Nov. 2, 2008

I'm back! Yes, it's me again. For those of you who are not familiar, my name is Kristen Feemster and I'm a junior power forward on the women's basketball team. Though to most of you it seems like basketball season is just beginning, my teammates and I have been putting in hard work since August to get ready for our games.

Preseason was definitely a challenge for everyone. Coach Brian Tatum, our new conditioning coach, did his best to make sure we were ready for the start of practice. For about seven weeks, we conditioned and lifted four times a week. No one will say it was easy but we all can say we learned more about ourselves, and each other. We've come to better understand that we have to push through and lean on each other to be successful.

It's amazing to see a teammate step up when she knows she can help others improve in a certain area. Some of us were better at conditioning while others were great examples in the weight room. Either way we challenged each other to get better and finish strong.

Now that practice has started, we've begun to work on putting in our offense and defense. Most importantly, we're beginning to find chemistry on the court. With four new faces on the team, we've had to make adjustments and learn how we can play efficiently together.

For me, being a junior has definitely allowed me to see practice from a different viewpoint. Instead of being a freshman or sophomore looking to the upperclassman to help me get through a hard drill or pick my head up after a turnover, I have had to not only pick myself up but also help pick others up. Its great role to be in and I love it. It makes me want to do that much better because I know someone else is looking for me to get it right, hustle, stay focused and get better.

The freshmen have added a lot to our team and they are eager to learn. Head Coach Kellie Harper always compliments them on how coachable they are and I agree. Whether they get things right or wrong, they will always listen to the coaches and make the adjustment. Everyone's been in their shoes so we all are very understanding and try to help them out when we can.

Before I end I must thank the guys on our practice team. Four of the guys returned from last year and we're thankful that they want to help us get better. We also have a few new faces on our practice team. I know most guys would have an issue with playing against women but we're a hard working, fundamental, and talented team. I'm sure our practice team can tell you it's no walk in the park. They challenge us to get better and we always try to give them a run for their money.

Our games are coming up soon and we're more than excited. No matter what the challenge, we will be RELENTLESS!

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