What is an athlete? That is a very good question and I am sure many people have different viewpoints on it. I am going to explain what I think an athlete is. An athlete is someone who is very dedicated to their self, their team and to the sport they love. An athlete is someone who is a hard worker, committed, tough minded, a competitor. An athlete puts in hours of preparation and sacrifices so much to be the best that they can be. An athlete is disciplined. An athlete is strong willed, passionate, coachable, can accept criticism and strives to improve each and every day. An athlete wants to work on their weaknesses as well as their strengths. An athlete competes to the best of their ability. An athlete is a goal setter. An athlete brings out the best in their teammates. An athlete is a leader and has internal motivation. An athlete is a way of life. An athlete puts their heart and mind to the team first. An athlete practices with the same passion as they do in a game. An athlete does not take a play off. An athlete knows how to face adversity and overcoming it. Dealing with adversity is a true sign of character. An athlete gives 100% all the time and never gives up. Giving up is not imaginable or tolerable for an athlete. An athlete never has excuses. It is not accepted within themselves. They take responsibilities for their own actions or choices. An athlete never blames anyone. They figure out what they can do better to help the team.
How many times have you seen someone who is on a team but is out of shape, their attitude is okay with just being average, they come to practice but never too early and never work on their sport in the off season? Being an athlete is more than just putting on a uniform and being part of a team. There are so many sacrifices athletes have to make and are you willing to make those.
Desire is something that every athlete has. You should have a burning desire inside of yourself. Any athlete should want to dominate in their sport. Competing is huge for an athlete. Athletes get up after they have been hit with a setback. An athlete should want to win and expect to win each time they go out on a field or court. Who wants the ball in the closing seconds to make that free throw or who wants to try and get the winning hit at the plate when the count is 3 balls and 2 strikes with 2 outs? Athletes want that chance. They don't shy away from it. Athletes have also put the work in to give themselves a chance to win. Athletes refuse to lose.
Everything an athlete does such as setting goals, dedicates, sacrifices, overcoming adversity, determination are all foundations for a successful future in life. Being an athlete opens up opportunities for you and gives you the chance to do something special in your life. You should be really proud to call yourself an athlete if you truly are one because it is a gift.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Monday, August 12, 2013
2013 Season in Review
Hello All,
It is the beginning of August and I have taken some time to reflect about the past softball season. I looked back and thought about what we did accomplish, what we didn't do, etc.
As I have been reflecting and assessing the season, it was very beneficial to me. There were games we played that we simply didn't make enough routine plays and gave the opponents many opportunities to capitalize. There were games where we executed to perfection and came away with a couple of big wins for our program. We made some giant strides this past season. Our record may not have shown that but this young, talented squad put the team before themselves. We had great leadership among the captains and I want to continue to build on this momentum. I am hungry for the fall season to start and to continue where we left off.
This summer has flown by and within the next two weeks, our fall athletes will be arriving on campus. I couldn't imagine any better place to be working. If you look around campus sometime, this is an absolute beautiful place to be. I can't say thanks enough for the support softball gets from the athletic department as well as the fans that show up or follow us online.
Let's continue to build the excitement for our future!!
Until next time . . . . . . . . . GO SQUIRRELS!!!
It is the beginning of August and I have taken some time to reflect about the past softball season. I looked back and thought about what we did accomplish, what we didn't do, etc.
As I have been reflecting and assessing the season, it was very beneficial to me. There were games we played that we simply didn't make enough routine plays and gave the opponents many opportunities to capitalize. There were games where we executed to perfection and came away with a couple of big wins for our program. We made some giant strides this past season. Our record may not have shown that but this young, talented squad put the team before themselves. We had great leadership among the captains and I want to continue to build on this momentum. I am hungry for the fall season to start and to continue where we left off.
This summer has flown by and within the next two weeks, our fall athletes will be arriving on campus. I couldn't imagine any better place to be working. If you look around campus sometime, this is an absolute beautiful place to be. I can't say thanks enough for the support softball gets from the athletic department as well as the fans that show up or follow us online.
Let's continue to build the excitement for our future!!
Until next time . . . . . . . . . GO SQUIRRELS!!!
Monday, April 1, 2013
Last week of March
Hello All,
We have just finished up the last week of March. Due to the snow and rain we encountered on our trip back from Georgia, our game for Tuesday, March 26 was postponed until March 28. We also had our game for March 27 postponed to the 1st week of April. So that left us with 3 doubleheaders in a row starting on Thursday.
We had to travel on Thursday ( about 45 minutes south ) and we split the doubleheader. The first game we didn't play well at all. I thought maybe we were still in the van and hadn't gotten off of it yet. We regrouped though and played very well the 2nd game. There were lots of positives the 2nd game. We made some really tough plays, hit the ball well and pitched well.
I will have to say that this team really loves music. On the way down, the van was full of athletes singing. At the ballgame, it continued in the dugout. I love to see the smiles on the faces of our athletes. I love to see them have fun because isn't that what softball is all about. Softball isn't just about the way we play. It's about getting to know your teammates. It's about being there for each other. It's about working with people for a common goal.
We had to play Friday and Saturday at home and those games didn't go well at all. We did have great weather compared to some days. We had some people play well but we have yet to reach that point where everyone plays well together. I know it will come some time this season. I just don't know when that will be.
Until next time . . . . . . GO SQUIRRELS!!!!!!!
We have just finished up the last week of March. Due to the snow and rain we encountered on our trip back from Georgia, our game for Tuesday, March 26 was postponed until March 28. We also had our game for March 27 postponed to the 1st week of April. So that left us with 3 doubleheaders in a row starting on Thursday.
We had to travel on Thursday ( about 45 minutes south ) and we split the doubleheader. The first game we didn't play well at all. I thought maybe we were still in the van and hadn't gotten off of it yet. We regrouped though and played very well the 2nd game. There were lots of positives the 2nd game. We made some really tough plays, hit the ball well and pitched well.
I will have to say that this team really loves music. On the way down, the van was full of athletes singing. At the ballgame, it continued in the dugout. I love to see the smiles on the faces of our athletes. I love to see them have fun because isn't that what softball is all about. Softball isn't just about the way we play. It's about getting to know your teammates. It's about being there for each other. It's about working with people for a common goal.
We had to play Friday and Saturday at home and those games didn't go well at all. We did have great weather compared to some days. We had some people play well but we have yet to reach that point where everyone plays well together. I know it will come some time this season. I just don't know when that will be.
Until next time . . . . . . GO SQUIRRELS!!!!!!!
