| The Salt Lake Tribune Lilly still gets kick out of being 'Iron Woman' A rigorous schedule, staying away from injuries and representing the United States are just a few things that Kristine Lilly, team captain for the U.S. women's national soccer team, worries about each year. Lilly has played in more career international games than any man or woman in the world, giving her the "Iron" status, but luckily for her, she has had some help along the way during the last 21 years of her career. Lilly's only secret to staying healthy enough to play in more than 300 games is maintaining good relationships. "I've done a lot to my body during my career, and I wish I knew the secret," said the two-time Olympic gold medalist. "But I think taking care of your body means having a support system in all aspects of your life." Throughout her career, Lilly has maintained supportive relationships with friends, family and coaches. She shared her experiences with successful coaches at the national convention for the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (AAHPERD) two weeks ago in Salt Lake City. Along with former U.S. Olympic speed skater Dan Jansen, Lilly helped promote physical exercise and athletics to professors, teachers and professionals in the field. "Whenever you have an opportunity to speak to a group, all you have to tell is your experiences and what's worked for you, especially when you've had a career for so long," Lilly said. "Coaching is all about reaching kids and being a role model. Coaches are important in sports because they can have a positive impact." Despite her limited coaching experience, the president of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education said that he chose Lilly to speak and help release the newest standards for sports coaches because of her dedication to soccer and her continual success at such a high level. "The purpose of this it to celebrate the positive impact that sport has on our society," said NASPE President Thomas Templin from Purdue University. "It is imperative that coaches aspire to and achieve high standards as well as have resources available to assist them in gaining necessary skill and knowledge." Now back to her training in California for the World Cup in California, Lilly is preparing to keep her "Iron Woman" status alive . Her next task as team captain is to help her team win its fifth World Cup, as she goes back to her seven-month training program with the U.S. women's team, which starts playing against international teams in the fall. Because of her rigorous schedule, Lilly usually likes to use her week off every month to spend time at her home in Boston and to see her fiancee and her dogs. Though she's played at the top level for more than two decades, Lilly may call this upcoming World Cup her last. "I'll play as long as I can," Lilly said.
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