Monday’s Pen to Paper: Together We Are Strong
When writing my blogs I normally keep other peoples names out of it. The kids I coach. My friends and family. I figure it’s not my place to put their names down in print. Well, today I have to mention them all (still without naming them) because it’s because of them all, that we have experienced such an amazing year, and we haven’t even started playoffs. (Okay, and I had to add photos by Paul Moseley-West Seattle Herald)
Our motto this season is “Together We Are Strong” and I have never seen a group of girls that are more connected. Yes, we have gone undefeated in league, but more importantly the girls have learned what “Team” really means. This last friday we had our senior night and we started 5 seniors. (3 Varsity players, 1 JV player and 1 JVC player.) The girls worked to together unselfishly to get every senior a chance to score. It was a beautiful thing. Far beyond the business of wins and losses.
As coaches, we focus on the importance of team in our program, but having the kids believe in the concept also comes from having a supportive parent group and community. So thank you coaches and parents for all your support, and players, thank your for all your hard work and being such a great example of what it truly means to be a team.
Read more about the amazing night (and see more great photos)…Wildcat girls seal undefeated record-Celebrate Seniors
Writing Prompt: Write about a time when you were part of a team.
PeaceLoveBasketball Friday: Leave It All On The Court
We had a tight game last night. We led by just two points when we went into the locker room at halftime. We made adjustments to our offense, changed our defense and reminded the girls to “leave it all on the court.” The girls came out of the locker room on fire.
We kept the momentum for quite some time and when that momentum began to shift, we called a timeout and made more adjustments. It didn’t work. Our opponents kept pushing, as I knew they would, and though our team struggled to find a rhythm in the fourth quarter, we never gave up. We battled to the end and came out on top.
I often remind the girls to leave it all on the court. No regrets. Meaning if they’ve given everything they have; played their hardest, supported their teammates, stayed positive and strong in whatever role they played in that game, then win or lose, they can hold their heads high.
When you’re playing ball, or living life, remember to leave it all on the court!
Monday’s Pen to Paper: Old School
I love the feel of a pen in my hand and the roll of ink across paper. Of course I usually write on my computer, but there’s just something about going “old school” and using a system that has served us since its invention during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) in China, oh so many years ago.
Grab a journal or some paper, find a cozy spot, and get to work.
WRITING PROMPT #1: Where is your favorite place to write. Do you have a favorite journal?
WRITING PROMPT #2: Ingrid couldn’t believe she was really in China, she had dreamed of this moment since…
PeaceLoveBasketball: Turn Up The Intensity With Fun
Often half way through the season it’s normal to see players that look a little down, maybe bored, and less intense. This drives me crazy, so each year I have to remind myself, and the players, that basketball is fun.
We are nearing the end of our regular season play and the girls have finals next week, so it’s been difficult to keep the intensity up in practice. At Tuesday’s practice, I wanted to put them on the line and run them for two hours, but I restrained, and then yesterday instead of running lines, I got music going in the gym and split the girls into two teams for basketball/conditioning relays, and then we finished with a short scrimmage and shooting. The girls got a nice workout, I felt satisfied that they got some good work in, and I saw lots of smiles.
It was totally worth it.
Expect intensity in practice, but look to turn up the intensity in different ways. Remember, basketball is fun!
Meet Sonya
Meet Sonya
Sonya Elliott’s memoir, Back on the Court: A Young Woman’s Triumphant Return to Life, Love & Basketball, is her story of finding hope in the wake of tragedy after she and her fiancé were hit by a train. She blogs about writing, basketball, and life and is currently working on a Young Adult Novel and a Non-Fiction Coaching book. Stories of her career as a fashion model are woven through her memoir, as both the Soloflex and Easy Spirit Shoes commercials were filmed during that time period, and this unique and intriguing business continues to be a part of her life.
Sonya played basketball at Eastern Washington University and was a starter for the Big Sky Champion team that went to the 1987 NCAA tournament. She coached for almost 25 years and was voted Seattle Times Coach of the Year, Seattle Officials Women’s Basketball Association Coach of the Year, and twice voted Metro League Coach of the Year. She loves the game of basketball and is thankful, not only for her husband and kids but for her ability to continue to get back on the court.
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PeaceLoveBasketball Friday: Tired Team? Time For Some TLC
This part of the season can get long, for both players and coaches. I’m not coaching this year, but my daughter reminded me of the fact yesterday (I’m visiting her at college where she is playing basketball). She said that she and her teammates are all really tired right now and having a hard time getting motivated. Suddenly I was transported back my years as a coach, and I remembered the look on the players faces, uninspired, distracted, anxious (finals were usually taking place at this time) and bored. They were burnt out and tired. Tired, not because they were out of shape (like my husband insisted) but mentally fried. It happened every year.
This was always the moment that I felt the urge to run them until they wanted to cry. Go all “old school” on […]
PeaceLoveBasketball Friday: Opportunity
Recently, when I was frustrated with the way I was playing, I reminded myself of how lucky I am just to be on the basketball court, working out and hanging out with my teammates. So I dug a little deeper and kept at it and when the game was over (though we lost by two points) I was thankful that I had been there. Thankful that I can still play this game that I love.
When you’re frustrated with your game. Keep working and remind yourself of why you play.
Monday’s Pen to Paper: The Write Place
Where is your favorite place to write? I’m enjoying testing out different coffee shops in my neighborhood. And it’s interesting that each one has done its job and helped me to sit down and focus on writing. I don’t allow myself to get on the Internet; I just grab some tea, find a table, open my computer and write. It’s a beautiful thing.
Last Tuesday when a table behind me got really chatty I found that the noise melted away as I began to write, when I got chilly at another place I simply asked for more hot water for my tea and wrapped my scarf around my neck and last Friday when the only spot left in my chosen café was a battered old sofa, I thought about driving to a different location but instead curled up with my […]
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