Wheaton (Massachusetts) soccer player Jenna Stiegler had a unique opportunity to represent the United States in international competition during winter break. In this guest blog, Jenna discusses her experiences in Argentina at the 11th Pan American Maccabi Games.

First off, USA got the gold!! We played Brazil and two Argentinean teams, and did not give up any goals throughout the whole tournament. In the gold medal game we played against the better Argentinean team in the main stadium of the complex. Playing for the gold was the highlight of the trip. Just like all the international games, my USA team and the Argentinean team swapped jerseys after the final whistle. Not only was my team representing our country, but we were also standing for women’s competitive athletics in the USA. The ability to play against other countries as well as win the gold medal really made me realize how far women’s sports in America have come.

Our competitions took place at an amazing and huge Jewish sports complex called Hacoaj (which in Hebrew means strength). The facility had soccer fields, tennis courts, a basketball gymnasium, competitive swimming pools, and field hockey and volleyball facilities.

My team was made up of 16 girls from the ages of 18 to 22. We had girls from all over the US- from California to Texas to Massachusetts. Some of the schools represented included Boston College, Auburn, Brandeis and the University of Pennsylvania. All in all, my team was compiled of 16 talented women’s soccer players who were all committed to the game. I made some life-long friendships and loved every second of it.

One of the most memorable parts with my friends was walking into opening ceremony with them and all the other countries that were represented. Being able to share that experience with them was unlike anything else. It truly felt like the opening ceremony of the Olympics with all the lights, music, flags, and fans. There were more than 20 countries represented and more than 5,000 athletes.

Along with the soccer part of the trip, the Maccabi organization took us to some authentic Argentinean sites. We went to an estancia, which is an Argentinean ranch and ate the Argentinean style barbeque. I officially ate a whole cow while on my trip. Just when I thought that I was done with the meal, they still managed to bring out more. We also were able to visit Evita Peron’s museum, a Carlos Gardel tango show and many different districts (barrios) of Buenos Aires.

Every district we went to, there were always tons of vendors and families selling arts, jewelry, and other goods. Leather is very popular there so it wasn’t surprising to find berets, shoes, and anything else made out of leather.

The closing ceremony took place on the last day of competition. At the closing ceremony there were many entertainers who sang, danced, and even did acrobatics. This is the time when all the teams would trade different gear. Even though the USA apparel wasn’t the best looking clothing there, everyone wanted to trade for our things just because they said USA on them.

All in all it was a great experience. The chance to play soccer internationally was something I never even thought of. Being exposed to a new culture really helps you appreciate your own as well. The next Maccabi event is the official Jewish Olympics in Israel during the summer of 2009. I will be trying out sometime in the next year and hopefully I can continue my Maccabi and soccer experience that much longer.