandemic
her soccer season was postponed to be played in the Spring
if they can!
The whole World has changed – but for Ella – she had choices.
Two of them – where to go to college and which coach to play for!
Not a easy choice for a 17 year old!
Taking classes on line – working her job and not playing H.S. soccer
although she did play travel team this past fall.
Ella – when she is able to play – shows great speed and control
Those two teams and coaches recruited her
attending her games when she played
It would be a hard choice to make!
Sisters – Ella will be attending Randolph College – playing against Maddy at the University of Lynchburg with youngest sister Sarah – only 14 years old!
Good Morning sip your coffee time goes by so fast !
It seems like yesterday it was Spring –
still some chill in the air –
Grass needed cut –
trees still bare-
and now it is Fall !
Our grand daughters graduation H.S. Cap Now she is two months into college and playing soccer going to classes
Yesterday it seemed she graduated –
This past weekend –
she came back home for the first time –
A young women – seeking her career –
and playing college soccer !
Spring our flowers we actually save these year to year pull them out end of October shake them off and put into bucket and hang up in the garageGeraniums over five years old saved year to year
My step father taught me that –
save them –
then clean up in Spring –
and replant them !
IT WORKS !
Tower Garden by Juice Plus Co. We grow almost anything that does not grow on a tree !
First of May – we get our Towers ready –
We grow all Winter in the garage with grow lights –
Then we clean that one up ( after using it to start plants )
celebrate Sherry’s birthday and watch the 4 th. of July fireworks !
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my email
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Our fast lives to be continued in next blog
The Summer continues – Spring – where did it go ?
NATIONALS WORLD SERIES !!! Sherry CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH for health and nutrition http://www.sf.juiceplus.com To join her business ssherrylynn49@aol.com
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