Halfway Through
Hello All,
We have just finished up the midway point of our season this past week. Our week started out by playing a conference game on Wednesday at home. I thought we were ready for the game based on our practice the day before. We didn't win the game but we did have one of our freshman pitchers go all seven innings. I know to a lot of coaches that is probably not a big deal. However, we finally saw her gain some confidence and fight through some of the harder innings that she may have had before.
We left on March 22 and headed down to Georgia to play some games. We were hoping it would be nice weather but we ended up having rain delays on both days. We played better on Saturday than we did on Sunday. Sometimes I wish I could explain why we play the way we do sometimes. I have seen us make some great plays and then other times I am shaking my head wondering what in the world has just happened. After a rain delay on Sunday, the doubleheader ended with warm weather and 2 losses. On our way home, we encountered snow.
The weather has been like our playing. Some days it looks like sunshine and everything is going well and other games it looks like snow and everything piles up at once. However, we can't control the weather and we can control how we play. I know we have a young team and sometimes I do believe we have to fall apart so better things can fall together.
Until next time. . . . . . . GO SQUIRRELS!!!!!!!!!!
We have just finished up the midway point of our season this past week. Our week started out by playing a conference game on Wednesday at home. I thought we were ready for the game based on our practice the day before. We didn't win the game but we did have one of our freshman pitchers go all seven innings. I know to a lot of coaches that is probably not a big deal. However, we finally saw her gain some confidence and fight through some of the harder innings that she may have had before.
We left on March 22 and headed down to Georgia to play some games. We were hoping it would be nice weather but we ended up having rain delays on both days. We played better on Saturday than we did on Sunday. Sometimes I wish I could explain why we play the way we do sometimes. I have seen us make some great plays and then other times I am shaking my head wondering what in the world has just happened. After a rain delay on Sunday, the doubleheader ended with warm weather and 2 losses. On our way home, we encountered snow.
The weather has been like our playing. Some days it looks like sunshine and everything is going well and other games it looks like snow and everything piles up at once. However, we can't control the weather and we can control how we play. I know we have a young team and sometimes I do believe we have to fall apart so better things can fall together.
Until next time. . . . . . . GO SQUIRRELS!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, March 18, 2013
First Win
Hello All,
This past week has been a busy week for us Fighting Squirrels! We have played in some cold weather and this past Sunday we played in the rain. Where is the 65 degree weather that you think of when you play softball? So far this year, it has been far from softball weather.
We made a couple of road trips to colleges during the week and then Sunday we were home. That brings me to the highlight of the week. We WON!!!! We won our first conference game this year and as a coach I can't tell you how proud I am of these young ladies. We have all talked until we are tired of talking. Finally we put it all together, focused for one whole game, fought back with the intensity that is in each of us, showed the passion for the game, made plays when we needed to, made pitches when we needed to. All of us did our job to get this win! And what an absolute wonderful feeling it is! Stop and think about what it feels like to win! I hope now that they take this win and understand it is possible for us to win. I want us to continue on this journey we have started. We are starting to see lights as we come through this tunnel of darkness that has shadowed us for so many years. I can't begin to tell you how I feel but it's not about me. It's about these young ladies, past and present, that have helped our softball program get to this point. I said from the beginning that this team was special and I didn't know why. I am starting to see why I felt that way.
As we continue climbing, one thing is for sure. These young ladies keep getting better each and every day and they continue to care about each other each and every day. They have taught me to have fun with them. Isn't that what sports is all about-having fun? Well we are and we will continue to see where this season takes us.
Until next time. . . . . . . GO SQUIRRELS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This past week has been a busy week for us Fighting Squirrels! We have played in some cold weather and this past Sunday we played in the rain. Where is the 65 degree weather that you think of when you play softball? So far this year, it has been far from softball weather.
We made a couple of road trips to colleges during the week and then Sunday we were home. That brings me to the highlight of the week. We WON!!!! We won our first conference game this year and as a coach I can't tell you how proud I am of these young ladies. We have all talked until we are tired of talking. Finally we put it all together, focused for one whole game, fought back with the intensity that is in each of us, showed the passion for the game, made plays when we needed to, made pitches when we needed to. All of us did our job to get this win! And what an absolute wonderful feeling it is! Stop and think about what it feels like to win! I hope now that they take this win and understand it is possible for us to win. I want us to continue on this journey we have started. We are starting to see lights as we come through this tunnel of darkness that has shadowed us for so many years. I can't begin to tell you how I feel but it's not about me. It's about these young ladies, past and present, that have helped our softball program get to this point. I said from the beginning that this team was special and I didn't know why. I am starting to see why I felt that way.
As we continue climbing, one thing is for sure. These young ladies keep getting better each and every day and they continue to care about each other each and every day. They have taught me to have fun with them. Isn't that what sports is all about-having fun? Well we are and we will continue to see where this season takes us.
Until next time. . . . . . . GO SQUIRRELS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Two weeks in
Hello All,
Our softball team has been pretty busy with the first 2 weeks of our season. We have played in different weather but the majority seems to be cold and windy. Around March 6, we got hit with 17-20 inches of snow. It was pretty coming down but it wasn't pretty for our field, much less for practices, etc. We survived and made do with what we had available.
The weekend of March 9-10, we headed to Greensboro, NC and although we lost our games, we played in better weather than we had recently. It was really a gorgeous weekend, weather wise. We have been struggling as of late but I sometimes call them growing pains. Sometimes as coaches you just wonder what your players are thinking at certain times of the game. And you wonder if they even are thinking, about the game.
I have seen us make some terrific plays and then I have seen us miss a fly ball and as coaches we just cringe thinking "what in the world just happened there?" That has happened to us quite a bit lately and maybe these are our growing pains. As a coach though, you know we are much better than we have played. You sit and wait for the game to come that we play up to our potential.
Softball is a game of failure from the beginning. If you bat 3 out of 10, that's a pretty good average. However, you failed 7 times to put the bat on the ball. I believe as a coach we just have to accept that this is part of the game and not use it as punishment but more of acceptance. We have to believe and think about the positives more than the negatives.
I don't know right now where we are headed this season. It is a journey and one that has been full of many different feelings already. But one thing I do know for sure, we have great leadership, we have a team full of softball players that are passionate and love the game, we have played at times excellent and we have played at times horrible. I am having fun coaching this bunch of young ladies and look forward to watching us grow.
