Kaiser Team Gets a Kick Out of Soccer

When the Hippie Chicks convene on the soccer field, their goals go beyond scoring points. Comprising primarily Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa and Rohnert Park employees, women on this recreational over-30 team are energized and motivated by the bonds and friendships they've forged during the last year.

The Chicks have been "bend'n like Beckham" since August 2007. That's when team coach and motivator extraordinaire Kari Logsdon, Nephrology, convinced some Kaiser Permanente colleagues that playing soccer together would be a kick.

How did the team form?

I got the idea from a friend who played on a rough and very competitive indoor soccer team. I wanted our team to focus more on having fun, getting exercise, and promoting wellness and camaraderie.

How did you choose the name Hippie Chicks?

One of our players, Shauna Harbarth (Radiology), suggested tie-dying our jerseys, and we thought Hippie Chicks and tie-dye went well together. A group of us got together at my house with all our kids and tie-dyed the jerseys. It was a blast!! This season, we've switched to real jerseys, but we've come to like the name.

Are all the Chicks experienced soccer players?

No. Half of our team had never played before. I played on the Petaluma High School team and on a traveling team, but that was many years ago.

Where do you play?

At the University of Sports in Rohnert Park.

What is the Chicks age range?

32 to 58 years old.

How often do you play?

We have games once a week—often at 9PM. The first six months, we practiced, but now we just show up for games. Our game schedule is nonstop. Every eight-week season is followed by two weeks of playoffs, then a new eight-week season.

What's the team's best season record?

7 wins, 1 loss.

Did you already know everyone on the team?

No. I've made many new Kaiser Permanente friends, and we have a few non-Kaiser Permanente Chicks on the team.

Are the soccer games physically demanding?

They're very hard. You've got to run the whole time. I'm a runner and have stamina, but it's not for the faint of heart. Soccer is a hard workout. It can be pretty grueling on top of work and family responsibilities.

Have any Chicks been injured?

Every player thinks she's going to get hurt, but no one has (knock on wood!). Players get bruised up, but we're very proud of our bruises.

How does playing soccer differ from other fitness activities?

I like the team aspect. Everyone has to work together to get something done. People can be aggressive, but it's very different than more competitive teams I've been on. Everyone on our team says "good job," and we have the attitude that everyone makes mistakes. There's no anger, and everyone loves everyone.

How does being a Hippie Chick affect family life?

Most of us have children who come and watch. My 11- year-old daughter plays soccer, too, and she comes to the games and gives me pointers. I think being on the team makes me a better mother, because I'm setting a good example for her.

Is there any particular Chick the team most admires?

We admire each other for our dedication as a team. There's great camaraderie among these women. It's addicting! No one expected to make soccer a priority, but we all do.

Is there room for more Hippie Chicks?

Not on this team, but we almost have enough players to form a second team.