AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill</div>

!http://www.active.com/Assets/Soccer/KristineLillycelebrates.jpg|height=150|style=width:150px; display:block; float:left; margin:0 1em 1em 0;|alt=Kristine Lilly|src=http://www.active.com/Assets/Soccer/KristineLillycelebrates.jpg!Summer means different things to different people but for me, summer signifies the beginning of the camp season. Being outside and playing games with a large group of friends has always appealed to me--in fact, I'm still involved with summer camps to this day.

Whether it's soccer camps, day camp or sleep away camp, the experience can be a bit scary and nerve-racking but those are very natural feelings. I can remember going to my first sleep away soccer camp--saying goodbye to my parents was really hard. To make it easier, I had a specific time that I would call my parents every night so I knew I would talk to them every day. I also made sure that I was surrounded by people because being around others always helped those lonely, "I miss home" feelings. Usually, after the first few days, the homesickness subsides and you find yourself immersed in your practices and enjoying your new friends.

Getting ready for camp was always fun for me too. I had to make sure I had all my gear: In addition to shin guards, cleats and several pairs of soccer socks, I brought shampoo, conditioner, some books, and when I was at camp, a walkman--yesteryear's iPod. One thing that you shouldn't forget is sunscreen, especially if you will be spending a lot of time outdoors. Don't worry about thinking of every bare necessity though, your camp will most likely provide a list of items you'll need to bring with you.

Once you arrive at camp, get settled in and meet your roommate. After all the campers check-in, the camp counselors usually hold an opening ceremony that covers what will take place throughout the week. They will go over everyday activities, emergency situations and all the fun you will have.

Sometimes it's hard juggling the fun and what you are really at camp for: becoming a better soccer player. What I've learned is that when you work hard during practice time, you'll smile wider during fun time. After a day of good practice and hard work, the subsequent swimming, eating and socializing will be extra special. So when you think about camp and wonder if you are going to have a good time, remember that the first day is the toughest but if you work hard, the fun will follow.

Overall, camp is a learning experience that's an absolute blast! Each year, when I think about putting my camps together I make sure I'm well prepared with great learning experiences, fun, competitive activities, rest, and an opportunity to let individuals show their personalities on and off the field. I usually wrap up my camps with games and a closing ceremony that celebrates all the hard work campers put in during the week. Closing ceremonies can be quite enjoyable, especially if they feature awards presentations and cold popsicles!

Camps give kids the opportunity to learn while enjoying having fun. They can hone their skills at camp and grow not only as an athlete, but as a person as well. The camp experience introduces kids to valuable life skills such as teamwork, discipline and camaraderie. All these great things, tied in with a lot of fun, will build lasting memories and help to make this year's rookie campers next year's returning campers.

I hope everyone has a great summer! Happy Camping!

Always Believe,

Kristine Lilly

An injured Kirk Gibson hitting a pinch-hit walk-off home run off in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series. Joe Carter crushing a walk-off home run to win the 1993 World Series. Becky Marx sending one over while trailing UCLA to tie the game and get University of Michigan back in the title hunt at the Women’s College World Series. These home runs are seared into my memory. They repeatedly make highlight reels and are iconic in the world of sports. But a home run in the recent Western Oregon and Central Washington softball contest perhaps should be celebrated above all.

A post-season appearance hinged on the outcome of the game. Western Oregon senior Sara Tucholsky had never hit a home run in her career. Tucholsky came to the plate in the top of the second inning of the second game with two runners on base and a 0-0 score. She had just three hits in 34 at-bats this season, but she drove a pitch over the centerfield fence.

In her excitement, she missed first base on her home run trot and reversed direction to tag the bag. She tore a ligament in her knee in doing so and crumbled to the ground. While she crawled back to first base, her two teammates crossed the plate, leaving her the only offensive player on the field.

The umpires confirmed that the only option available under the rules was to replace Tucholsky at first base with a pinch runner and have the hit recorded as a two-run single instead of a three-run home run. Any assistance from coaches or trainers while she was an active runner would result in an out.

And then an opposing player, Mallory Holtman, asked if it would it be OK if she helped carry her around and touch each bag.

"Honestly, it's one of those things that I hope anyone would do it for me," Holtman explained. "She hit the ball over her fence. She's a senior; it's her last year…I think anyone who knew that we could touch her would have offered to do it, just because it's the right thing to do."

Holtman and shortstop Liz Wallace lifted Tucholsky off the ground and supported her weight between them as they began perhaps the longest and most crowded home run trot in the game's history.

Accompanied by a standing ovation from the fans, they finally reached home plate and passed the home run hitter into the arms of her own teammates. Then Holtman and Wallace returned to their positions and tried to win the game.

Central Washington did rally for two runs in the bottom of the second, but Western Oregon held on for a 4-2 win—the winning run a result of one of the most astounding acts of sportsmanship I have ever seen.

Check it out, and add this home run to the list of most memorable ones you have ever seen: