Today was an amazing day!

We capped off a physical, hardworking England team while showcasing some of our world class team chemistry. From end to end, we made stops on defense and put the finishing touch with some amazing ball movement on attack. The energy was high and we had a blast on the field. We take this game and put it in our back pocket for momentum, but it is time to put our focus forward for tomorrow's game against Canada.

The day started off with a little time to sleep in since it was our first late 6 p.m. game. I woke up, did some rehab, and watched "Miracle" in bed. Right when I wake up, the first person I get to say good morning to is our captain Devon [Wills] every morning. Aren't I lucky!  

I walked out to our common room and get a quick text from Alice [Mercer] in our flat’s group text to make sure she isn’t missing out and getting fomo (fear of missing out on anything). I check my diffuser – I am responsible for making sure our flat is smelling nice with my essential oils, making us good people!

Then I started to make my breakfast, which is accompanied by the best chats, #roadtorows. Get excited, Jess Wilk!

We could get our own breakfast this morning. It's super nice that we didn’t have to walk to the dining hall today. I know we all enjoyed that. I have a regimented diet because I am gluten and dairy free, so I have to make sure I’m eating correctly in order to energize my body. You can’t go wrong with rice cakes, PB&J, and gluten free overnight oats – all complimented by my gameday coffee!

American flags drape outside Team USA's dorm windows.

Next, we had some down time to mentally prep for the big game today, which was followed by our team meeting at 1:30 p.m. My flat left in style for the game with our swishy pants on fleek! 

The team meeting is a time to mentally prepare and raise the bar. We go over the scouting report. Then we found out that Becca Block got the gameday ball and Megan Douty will carry out the flag. This is great news for me because she’s my line partner so I will be upfront for a good picture – thanks [assistant Liz] Robertshaw! We then watched some game film and fun attacking clips. Hands go up when we score! We acknowledge England’s physicality, and it is all on us to embrace it and rise above it.

Later, we return to our room and have some down time before lunch. I am too excited to play and I am always the first one to have my gameday hair ready. Just like at Maryland, Alex Aust is always the first one to notice and she laughs every time.

This doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of my pregame ritual routine.

Next, it’s time for the locker room. Everyone is doing their own pregame routine to get their mind right. I have some pregame rituals I have carried over from Maryland, such as eating two pink Starbursts, as well as a new one with Gussie. I take a sip – just one – of her beetle elite juice to get our blood going. I am very superstitious.  

Game Time: 6 p.m.

The stands are packed with England fans, but that doesn’t stop our excitement and focus. It’s our third game and my chills don’t go away every time I listen to the national anthem with USA across my chest. I am so humbled to be surrounded by such amazing teammates.

Ricky’s pregame speech echoes in our small compact locker room. As his voice raises, it sends an adrenaline rush through all of us which pumps us up to get ready to compete. 

In today’s win, we definitely put on a show. I just had so much fun. I couldn’t stop celebrating and smiling. I was double fist pumping, jumping in the air and celebrating every little moment. Kayla Treanor's broken fork turned to steel today! We had each other's backs all over the field. The game was an all-around team win across the board.

We are not used to late games, so of course we come back starving ready to eat. Chefs Lance [Basler] and Jay [Dyer] have prepared us sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts, rice and chicken. Of course, we cannot forget about the pizza and pad thai!

Our bodies are getting a little tired, but thank goodness for Elsa swimming pool ice baths after games and Normatec hall parties. Also, thanks to Jay for starting our water competition challenge to keep our bodies holding up! 

[Coach] Ricky [Fried] says the point we are at right now is why we train so hard. We prepare and train relentlessly for this because if we are tired, our opponents are even more exhausted. We use our hard work ethic to get what we want.

No days off with three straight games! Eat, sleep, Normatec, lax and repeat – what we love! 

I cannot wait to see what is left in store for this amazing group. Our journey is just beginning. The fun is just starting and I can’t wait to have the opportunity to play again tomorrow.

– Brooke Griffin
(Twitter: @brookegriff11, Instagram: @bgriff11, Snapchat: @brookegriff11)

Player Profile

BROOKE GRIFFIN

Years with the U.S. Program: 2
U.S. Senior World Cup Teams: 2017
Position: Attack
College: Maryland 2015
Honors: Two-time National Champion (2014-15), Team captain of back-to-back NCAA championship-winning teams, Two-time IWLCA All-American (2014-15), Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year (2015), First Team All-Big Ten (2015), ACC Championship MVP (2014), First Team All-ACC (2013)
Hometown: Annapolis, Md.

What does playing for Team USA mean to you?

Playing for Team USA means that I finally achieved a goal I set as a young girl. It is a tribute to everyone around me, especially my family who has supported me, helped me and made sacrifices to help me get to where I am today. There are so many talented players out there, and  I am humbled and grateful to be one of the four attackers selected to represent Team USA and be a role model to all those young girls that I once was.

What other sports did you play in high school?

Field hockey and swimming. 

What advice would you give young players who dream to reach your level?

Be a multi-sport athlete growing up. You will learn so much from all the sports you play. There is always room for improvement and hard work pays off in the end.

What advice would you give your 8th grade self?

Don't ever let any shortcomings or bumps in the road ever stop you from chasing your dreams.  Things will always occur but don't let anything break you. Always bring your own sunshine.

Who is your favorite lacrosse player?

Jen Adams. I loved her style of play and she's a grest person.

What is your go-to pregame meal?

My favorite Aloe Drink, plus rice cakes with Justin's almond butter, a banana, honey and two pink Starbursts.

Was there ever a time you doubted yourself?

During college, I had to over come multiple injuries. I definitely doubted if I would ever be able to get back to playing at my best with my speed and quickness and being pain free. I had a torn ACL, a bone bruise, a fractured navicular bone, a torn cartilage and meniscus, plus broken ribs.

Is there one person who helped you the most to get you where you are today?

My dad is my biggest supporter. In my entire lacrosse career, he has only missed four of my games. I would not be where I am today without all the support from my dad taking me places, teaching me along the way and always being honest of how I played. 

What is the most adventurous thing you've ever done?

When I graduated from Maryland, I went to England for a month with one of my teammates. We went on a four-day surfing tour in Bourdeaux, France. We lived in tiki huts and surfed all day. Next, we went to Paris for the day, then spent three days in Dublin, Ireland and four days in London. Then, we went on a seven-day Mediterranean cruise to Barcelona, Sorrento, Rome, Tuscany and Marseille, featuring 50-foot cliff jumping.

What's something that most people don't know about you?

I have three sisters – one older, one twin and one younger, all starting with the letters Br.   Brittany is the oldest, Brie is my twin and Brindi is the youngest.

Follow the U.S. women's national team as it competes for gold in the 2017 Federation of International Lacrosse Women's World Cup in Guildford, England, and the 2017 IWGA World Games in Wroclaw, Poland. This "Mission Log" will continue throughout both events with each player providing insight on their journey.