Friday • September 13, 2013 • by Jonathan Neeley

When the United States National Team talks about what they do and how they do it, it’s a good idea to take notes.

I had the honor of spending a week as the team’s reporter during their gold medal run at the World Games in Cali, Colombia this past July. I watched Alex Snyder break defenses open with her throws, gleaned perspective on playing internationally from Dylan Tunnell, and chatted with Ryan Farrell about how the biggest tournament of his life gave him a new direction as a leader on his club team. Since returning to the States, members of the team have graciously submitted thoughts on topics that range from layout form to transitioning between sports to the heartbreak of opportunity lost to injury, all of which will make up our World Games Issue of High Release.

The World Games were about excellence: over 10,000 screaming fans, players with constant access to medical and training staffs, and 36 sports that brought in 2,870 athletes from all over the 98 countries were all part of what put this tournament on a whole other level. The United States’ players– the most well-rounded and skilled that our sport has to offer– were fitting participants. It’s always good to get a player’s thoughts on something they’re good at, but the National Team is an extra special reason to be all ears.

I’m going to spend the coming week collecting and editing the final pieces and adding photos — graciously provided by CMBT Creative‘s Micah Tapman, who was a pleasure to work with in Cali.

Stay tuned.

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