Until next time. . . . . . GO SQUIRRELS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Our softball team has been pretty busy with the first 2 weeks of our season. We have played in different weather but the majority seems to be cold and windy. Around March 6, we got hit with 17-20 inches of snow. It was pretty coming down but it wasn't pretty for our field, much less for practices, etc. We survived and made do with what we had available.
The weekend of March 9-10, we headed to Greensboro, NC and although we lost our games, we played in better weather than we had recently. It was really a gorgeous weekend, weather wise. We have been struggling as of late but I sometimes call them growing pains. Sometimes as coaches you just wonder what your players are thinking at certain times of the game. And you wonder if they even are thinking, about the game.
I have seen us make some terrific plays and then I have seen us miss a fly ball and as coaches we just cringe thinking "what in the world just happened there?" That has happened to us quite a bit lately and maybe these are our growing pains. As a coach though, you know we are much better than we have played. You sit and wait for the game to come that we play up to our potential.
Softball is a game of failure from the beginning. If you bat 3 out of 10, that's a pretty good average. However, you failed 7 times to put the bat on the ball. I believe as a coach we just have to accept that this is part of the game and not use it as punishment but more of acceptance. We have to believe and think about the positives more than the negatives.
I don't know right now where we are headed this season. It is a journey and one that has been full of many different feelings already. But one thing I do know for sure, we have great leadership, we have a team full of softball players that are passionate and love the game, we have played at times excellent and we have played at times horrible. I am having fun coaching this bunch of young ladies and look forward to watching us grow.
Until next time. . . . . . GO SQUIRRELS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
First Game
Hello All,
This past Sunday we had our first game.You couldn't have scripted a better day as far as the weather goes for this time of year. It was in the mid 50's, sunny. As I got to school that morning, I was excited to see this team play and compete. We have a scrappy, fighting team that has so much heart and passion for softball and great chemistry with each other.
The bus pulled into the parking lot and we loaded the equipment and everything we needed for the day. As the players started getting on the bus, it was exciting to know that softball season is finally here. They seemed anxious to get started as well. We only had about an hour and half trip so the travel would be somewhat quick. All of us coaches talked on the bus about different scenarios as to what could happen in the game and what would we do. I know that you are never prepared for every scenario so that is why as coaches you always have to have plan a, b, c, d, etc.
Once we got to the college, I noticed the players getting off the bus in their new uniforms and I really liked the new look. I will talk about that later on.
As we proceeded to warm up, the players were singing and getting loose. I thought that was a good sign.. We were going to start 5 freshmen on the field today so we knew the returners would need to be leaders for our young group. The game was almost getting ready to happen. The National Anthem was played, starters were acknowledged, pregame meeting with umpires concluded and here we are getting ready to bat. As I head over to the 3rd base coaching box, I feeling of calm came over me and I knew this is where the fun begins. Isn't that what softball is all about? Having fun with your team!
The end result was not what we wanted but overall there were a lot of positives. As with any sport, you have to take care of the ball and we didn't defensively. We made too many errors at crucial times that the opponents capitalized on. The errors are fixable though, which is a good thing.
We are a young team this year as far as college experience goes and I know we had some first game jitters. It showed in the first couple of innings of both games. Once we got ourselves under control, we made some really good plays and hit the ball hard. We had some players that came off the bench and executed exactly what we asked of them and played hard.We need to gain more confidence in ourselves and that will come as we continue to play each game. We have just started this journey but it is one that will be exciting, challenging, and competitive. We can't predict the future or know what it holds, but we can play softball one game at a time, one pitch at a time.
On a side note, if you buy uniforms that will consist of white pants, make sure you buy stock in all the stain removers on the market. Or if you are the coach that wants the pants, don't listen to yourself.
Until next time. . . . . . GO SQUIRRELS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This past Sunday we had our first game.You couldn't have scripted a better day as far as the weather goes for this time of year. It was in the mid 50's, sunny. As I got to school that morning, I was excited to see this team play and compete. We have a scrappy, fighting team that has so much heart and passion for softball and great chemistry with each other.
The bus pulled into the parking lot and we loaded the equipment and everything we needed for the day. As the players started getting on the bus, it was exciting to know that softball season is finally here. They seemed anxious to get started as well. We only had about an hour and half trip so the travel would be somewhat quick. All of us coaches talked on the bus about different scenarios as to what could happen in the game and what would we do. I know that you are never prepared for every scenario so that is why as coaches you always have to have plan a, b, c, d, etc.
Once we got to the college, I noticed the players getting off the bus in their new uniforms and I really liked the new look. I will talk about that later on.
As we proceeded to warm up, the players were singing and getting loose. I thought that was a good sign.. We were going to start 5 freshmen on the field today so we knew the returners would need to be leaders for our young group. The game was almost getting ready to happen. The National Anthem was played, starters were acknowledged, pregame meeting with umpires concluded and here we are getting ready to bat. As I head over to the 3rd base coaching box, I feeling of calm came over me and I knew this is where the fun begins. Isn't that what softball is all about? Having fun with your team!
The end result was not what we wanted but overall there were a lot of positives. As with any sport, you have to take care of the ball and we didn't defensively. We made too many errors at crucial times that the opponents capitalized on. The errors are fixable though, which is a good thing.
We are a young team this year as far as college experience goes and I know we had some first game jitters. It showed in the first couple of innings of both games. Once we got ourselves under control, we made some really good plays and hit the ball hard. We had some players that came off the bench and executed exactly what we asked of them and played hard.We need to gain more confidence in ourselves and that will come as we continue to play each game. We have just started this journey but it is one that will be exciting, challenging, and competitive. We can't predict the future or know what it holds, but we can play softball one game at a time, one pitch at a time.
On a side note, if you buy uniforms that will consist of white pants, make sure you buy stock in all the stain removers on the market. Or if you are the coach that wants the pants, don't listen to yourself.
Until next time. . . . . . GO SQUIRRELS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, February 11, 2013
Injuries
Hello All,
We are still a couple of weeks away from opening our 2013 season. The team has been working really hard and unfortunately, we have had some injuries along the way. There have been a total of 3 serious injuries, or at least serious enough to keep them out of practice for a bit. As a coach, when you think you have found the right combination, something happens. We have had a couple of knee and arm injuries. We are working on getting everyone back healthy here soon. Our trainer has done a terrific job trying to get everyone healthy.
A couple of Saturdays ago, the team went bowling and out to eat. They had a wonderful time together and I believe it came at a good point in our season. Who would have thought that the pitchers would have all been on the same team bowling when they decided to divide up into teams.However, I guess for some they do throw a natural curve which I am sure helps at bowling. The coaches did not go to this so it was strictly for the players. I know it will pay off during our season.
I will be back with more later and until next time. . . . . GO SQUIRRELS!!!!!!!
We are still a couple of weeks away from opening our 2013 season. The team has been working really hard and unfortunately, we have had some injuries along the way. There have been a total of 3 serious injuries, or at least serious enough to keep them out of practice for a bit. As a coach, when you think you have found the right combination, something happens. We have had a couple of knee and arm injuries. We are working on getting everyone back healthy here soon. Our trainer has done a terrific job trying to get everyone healthy.
A couple of Saturdays ago, the team went bowling and out to eat. They had a wonderful time together and I believe it came at a good point in our season. Who would have thought that the pitchers would have all been on the same team bowling when they decided to divide up into teams.However, I guess for some they do throw a natural curve which I am sure helps at bowling. The coaches did not go to this so it was strictly for the players. I know it will pay off during our season.
I will be back with more later and until next time. . . . . GO SQUIRRELS!!!!!!!
Thursday, January 31, 2013
2013 Season
Hello All,
It has been about 3 weeks now since we started practicing for our spring season. The athletes have been working hard and even though the weather at times hasn't cooperated, we keep moving right along.
This past week we were blessed with 60-70 degree weather and it was great being able to get outside and on a field. Sometimes as coaches we always need to have backup plans because you just never know with the weather. One day this week, we even got caught in a big rain storm. The athletes had fun out in the rain until it really started pouring. It brings you back to when we were kids and it would rain and you could hear your parents hollering for you to come in.
What has impressed me the most so far has been the focus and commitment of this team. They are a special bunch of players and I am not sure why yet. Things have been different this year and I think that is a big step in the right direction. The players have really made it a point to be dedicated to each other as a team. Our team chemistry is really good right now and it is something we continuously work on.
Our leadership has been wonderful and the captains have taken the time to make each player feel welcome and have gotten to know each player. We tend to forget sometimes that student-athletes have so much on their plate that it is not just about softball. It really is a juggling act for many of them.
I just wanted to briefly say a few things about our season so far. I will blog more often as we get moving through the schedule.
Until next time. . . . . . . . . . GO SQUIRRELS!!!!
It has been about 3 weeks now since we started practicing for our spring season. The athletes have been working hard and even though the weather at times hasn't cooperated, we keep moving right along.
This past week we were blessed with 60-70 degree weather and it was great being able to get outside and on a field. Sometimes as coaches we always need to have backup plans because you just never know with the weather. One day this week, we even got caught in a big rain storm. The athletes had fun out in the rain until it really started pouring. It brings you back to when we were kids and it would rain and you could hear your parents hollering for you to come in.
What has impressed me the most so far has been the focus and commitment of this team. They are a special bunch of players and I am not sure why yet. Things have been different this year and I think that is a big step in the right direction. The players have really made it a point to be dedicated to each other as a team. Our team chemistry is really good right now and it is something we continuously work on.
Our leadership has been wonderful and the captains have taken the time to make each player feel welcome and have gotten to know each player. We tend to forget sometimes that student-athletes have so much on their plate that it is not just about softball. It really is a juggling act for many of them.
I just wanted to briefly say a few things about our season so far. I will blog more often as we get moving through the schedule.
Until next time. . . . . . . . . . GO SQUIRRELS!!!!
Monday, December 3, 2012
Fall Season
Hello All,
I can't believe that we are a little over a month from starting our softball season and we are really excited to begin. We have a great group of student-athletes who have been working really hard in the weight room as well as getting to know each other. There is something special about this group and I am not exactly sure why I feel that way but I am know time will tell.
This fall season has been a wonderful time for us coaches to see and prepare for the spring. Since we have so many freshmen, it has been nice recognizing their attitudes, work ethic and ability. It has been very pleasing. We got to play one day during the fall which was good for us.
Halloween night, the team got together and went out to collect cans to give to the food bank. They dressed as zombies (picture above) and had a blast doing it. One of our former players came and created the faces of every zombie player. We appreciated her efforts tremendously. All in all it was a great time.
We have been busy throughout this fall season and the athletes have done an exceptional job all around. We have to remember that not only are they student-athletes, some are members of other organizations on campus and some are members of our VWIL program. Time management and organizational skills have been very important for these athletes. Everyone has worked really hard considering they are being pulled in every different direction. We are extremely proud of each one of the athletes. We believe in each of them and I can't wait to ride this journey out to see why they are a special group.
Until next time. . . . GO SQUIRRELS!!!
I can't believe that we are a little over a month from starting our softball season and we are really excited to begin. We have a great group of student-athletes who have been working really hard in the weight room as well as getting to know each other. There is something special about this group and I am not exactly sure why I feel that way but I am know time will tell.
This fall season has been a wonderful time for us coaches to see and prepare for the spring. Since we have so many freshmen, it has been nice recognizing their attitudes, work ethic and ability. It has been very pleasing. We got to play one day during the fall which was good for us.
We have been busy throughout this fall season and the athletes have done an exceptional job all around. We have to remember that not only are they student-athletes, some are members of other organizations on campus and some are members of our VWIL program. Time management and organizational skills have been very important for these athletes. Everyone has worked really hard considering they are being pulled in every different direction. We are extremely proud of each one of the athletes. We believe in each of them and I can't wait to ride this journey out to see why they are a special group.
Until next time. . . . GO SQUIRRELS!!!
Sunday, September 30, 2012
What is a leader?
Hello All,
I love the beginning of our fall non-traditional softball season. It has been nice to get outside and feel the dirt.We have started and it has been going well. The players have been working really hard in the weight room, conditioning, and on the field. I am excited to see how we come together as a team. It will definitely be a challenge and leaders always thrive on challenges. We will only go as far as our leaders will take us.This brings me to the point of this blog-what is a leader?
Every single person on the team can hold a piece of this. Some players are fit to lead by example, some by their vocals, and there will be some that lead and won't even know that they are leading. A leader is not allowed to feel sorry for themselves, to be down or angry. Leaders must beat these emotions. Is there a difference between leaders stepping up or stepping out? I sure think there is. If a player has to step it up for a game then their mental, emotional and physical energy was not the same as it was before. We need our leaders to step out and allow themselves to give us 100% all the time. They can not take a play off during practices and games. We need them to not hold back because they are worried about failure. They stand out because they don't doubt, hesitate or question anything. They lead by example with their energy and attitude and they never question the necessity of that. Leaders find ways to win ballgames.
I am hoping that this year we have a team full of leaders and not just the ones we name as captains. We have the power as our own individual to control our energy and attitude. I look forward to embracing this journey and seeing what happens. Until next time. . . . GO SQUIRRELS!!!!
I love the beginning of our fall non-traditional softball season. It has been nice to get outside and feel the dirt.We have started and it has been going well. The players have been working really hard in the weight room, conditioning, and on the field. I am excited to see how we come together as a team. It will definitely be a challenge and leaders always thrive on challenges. We will only go as far as our leaders will take us.This brings me to the point of this blog-what is a leader?
Every single person on the team can hold a piece of this. Some players are fit to lead by example, some by their vocals, and there will be some that lead and won't even know that they are leading. A leader is not allowed to feel sorry for themselves, to be down or angry. Leaders must beat these emotions. Is there a difference between leaders stepping up or stepping out? I sure think there is. If a player has to step it up for a game then their mental, emotional and physical energy was not the same as it was before. We need our leaders to step out and allow themselves to give us 100% all the time. They can not take a play off during practices and games. We need them to not hold back because they are worried about failure. They stand out because they don't doubt, hesitate or question anything. They lead by example with their energy and attitude and they never question the necessity of that. Leaders find ways to win ballgames.
I am hoping that this year we have a team full of leaders and not just the ones we name as captains. We have the power as our own individual to control our energy and attitude. I look forward to embracing this journey and seeing what happens. Until next time. . . . GO SQUIRRELS!!!!
Friday, August 31, 2012
New Year, New Look, New Attitude
Hello All,
As we kick off the weekend with our fall sports in full swing with competitions, this means it is getting closer to our non-traditional season for softball to start. The summer has flown by and I believe a very productive one. We are getting ready to start classes on Monday to start the new school year. This brings me to my new theme for 2012-2013 which is NEW YEAR, NEW LOOK, NEW ATTITUDE. As each school year approaches it begins another new year for our softball team. We can't bring back the past or change it but we can learn and grow from it. As the new look part of the theme, this year we will be wearing new uniforms. We haven't established yet what type or any of that but we will be sporting new apparel. Here is the final part, new attitude. What I want is for us to start off with a new attitude. Changes are in place for this year that I know will make a positive difference in our team. Team chemistry will be a reflection of our attitudes. We want our players to be coachable, have a team first attitude, and committed. I believe the word committed is a crucial one for us if we want to make a change. Being committed means never being satisfied and wanting to do anything and everything to get the maximum performance level. With that being said, you need to be committed to the total package, committed to your teammates, committed to the coaches, committed to the classroom, committed to your performance and well being. We need committed players to make our changes and reach our goals. Like most things in life worth having, we have to work hard at it. As in the movie, "A League of Their Own", if it was easy, everyone would do it. Having a focused attitude every day in practice is a key. If you have respect for your teammates, coaches, the game itself, and yourself, then you will make sure as an athlete that you will be mentally prepared with the right mindset each and every practice/game. We only ask for a couple of hours a day to make softball the priority in our mind.The softball season is not a sprint, although sometimes it feels like that, it is a marathon. We have to establish our building blocks and work on the small things and eventually the big things will happen. Where we are in September and where we want to be in April will be a journey. It is a ride that I am looking forward to taking.
Until next time. . . . . GO SQUIRRELS!!!!!
As we kick off the weekend with our fall sports in full swing with competitions, this means it is getting closer to our non-traditional season for softball to start. The summer has flown by and I believe a very productive one. We are getting ready to start classes on Monday to start the new school year. This brings me to my new theme for 2012-2013 which is NEW YEAR, NEW LOOK, NEW ATTITUDE. As each school year approaches it begins another new year for our softball team. We can't bring back the past or change it but we can learn and grow from it. As the new look part of the theme, this year we will be wearing new uniforms. We haven't established yet what type or any of that but we will be sporting new apparel. Here is the final part, new attitude. What I want is for us to start off with a new attitude. Changes are in place for this year that I know will make a positive difference in our team. Team chemistry will be a reflection of our attitudes. We want our players to be coachable, have a team first attitude, and committed. I believe the word committed is a crucial one for us if we want to make a change. Being committed means never being satisfied and wanting to do anything and everything to get the maximum performance level. With that being said, you need to be committed to the total package, committed to your teammates, committed to the coaches, committed to the classroom, committed to your performance and well being. We need committed players to make our changes and reach our goals. Like most things in life worth having, we have to work hard at it. As in the movie, "A League of Their Own", if it was easy, everyone would do it. Having a focused attitude every day in practice is a key. If you have respect for your teammates, coaches, the game itself, and yourself, then you will make sure as an athlete that you will be mentally prepared with the right mindset each and every practice/game. We only ask for a couple of hours a day to make softball the priority in our mind.The softball season is not a sprint, although sometimes it feels like that, it is a marathon. We have to establish our building blocks and work on the small things and eventually the big things will happen. Where we are in September and where we want to be in April will be a journey. It is a ride that I am looking forward to taking.
Until next time. . . . . GO SQUIRRELS!!!!!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Courage to Compete
Hello All,
It has been awhile since I have posted and we have played quite a few games already. We started out the season with great confidence and a 3-1 record and since then we have played some good games and some bad. Our record definitely doesn't show what we are capable of. However, the past few doubleheaders have given me time to think about a few things. or maybe over think.
One is the fact that there is so much more to a player than just the fundamentals and mechanics of softball. There are the mental aspects like confidence, focus, the love of the game, concentration, etc. I believe though that an athlete can change her outcome based on confidence though. I also believe that if the love for the game of softball is there within you, it keeps you coming back for more. It makes it not easy to give up when it gets hard. But then there is something else I think about. . . courage. Our motto here at MBC is Courage to Compete. So what does that actually mean? To me, our team right now is better than the way we are playing. We aren't showing confidence out on the field, we are playing scared it seems.We don't play well the first game and the second game we play really well or vice versa. Why can't we put it all together instead of waiting one game to play well? What does it take to have the drive to compete? It takes courage. If you look up the definition of courage it says"the state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger, fear, or pain with self confidence, and resolution; the confidence to act in accordance with one's beliefs." We need the courage to lay it all out there each and every day. The courage to play hard no matter what the outcome. I think as coaches we need to help them find the courage. I don't want us to settle for just getting better or improving each day. It's great to be improving but I believe we can get complacent in that. I believe it is going to take the courage to embrace our weaknesses just as we need to embrace our strengths. We are going to make mistakes but being scared to make a mistake will in our world make us have more mistakes. Let's dig into ourselves and find the courage we need to play. Let's find the courage to go to the plate and hit with confidence, let's find the courage to quit playing scared and settling for just improving, let's find the courage to give all of our effort each and every day, leave it all out on the field. Let's find the courage within to believe that we can win. The mind can be a game changer. Courage is a powerful thing and maybe that is just what we need.
It has been awhile since I have posted and we have played quite a few games already. We started out the season with great confidence and a 3-1 record and since then we have played some good games and some bad. Our record definitely doesn't show what we are capable of. However, the past few doubleheaders have given me time to think about a few things. or maybe over think.
One is the fact that there is so much more to a player than just the fundamentals and mechanics of softball. There are the mental aspects like confidence, focus, the love of the game, concentration, etc. I believe though that an athlete can change her outcome based on confidence though. I also believe that if the love for the game of softball is there within you, it keeps you coming back for more. It makes it not easy to give up when it gets hard. But then there is something else I think about. . . courage. Our motto here at MBC is Courage to Compete. So what does that actually mean? To me, our team right now is better than the way we are playing. We aren't showing confidence out on the field, we are playing scared it seems.We don't play well the first game and the second game we play really well or vice versa. Why can't we put it all together instead of waiting one game to play well? What does it take to have the drive to compete? It takes courage. If you look up the definition of courage it says"the state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger, fear, or pain with self confidence, and resolution; the confidence to act in accordance with one's beliefs." We need the courage to lay it all out there each and every day. The courage to play hard no matter what the outcome. I think as coaches we need to help them find the courage. I don't want us to settle for just getting better or improving each day. It's great to be improving but I believe we can get complacent in that. I believe it is going to take the courage to embrace our weaknesses just as we need to embrace our strengths. We are going to make mistakes but being scared to make a mistake will in our world make us have more mistakes. Let's dig into ourselves and find the courage we need to play. Let's find the courage to go to the plate and hit with confidence, let's find the courage to quit playing scared and settling for just improving, let's find the courage to give all of our effort each and every day, leave it all out on the field. Let's find the courage within to believe that we can win. The mind can be a game changer. Courage is a powerful thing and maybe that is just what we need.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Weekend Warriors
Hello All,
Our softball team just came back from a weekend in Raleigh , North Carolina and we went 3-1 in the Triangle Classic. It was nice to be able to play in 4 games and see where we are and what we need to work on in game situations.
We left school on Thursday evening and the girls seemed very excited knowing they were getting the chance to play some games. We have been practicing for a while now. On the ride down, we put in a couple of movies, never really watching them through, until the usual Big Bang Theory got put in. I have to admit I wasn't a big fan of that tv show but I am now. I actually caught myself watching it this fall in the comfort of my own home. However, it is not just the show but the thought of softball as well because now whenever I hear Big Bank Theory, I will think about softball.
We get to Raleigh at the hotel and they had about 2 hours to settle down and then their life fell apart. I took their cell phones and lights had to be out at a certain time. I do that for the reason that I want them to get a good night sleep, have no distractions like breaking up with someone, etc. and to be focused in the morning for the game. I know this day and age we are all about technology. I have to admit I was very proud of the ladies. They showed the next day that they can be focused and they can work hard for something. That's why they walked away with 2 wins on Friday. What a gorgeous day it was as well-we couldn't have asked for a better day!
Later that evening we went to a mall and then to a buffet restaurant. I have to say at first I was worried about the girls eating. You know buffet is all you can eat. That is scary sometimes when you bring in a team of 21 people. Although, the players weren't who I was worried about. It was one of my assistant coaches. I believe she was born with a bread roll in her hand. I was worried we were going to have an intervention for her. Anyway, the team was very mannerly, polite, and having a good time. We proceeded on back to the hotel.
Next day, we took a win and a loss. Remember me saying that we had a gorgeous day previously, well not so much on this day. It was cold and windy. Of course, both teams had to play in it and we adjust first game and won but the second we didn't. As coaches, we got to see some people play in the field that we wanted to, some got to hit that we wanted to see, and all in all it was a great weekend. Every one did what we asked of them. As I was sitting on the bus on the ride home, I thought, this team is special and good things are going to happen if they keep believing in themselves, in each other, and do the little things that we ask of them each and every day. It is the little things that let the big things happen. We have started off well but we have to remember, it's a journey and it's not where we are early but where are we going to be later.
Until next time. . . . GO SQUIRRELS!!!!!!
Our softball team just came back from a weekend in Raleigh , North Carolina and we went 3-1 in the Triangle Classic. It was nice to be able to play in 4 games and see where we are and what we need to work on in game situations.
We left school on Thursday evening and the girls seemed very excited knowing they were getting the chance to play some games. We have been practicing for a while now. On the ride down, we put in a couple of movies, never really watching them through, until the usual Big Bang Theory got put in. I have to admit I wasn't a big fan of that tv show but I am now. I actually caught myself watching it this fall in the comfort of my own home. However, it is not just the show but the thought of softball as well because now whenever I hear Big Bank Theory, I will think about softball.
We get to Raleigh at the hotel and they had about 2 hours to settle down and then their life fell apart. I took their cell phones and lights had to be out at a certain time. I do that for the reason that I want them to get a good night sleep, have no distractions like breaking up with someone, etc. and to be focused in the morning for the game. I know this day and age we are all about technology. I have to admit I was very proud of the ladies. They showed the next day that they can be focused and they can work hard for something. That's why they walked away with 2 wins on Friday. What a gorgeous day it was as well-we couldn't have asked for a better day!
Later that evening we went to a mall and then to a buffet restaurant. I have to say at first I was worried about the girls eating. You know buffet is all you can eat. That is scary sometimes when you bring in a team of 21 people. Although, the players weren't who I was worried about. It was one of my assistant coaches. I believe she was born with a bread roll in her hand. I was worried we were going to have an intervention for her. Anyway, the team was very mannerly, polite, and having a good time. We proceeded on back to the hotel.
Next day, we took a win and a loss. Remember me saying that we had a gorgeous day previously, well not so much on this day. It was cold and windy. Of course, both teams had to play in it and we adjust first game and won but the second we didn't. As coaches, we got to see some people play in the field that we wanted to, some got to hit that we wanted to see, and all in all it was a great weekend. Every one did what we asked of them. As I was sitting on the bus on the ride home, I thought, this team is special and good things are going to happen if they keep believing in themselves, in each other, and do the little things that we ask of them each and every day. It is the little things that let the big things happen. We have started off well but we have to remember, it's a journey and it's not where we are early but where are we going to be later.
