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 Game vs. Sky Blue 

What an emotional day for me! Heading back to Jersey where I spent a very powerful 6 months of my first professional career. It was so good to be back and see familiar faces; soccer friends and many off the field friends. Despite losing the game-I'm really proud of the Red Stars with how hard we played, and never stopped attacking---the goals will come. 

Being back in Jersey was a great feeling. Many friendships reunited and a positive feeling leaving. Many little reasons as to why I am very fortunate to be a professional athlete. The beauty of the game, enjoying playing and battling with your teammates, the sound of screaming fans, especially little girls aspiring to be out there one day. But mainly one person that made my trip back to Jersey extra special. Kait, a 9 year old I had the joy of training last year in Jersey. We've kept in touch since I left and to see her made me realize something unique, a constant reminder I must hold on to. No matter the outcome of the game or my performance, there's little girls that admire us. They don't know or care if we just played the worse game of our lives. We're keeping the dream alive for them, giving them hope to aspire to be professional athletes someday. I've always embraced this amazing opportunity I have, but Kait is a true reminder for me to always embrace the opportunity and live my dream to the fullest!! 

Live each day like it's your last. 

Sitch  

 Hello Chicago!!! 

It feels great to be back home in my "hometown". Despite, the chilly spring, I am enjoying every moment and all the wonderful sites Chicago has to offer. On the pitch side, the Chicago Red Stars have kicked off and are at the tail end of our preseason. Preseason has been extremely grueling and painful at times, but has given the us an opportunity to gel together and make new friendships! 

Most of our days were spent inside at the MAX in McCook. We were fortunate enough to head down to Tampa Florida, where we spent 10 days with 2 scrimmages. We played Washington Freedom and University of South Florida. Coming up short by 1 goal against Freedom and beating USF 2-0. The team showed many improvements through out our preseason- adding a win against University of Notre Dame. Heading into another preseason match tomorrow against Northwestern University and my old stomping grounds, DePaul University!! WOO WOO!! 

I'm extremely excited to play against DPU, as I know a few of the girls and the coaching staff. I think Erin Chastain has been doing a great job with the program and leading these girls to be a top team in the Big East. Also, am looking forward to having my number 1 fan be there to cheer me on... MY DAD!!! 

Lets go get them Red Stars!! 

"The one thing you can always control, is your attitude!"

Sitch 

In anticipation of Julianne Sitch´s season with Chicago Red STars we at CWF took our time and searched the net for some good videos. Enjoy!!

 1-1 draw... Playing our biggest rival team, Sydney, we had a goal advantage until the 95th min when they scored off a corner. It was a very intense game and a lot of back and forth. I think each team had their chances to put the ball away. Our goalie, again came through and kept us in the game. She's a beast in the back of the net and truly an amazing goalie! I came away with scoring my first goal for Melbourne. Melbourne Victory was really wishing to hold onto that win- it would have meant a lot outside of the standings. 4 games left and they are all very important. Needing to win to keep ourselves in a good play off spot! Played against Sarah Walsh, who I played with this past summer with Sky Blue- it was good to see a familiar face and to catch up a bit after the game. 

We had a great team adventure this past weekend. We went clay shooting with 2 of the best in the world, Olympic Gold medalist Russel and Lauren Marks. They were absolutely amazing people with great personalities. They set aside their days to help the Melbourne Victory girls learn to shoot clay targets. It was the coolest thing I have ever done. I was brutal, but it was a lot of fun! Then we headed to Bubs house for homemade oven bricked pizzas! 

Heading to the Gold Coast this weekend for a little vacation after our game and then off to Sydney!! 

Dream Big! 

Sitch

 Another win under our belt this past weekend. It was good to see the team bounce back after an unfortunate lost the weekend before. Winning in the 93^rd min with a great goal from our young forward D! We play Sydney this weekend and it’s going to be one of our toughest games.

The weather has finally been amazing here in Melbourne. Getting out and about, seeing beaches and just enjoying the sun and great nights of people watching in the city center, Federation Square. People watching is by far one of the greatest, most fun things to do! You can see a lot of interesting people. 

Katie and I have been doing a lot of clinics here that are involving teaching PE classes at an all girls school. I really enjoy teaching and working with the kids in a school environment. Since, I have my degree in Physical Education, I feel right at home going in and teaching the kids. We’ve had a whole wide range of kids being involved in soccer, so it’s been enjoyable to teach kids some soccer skills and to see the kids that are really good helping teach students in their class.

Today we witness the Melbourne Cup. The whole town shuts down and watches a 3 min race! Quite entertaining to see the whole city get really involved for the horse race!!

Just gearing up for my little trip to Sydney next week!!! 

Keep working hard, 

Sitch