The Things They Carried

I sat down with my new American teammate/roommate yesterday morning which makes her the third international player to join our team for this season.

I sipped on my green tea while she ate her oatmeal. What began as a light conversation quickly transitioned into a much deeper conversation which touched on some personal topics for the both of us. Recognizing this, I let her know that she did not have to share anything she was not ready to share and anything that I had not earned the right to know.

I confessed to her that it can be difficult for me to engage in small talk and that I prefer much deeper conversations. Small talk is important especially when meeting someone for the first time. In the past, my ego and fears kept me from building a foundation with a new team that I joined as a player or as a coach. I have reflected on the importance of putting my ego and fears aside and engage in light conversations so that trust can begin to form. Trust is vital between teammates in order to accomplish the long term goal(s) of the team.

I looked down at my journal sitting on the kitchen table which is what originally caught my teammate’s attention as she walked past me that morning. I had shared with her the significance of the journal to me. Referencing Tim O’Brien’s book “The Things They Carried,” I said to her, “I wonder what things international players carry with them. Unless we want to pay for the extra bags, we only get to bring one big suit case, a small carry on, and a personal item. So I wonder what makes the final cut for everyone.”

For those who don’t understand, in these three bags, international players are packing for what could be a 10 month trip. Players have to pack for the changing seasons, social life, and athletics. Therefore, everything I pack in my bags is intentional given the restrictions for my luggage.

For me, I have tried to adopt a minimalist mindset.

In my big suitcase, I will pack the following:

1. Athletic clothes: 3-5 tank tops, 2-3 short sleeve and 2-3 long sleeve shirts, 1 quarter zip shirt, short socks, small training socks, and other personal clothing items. The clubs provide long training socks and so I no longer pack those, but I might occasionally bring one pair of long black socks just in case. I will also pack my cleats (sometimes a back up pair of cleats), shin guards, shin guard sleeves, and pre-wrap. As a general rule of thumb for players, I would not recommend packing a lot of workout clothes because the soccer clubs provide most of what you will need, including a heavy jacket in the winter time.

2. Social clothes: 1 pair of jeans and 1 other pair of darker dress pants, 3 long sleeve shirts, 3 nice tank tops, 2 short sleeve shirts, 1 pair of nice shorts (black), 1 pair of casual shorts (jean shorts), 2-3 nicer jackets or blazers, and 3 dresses. The key for me has been to pack clothes that I could mix and match with so that I appear to have a larger wardrobe. For example, I might wear a black short sleeve shirt with my jeans or with my other pair of navy green pants. Therefore, solid colors can be helpful.

3. Bathroom items: toothbrush, 1 large toothpaste, 1 new medium sized shampoo and conditioner and body wash, 2-3 new containers of floss, 2 bottles of my facewash, and deodorant. While most of these bathroom items could be left behind and new ones be purchased upon arrival, I personally do not like buying these items with my first trip to the store in a new country. For my female readers, I pack very little makeup.

4. Books: I will pack the book I am currently reading and 1 larger book that is on my reading list that would take some time for me to finish. I have also fallen into the trap of packing too many books and while most of the world has switched to audio books, I still find value in paperback books. I will also pack my gratitude journal and my journal that I take notes in which I mentioned earlier in this post.

5. Miscellaneous items: I will pack my goggles and beach towel if I will be near water, a few different workout bands that I could use anywhere if the gym wasn’t close to me, visor/sunglasses, phone adaptor (this is important to look up before traveling to a new country), and a pocket knife for safety. I will also pack one small purse and one small, empty backpack. I will pack my lacrosse ball, field hockey ball, 2 different rollers, KT tape, and a few jenga blocks for recovery and strengthening purposes. Lastly, I will pack 3-5 small personal items that remind me of home and some snacks. I like to bring 5 gomacro protein bars and a medium sized bag of macadamia nuts. Food can always be purchased upon arrival, but I like to eliminate as much stress as I can upon arrival to a new country and have some things that I know my body responds well to after eating.

In my carry on, I will pack mostly my shoes. I wear my favorite black tennis shoes on the plane and I will pack my: lifting shoes, indoor shoes, running shoes, cleats, converse shoes (white), vans (black), 1 pair of flip flops, 1 pair of sandals, and 1 pair of black boot heels. I have learned that packing shoes are the heaviest items and can take up the most space, so I try to limit myself by packing my essential athletic shoes and a few dress or casual shoes depending on the weather. I will leave some room in this suitcase as well if my checked bag is too heavy and I need to take some items out to put it in here. I used to pack several pairs of tennis shoes, but I have decided that one, maybe two pairs of tennis shoes is all I really need.

For my personal item, I will pack in my backpack my laptop, small blanket, neck pillow, wallet, passport, COVID vaccination card, beats headsets, and phone charger. I will keep my backpack light in case I need to take anything out of my big suitcase to put it in there and because it is easier to carry around the airport(s).

On the plane, I wear my recovery pants (2xU), a tank top, and my favorite sweat shirt or sports jacket.

In general, I would say don’t be too concerned packing as many clothes as you can; everything you need can be bought upon arrival to your destination. I do not like to spend money and so I am not saying you will need to break the bank when you get off the plane. Instead, I am saying you would be surprised at how little you really need to pack. One other tip when packing your clothes is to fold them hot dog style and roll them up; this can help you to fit more things into your suitcase (although weight of the bag is always what I am most concerned about).

Years ago, my mentor challenged me to pack no makeup and bring only one checked bag. Mind you this bag would be 10 months worth of items and we are not talking about bringing a purse or backpack filled with things as well. I am not there yet, but it is a goal that I aim for with each new journey that I take.