Until next time. . . . GO SQUIRRELS!!!!!!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
What does February bring?
Hello All,
What does February bring? For the softball team, the last week has been filled with players and an assistant coach's birthday. We have celebrated their birthdays with the singing of Happy Birthday (not sure you want the team to sing anytime soon) and the eating of cupcakes and cake. What better way to end a practice or take a break in the middle of building dugouts than to celebrate these people. To me this is what softball and any sport is about- friendships that are made along the way, coaches and players getting to know and care about each other. I'm not sure if we want to see another cupcake or cake right now, but it's just a small token of how much we care about each one. Until next time. . . GO SQUIRRELS!!
What does February bring? For the softball team, the last week has been filled with players and an assistant coach's birthday. We have celebrated their birthdays with the singing of Happy Birthday (not sure you want the team to sing anytime soon) and the eating of cupcakes and cake. What better way to end a practice or take a break in the middle of building dugouts than to celebrate these people. To me this is what softball and any sport is about- friendships that are made along the way, coaches and players getting to know and care about each other. I'm not sure if we want to see another cupcake or cake right now, but it's just a small token of how much we care about each one. Until next time. . . GO SQUIRRELS!!
Thoughts
Hello All,
It has been a couple of weeks since I last posted and I am sorry to my readers. Our softball team is working really hard on and off the field. We are about a week and a half away from opening our season and I can't be more excited to get started. I am passionate about this team and each person brings something in themselves to make this team better each day. Which brings me to my next thoughts.
As a coach, I know that our job is to help each and every player become the best that they can be while they are with us. I know this isn't easy. I have to put forth the effort to find what I need to do to help each player reach their highest level of performance and watch them go above and beyond what anyone thought they could. It is a constant effort even when I am frustrated, tired or out of answers for something. As a player, it is your job to put forth the effort that coaches ask you to bring to each practice/game. If you aren't willing to run a fly ball out in practice, what makes coaches think you will do it in a game? You as a player have to hold yourself accountable or you will be made accountable for the choices that you make. Are you the type of player that positively affects others, that makes other players raise their game and improve their performance?
As a coach and/or player, we need to look in the mirror at the person that can have the biggest impact on our success. It starts with ourselves. We need to stop blaming other people or outside circumstances. Anyone that has ever been successful, at some point, has been discouraged, out of their comfort zone, loss in confidence or felt like a failure. However, they overcame those and moved forward. It didn't mean they weren't worthy or weren't good enough. They just had to keep pushing forward. Whether we are a coach or a player, we have to keep pushing forward if we want to be successful. Part of being successful is being consistent in our performance. Doing the little things makes the big things happen. We only get out of something what we put into it and that goes for coaching or playing. I want our athletes to do everything that we ask of them to the best of their ability. We can choose to do what is right or we can choose not to. However, consequences come with both choices, good or bad. I read a quote the other day and it said "If you can't excel with talent, triumph with effort." For MBC softball, that's all we ask each of you every day- give us all your effort in whatever we are doing and we will win!
Until next time . . . GO SQUIRRELS!!!!!
It has been a couple of weeks since I last posted and I am sorry to my readers. Our softball team is working really hard on and off the field. We are about a week and a half away from opening our season and I can't be more excited to get started. I am passionate about this team and each person brings something in themselves to make this team better each day. Which brings me to my next thoughts.
As a coach, I know that our job is to help each and every player become the best that they can be while they are with us. I know this isn't easy. I have to put forth the effort to find what I need to do to help each player reach their highest level of performance and watch them go above and beyond what anyone thought they could. It is a constant effort even when I am frustrated, tired or out of answers for something. As a player, it is your job to put forth the effort that coaches ask you to bring to each practice/game. If you aren't willing to run a fly ball out in practice, what makes coaches think you will do it in a game? You as a player have to hold yourself accountable or you will be made accountable for the choices that you make. Are you the type of player that positively affects others, that makes other players raise their game and improve their performance?
As a coach and/or player, we need to look in the mirror at the person that can have the biggest impact on our success. It starts with ourselves. We need to stop blaming other people or outside circumstances. Anyone that has ever been successful, at some point, has been discouraged, out of their comfort zone, loss in confidence or felt like a failure. However, they overcame those and moved forward. It didn't mean they weren't worthy or weren't good enough. They just had to keep pushing forward. Whether we are a coach or a player, we have to keep pushing forward if we want to be successful. Part of being successful is being consistent in our performance. Doing the little things makes the big things happen. We only get out of something what we put into it and that goes for coaching or playing. I want our athletes to do everything that we ask of them to the best of their ability. We can choose to do what is right or we can choose not to. However, consequences come with both choices, good or bad. I read a quote the other day and it said "If you can't excel with talent, triumph with effort." For MBC softball, that's all we ask each of you every day- give us all your effort in whatever we are doing and we will win!
Until next time . . . GO SQUIRRELS!!!!!
Sunday, February 5, 2012
PEGS
Hello All,
As I mentioned in my previous post, we put up dugouts yesterday on our field. There was one part of the dugouts that I haven't mentioned yet so I thought I would in this post.
Our dugouts are constructed out of timber and the framing is put together with pegs instead of nails. It was really interesting watching it all come together from the plans to the final product. We had quite a lot of pegs that went into each dugout, over 100 probably, and so what we did was sell the pegs for an amount and with each peg, the donor could write whatever they wanted on the peg. Then it went into the dugout and will be there permanently. These dugouts will outlast our lifetimes.
So, it has been neat seeing what people would right on there pegs. Most people put their names, some put Bible scriptures, some put their softball years of playing and their uniform numbers on, etc. Some even went so far as to decorate and paint their pegs. But no matter what people wrote, painted, etc. on their peg, they all were a necessity for the dugouts. Without the donors of the pegs, the dugouts wouldn't have happened either. So I don't want to leave everyone out that contributed to the dugouts as it has been many. I can't name everyone but I want you to know that you made this happen as well for the MBC softball team and we really appreciate you.
If you are ever at MBC, at a softball game, or just curious, please take a look at the dugouts because you were definitely a big part of this project happening. I know times are hard for people now and everyone's money is a necessity but you found it in your hearts to help out-thanks!!!!
Until next time. . . GO SQUIRRELS!!!!!!
