Aggie Alumni Serving Our Country in Afghanistan

Kathy Konops is a 2002-2003 Aggie soccer alumni who is a 1LT and a navigator on a MC130P (click on the name of the plane for more info!) for the United States Air Force. Currently she is deployed in Afghanistan tentatively until the beginning of April. We all know that there is great sacrifice to both the American Soldier and their families as they serve our country. As fellow Aggies, let’s rally around Kathy and her crew and continue to support them in their mission in the Middle East.

Kathy says of her deployment, “I love it out here ... we are doing things that matter out here and have an impact on the war and those fighting the war... its a great feeling especially as a new nav and being in training for pretty much 3 years. I am on a crew of 8 (me included) and let me tell you every prayer helps everyday out here ... we are doing amazing things and it always helps knowing that we have people back home supporting us .”

Coach Cairns added to Kathy’s thoughts with this about Kathy, “Kathy has been training for her mission in Afghanistan since her years at USU. While here in Logan, she was able to balance playing soccer and participating in the Air Force ROTC program. Since then she has been receiving specialized training in navigation. I am so proud that I had the opportunity to coach such a great young woman, and I appreciate the sacrifice she is making for our country. I hope that the Aggie soccer alumni will rally around one of their own and keep her and her crew in their thoughts and prayers.”

If you would like to support Kathy and her 8 airmen crew, you can send her something via APO mail at:

Kathleen Konops
PRG 6-5E
APO AE, 09354
Or you can drop Kathy an email at: sunshineck143@aol.com

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty."
-- John F. Kennedy

Winter Break

Over break, some of our Aggies hung out with the family at home, while others had some traveling adventures. Jaymee Dyches and Kelsey Sax share what they did over break!

"What I DIDN'T Do!" by Jamee Dyches
It wasn't really WHAT I did over the vacation, but rather what I did NOT do! I did NOT get up early, I did NOT exercise my brain (other than some relaxing novel reading) and I did NOT do any dishes. Instead I ate way too much food, hung out with le boyfriend, and spent time re-getting to know my siblings since I am usually far away, and children grow at an alarming rate. Christmas was good to me, and I also spent time getting to know my new Nikon D40.

Roadtrip with Unexpected Twists by Kelsey Sax
Well not much happened over my break. I saw old friends and relaxed with family. I enjoyed homecooked meals and going out to the movies and lunch or dinner with friends. My life was not very exciting at all. I am however doing one 'exciting' thing. This thursday my friend (goes to Utah State as well) and I will be doing a roadtrip from North Carolina to Logan for school so I can have my car. I am sure it will be a lot of fun doing a cross country roadtrip across the country with one of my best friends....
(FOUR DAYS LATER...)
So the trip was more difficult than I thought it would be. We traveled through the worst storm that the east coast has seen in over a decade. It was below freezing. The moisture from our breath was freezing on the inside of the car. My windshield fluid froze and so we couldn't see out of my car and had to stop in Indiana which put us two hundred miles behind schedule. My windshield wipers were worn out and not really working so we replaced those the next day. We almost hit a deer and while driving through the mountains on I-80 we lost traction and almost began to drift but we later regained control and later we learned that my back tires were completely bald, But we made it here safely in logan around one today ((Sunday).

Three Aggies Earn All-West Region Award

Congratulations to Lindsey Smart, Sydne Garner, and Lauren Hansen for earning the scholar all-west region awards from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)! This award takes into account both playing and academic performance. Lindsey earned 3rd team while Sydne and Lauren earned honorable mention. This is the 7th straight year where members of the Aggie soccer program have earned this award! Good job Aggies for your high level of performance both on the field and in the classroom!!!!