Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Spring Forward

Hello All,

I am not sure we are used to it yet but when we move the clocks up one hour always makes me realize we are in full softball mode. Spring is just around the corner and this past Sunday was an absolutely gorgeous day to play softball. Our softball team had a home doubleheader and we had some firsts in the games. One of our freshman players hit her 1st college homerun, which we were extremely proud . Second, we had another freshman player that we saw make great strides on the pitching mound. She really has come a long way and will only get better as we continue to give her the reps. Third, we made some great defensive plays all day. All in all, it was a good day even if some were sleep deprived. Until next time . . . . GO SQUIRRELS!!!!

Weekend Warriors

Hello All,

Since my last post, we have come back from Spring Break and this past weekend we played  a couple of doubleheaders. You can tell we had been on break for awhile but I know it was a well deserved break for everyone especially the players. We had our first bus trip and as much as I try to double check to make sure I have everything the team needs (balls, bats, helmets,etc), I just asked our players to make sure they had their uniforms. Well, guess what-we are proceeding down the interstate, probably an hour away from destination, and one of the players comes to the front of the bus and says "Coach, I brought the wrong uniform." So, instead of panic mode, we went to our backup plan of attack. We figured out how to get the uniform to our game,  inserted a new starter into the lineup and off we go. Then, we had 2 players go down with injuries, one taken to hospital and the other did go back in to the game eventually. Although we didn't win those games, we kept fighting whether it was physically and/or mentally. Gotta love the game of softball- until next time . . . GO SQUIRRELS!!!!

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Hello All,

Yesterday we opened our season against McDaniel College and we won our first game 1-0 and lost our second game 12-0. It was refreshing to get in a doubleheader considering we have been practicing for a while now. As coaches we saw many positives and negatives throughout the day that we have to build upon throughout the season. What we hope as coaches is that they get some confidence in themselves, learn from their mistakes, improve as we go, and do the best that they can possibly do as individuals to help the team. It was nice to see so many parents, siblings, friends at the game for our players and we appreciate that so much! After the doubleheader yesterday, we dismissed the team to go home and enjoy some rest and relaxation during our spring break. What we don't take into consideration sometimes with the players, is that they do many things on campus other than classes and softball so for most they need the time to reenergize, take a deep breath, spend some time with family, etc. Hopefully they will get that in the next few days. Until next time . . . . . GO SQUIRRELS!!!

Friday, March 4, 2011

Life's Unexpectancies

Hello All,

This week we have been getting ready to open our season and unfortunately, we have already been dealt one of life's lessons. One of our players, a freshman, had her mom pass away suddenly. It's a tough transition anyway to be away from home your first year of college and then this happens. As sad as this is, it just goes to show how precious life is and how it can be taken away at any moment. When I got to talk to the team later that afternoon after practice, I could tell that they had heavy hearts and that this player was on their mind. As we were talking, I was very proud of the athletes standing before me. Some had tears coming down their face, others were thinking of what to do when she gets back on campus. They were coming together like a family should.
No matter what you are doing, stop and make sure you tell your loved ones how much you love them. As for the softball team, we are Fighting Squirrels and we will keep on practicing and playing. Life is tough at times but we will survive. To my player, we are with you in spirit and you are in our hearts and minds. To your mom, R. I. P.      Until next time, GO SQUIRRELS!!!!