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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
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.
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