Hi {{first_name}}
On Monday night, we went along to the season kickoff gala for the North Carolina Courage at Junction West — and it reminded me why I love this team so much.
If you’ve followed us for a while, you’ll know we’re big Courage fans and try to get out to games whenever we can. Women’s sports have always had a special place in my heart, and this team embodies so many of the values I admire: resilience, grit, teamwork, and kindness.
The evening was full of that kind of energy — the sense that something special is building for the season ahead.
Local entrepreneur and speaker Jess Ekstrom hosted the evening and did a wonderful job highlighting the power of women supporting women and the impact these athletes have beyond the field.
One of the things that always strikes me when listening to the players speak is the culture they’ve built within the club. They describe themselves as relentless and hardworking, kind to each other off the field, but absolutely ruthless on it. A place where they push for excellence while still growing as people.
New coach Mak Lind spoke about arriving in a new country and culture and how important it is to him that the club supports both family and football. (He also shared a funny moment about learning American English — apparently “cocktail wear” is not, in fact, a drink.)
Of course, we loved catching up with player and fellow Aussie Cortnee Vine — there’s something about hearing that familiar accent that always feels like a little slice of home. Cortnee became an Australian heroine when she kicked a cracker penalty shootout goal against France in the World Cup, which elevated us to the semifinals for the first time ever! It’s quite the thrill to know her and share the same foreign home!
There was also a lot of excitement about the team’s new kit this season — a bold blue and pink design inspired by the Venus flytrap, a plant native to North Carolina that’s rare, precise, and unapologetically fierce. Honestly, the symbolism feels perfect for this team. The Courage sent us some Venus flytrap seeds, which I have planted in pots beside my windows. I’m a little worried, as my daughter said, “What were they thinking? You kill all plants!” Please send help!
The season officially kicks off tomorrow night with the home opener against Racing Louisville FC at 7pm. We have secured a discount for our readers for individual game tickets and season passes. Click here.
We’ll be there — likely wearing our new kits — cheering these incredible women on.
Caroline
If I Were Planning My Weekend, I’d …
Attend the St Patrick’s Day Parade (10am) followed by the Hibernian Block Party (and our meetup!)
Throw colored paint on friends and strangers at the Holi Festival in Apex Salem Middle School 11am - 3pm
Eat delicious pies on 3/14 Pie Day. Here is a list of yummy Raleigh pizza places if you’re favoring, savory. For sweet, our favorite Slice Pie Company food truck will be serving up at Trophy Brewing 1 -4pm Did somebody say pies & pints?
See the Cherry Blossom blooms at Duke Gardens (prepare for crowds), We discovered a small alley in Fred Fletcher Park yesterday, which we’ll share on social soon.
Hop on the Women’s History Trolley Tour Sat 1pm, 2pm, 3pm
Take the kids to the new Staying Alive Special Exhibition Opening at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences
Local Spotlight: CompostNow
We love this easy way to compost our food waste with CompostNow - a company founded in Raleigh! We’ve been customers for 5 years now. I love how it’s helping me give back to Mother Earth and our local community, as we donate our earned compost to Raleigh City Farm. We have organized a first month free offer for our readers
Coupon Code: CAZCOMPOSTS
A Few More Things Before You Go
Some favorite finds, news to know, and ideas
Hot Yoga at Downtown Raleigh’s YMCA - our membership lets us use different locations and this is the only one that does hot yoga. It was fantastic.
Coffee bourbon ice cream for Two Roosters is delicious
I’m LOVING the color pops around Wake County with the early arrival of (false) Spring (feels early anyway!)
I’m excited to learn that Whole Foods will be opening in the former Lowes space in Cary!
If you are moving to Raleigh or know someone who is (or perhaps moving neighborhoods), our realtor partners have a short neighborhood quiz to help find the Raleigh neighborhood best suited to you.
Unhinged Coffee have announced they'll be opening a coffee shop in Knightdale next month - the first locally owned one! 👏
My dress worn at the Courage gala is this one from Rose & Lee.
NC State and UNC are both out of the ACC tournament with Duke left to represent the Triangle and paying Clemson today at 9:30pm. The question is Wolfpackers and Tar Heels, are you going to on your neighbor?
If You Missed It This Week
Tell Me
What are you doing this weekend?
Hit reply — I genuinely love hearing your plans.
See you around Raleigh,
Caroline
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