As I mentioned in my previous post, we put up dugouts yesterday on our field. There was one part of the dugouts that I haven't mentioned yet so I thought I would in this post.
Our dugouts are constructed out of timber and the framing is put together with pegs instead of nails. It was really interesting watching it all come together from the plans to the final product. We had quite a lot of pegs that went into each dugout, over 100 probably, and so what we did was sell the pegs for an amount and with each peg, the donor could write whatever they wanted on the peg. Then it went into the dugout and will be there permanently. These dugouts will outlast our lifetimes.
So, it has been neat seeing what people would right on there pegs. Most people put their names, some put Bible scriptures, some put their softball years of playing and their uniform numbers on, etc. Some even went so far as to decorate and paint their pegs. But no matter what people wrote, painted, etc. on their peg, they all were a necessity for the dugouts. Without the donors of the pegs, the dugouts wouldn't have happened either. So I don't want to leave everyone out that contributed to the dugouts as it has been many. I can't name everyone but I want you to know that you made this happen as well for the MBC softball team and we really appreciate you.
If you are ever at MBC, at a softball game, or just curious, please take a look at the dugouts because you were definitely a big part of this project happening. I know times are hard for people now and everyone's money is a necessity but you found it in your hearts to help out-thanks!!!!
Until next time. . . GO SQUIRRELS!!!!!!
Dugouts
Hello All,
Yesterday was a great day for the MBC softball program. After being in existence as a varsity sport at MBC since 2001, we finally got dugouts. It has been a work in progress for the last 6-8 months and finally it all came together. We had some key people in this project, one being a donor of the timber and the other a professor of engineer at VMI, who basically designed the plans and implemented the framing work of the dugouts. Our grounds crew here at MBC did the physical labor of getting everything ready on our end for it to happen. The engineering class at VMI spent a lot of tireless weekends to make this happen before yesterday even began.
Saturday morning started out with everyone coming together- MBC softball team, VMI cadets, family and friends, etc. We got instructions on what to do step by step and even though it started a little slow, by that afternoon both dugouts were up. I can't tell you how pleased I was to see everyone working so well together. Everyone seemed to have a great time and everyone did something to help with the dugouts.
We did stop for a quick lunch break with pizza and cake. I am sure you wonder why cake but it was a softball player's birthday as well on Saturday. We all sang Happy Birthday to her (I'm sure she was a little embarassed) and after about 20 minutes of rest and food, we went out to finish the final touches of the dugouts.
At the very end, we did a blessing of the dugouts with good luck, etc. and we had to cut some limbs from an existing tree and put them at the top of the dugout. After the gentleman told me what it was about, he asked me who I wanted to do it. I wanted my seniors to be the ones to do it. For some of them, it has been on their wish list for 4 years- of course, it's been on my list for ten years. We all watched each of them put their limb at the top of one of the dugouts and then the very last one we wanted our trainer, Charlie, to do it. After he was done, he yelled "Mary Baldwin College, Home of the Fighting Squirrels" and everybody erupted in yells and claps. What a way to end the day and to start the season off!
Until next time . . . . GO SQUIRRELS!!!!!!
Yesterday was a great day for the MBC softball program. After being in existence as a varsity sport at MBC since 2001, we finally got dugouts. It has been a work in progress for the last 6-8 months and finally it all came together. We had some key people in this project, one being a donor of the timber and the other a professor of engineer at VMI, who basically designed the plans and implemented the framing work of the dugouts. Our grounds crew here at MBC did the physical labor of getting everything ready on our end for it to happen. The engineering class at VMI spent a lot of tireless weekends to make this happen before yesterday even began.
Saturday morning started out with everyone coming together- MBC softball team, VMI cadets, family and friends, etc. We got instructions on what to do step by step and even though it started a little slow, by that afternoon both dugouts were up. I can't tell you how pleased I was to see everyone working so well together. Everyone seemed to have a great time and everyone did something to help with the dugouts.
We did stop for a quick lunch break with pizza and cake. I am sure you wonder why cake but it was a softball player's birthday as well on Saturday. We all sang Happy Birthday to her (I'm sure she was a little embarassed) and after about 20 minutes of rest and food, we went out to finish the final touches of the dugouts.
At the very end, we did a blessing of the dugouts with good luck, etc. and we had to cut some limbs from an existing tree and put them at the top of the dugout. After the gentleman told me what it was about, he asked me who I wanted to do it. I wanted my seniors to be the ones to do it. For some of them, it has been on their wish list for 4 years- of course, it's been on my list for ten years. We all watched each of them put their limb at the top of one of the dugouts and then the very last one we wanted our trainer, Charlie, to do it. After he was done, he yelled "Mary Baldwin College, Home of the Fighting Squirrels" and everybody erupted in yells and claps. What a way to end the day and to start the season off!
Until next time . . . . GO SQUIRRELS!!!!!!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Another Day
Hello All,
Let me just say that as a coach I wonder sometimes what I am thinking. Today, before the start of practice, I was talking to some of the players and I asked them if they could sing. Some said yes, some said no, one said they could rap. I then proceeded to see what they thought of the idea of singing the National Anthem as a team before a softball game. Now don't ask me why I even thought of that but after I asked, they decided to try and sing as a group. Needless to say, sometimes I think we need to be careful what we ask. It was pretty funny to hear some of the ranges, and don't get me wrong, there were a couple that weren't bad. For the majority, we would probably just move our lips and pretend we were singing and that is including myself. We finally regrouped after that and started our practice. They worked hard today and we even played in the rain for about 10-15 minutes. I didn't want anyone hurt so we cut practice short a little. We have a really good bunch and it has been pleasing so far. Until next time . . . GO SQUIRRRELS!!!!!
Let me just say that as a coach I wonder sometimes what I am thinking. Today, before the start of practice, I was talking to some of the players and I asked them if they could sing. Some said yes, some said no, one said they could rap. I then proceeded to see what they thought of the idea of singing the National Anthem as a team before a softball game. Now don't ask me why I even thought of that but after I asked, they decided to try and sing as a group. Needless to say, sometimes I think we need to be careful what we ask. It was pretty funny to hear some of the ranges, and don't get me wrong, there were a couple that weren't bad. For the majority, we would probably just move our lips and pretend we were singing and that is including myself. We finally regrouped after that and started our practice. They worked hard today and we even played in the rain for about 10-15 minutes. I didn't want anyone hurt so we cut practice short a little. We have a really good bunch and it has been pleasing so far. Until next time . . . GO SQUIRRRELS!!!!!
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