Catalina Perez World Cup Diary Part I

NEWARK, N.J. – University of Miami goalkeeper Catalina Perez is a member of Colombia’s team at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup and is writing a multi-part diary for HurricaneSports.com during her experience in Canada.

Additionally, Perez will be providing pictures for a gallery that will be updated throughout her time at the World Cup.

Friday, in part one of her diary, Perez checks in fromt Newark Liberty International Airport and details her thoughts entering the World Cup, as the team travels to Moncton, N.B., where it will begin play Tuesday against Mexico . . .

Today we finally traveled to Canada for the World Cup! The training camps for the World Cup started in February and it is crazy to think that tomorrow the excitement begins. All 23 Colombian players have put everything else on the side for this.

Furthermore, coming back from my injury, this moment is what motivated me every day. I am very thankful to be here. In difficult moments you realize who truly is by your side and believes in you.

My parents as well as many people at the University of Miami, including my coaches, teachers, advisors, and doctors have all been unconditional with their support. Now, to be able to share this experience with them, means the world to me.

Going into the World Cup, my mentality is to be ready for anything, to responsibly and courageously give my all for my country, my team, and for the people who have been there for me unconditionally, and to live and enjoy each moment.

I realize this opportunity could be once in a lifetime, although I hope it is not. I recently understood that instead of stressing over that, the way I can make the most of the experience is to trust all of our training and to live in the moment to react in the best way I can.