March 10, 2010

After taking a week off over mid-term break, our bodies and minds are rested and ready for some intense training. Starting March 8th, spring season has officially gone into full swing with five practices a week. Four of these days will be spent learning new techniques and going through drills with Fridays devoted to playing and scrimmaging.

Initially it seemed like today would be the day we could start practicing together as a full team, but we continue to operate at less than full capacity. Just as several players were cleared to play, several more are out of commission. But, as an Old English proverb says "Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors." Even though we may not have a full team practicing, everyone is focused and ready to improve on last year's season.

Last year was not a good season by any means, but the good news is we can only go up from here. We have already shown signs of improvement since last season and even since January. We all know that we are not as good as we need to be, so it keeps us motivated to continue to work hard every day we step foot into the gym. Another thing that keeps us working hard is the two days of games scheduled for the spring season, March 20th at Brevard and April 23rd at UNCA.

While we still have a lot of work to do before we are ready to hit the court in less than two weeks, things are starting to come together. First semester freshman Emily Mannie, who graduated high school early to train during the spring season, has transitioned well to the college scene and continues to improve every day she spends in the gym.

Now that we have seen just how good we can be, it is a matter of being confident in ourselves and our abilities. Our coaches have given us all the tools we need to succeed; now it is up to us to implement their techniques and show everyone else how far we have come.