We started in August, running sprints and stairs outside in upper 90's heat, lifting weights and everyone getting to know each other a little bit.
It ended on February 15th, at home, in triple overtime of the state Sweet 16.
In between there was a lot of hard work, by the kids and the coaches, emotional ups and downs, and a lot of adjustment at home.
6 days a week, at least 2 hours a day, took a lot out of everyone. The kids missed me, the CEO missed me, and I missed them. But I really enjoyed the coaching too. I love being in the gym, and I love strategizing to try to get a win. It's a great challenge to be a motivator and positive influence on a group of people everyday, trying to keep things exciting and interesting.
We had a receptive audience this year and only minimal parental interference. Mark and I worked well together, and he let me participate in every aspect of practice and the games. We played a brutal schedule, that at times late in the season felt like had crushed the team's spirit. But after a pair of tough losses, we sprinted to the finish line in great fashion. We upset the regular season champion in the conference tournament final, without our best player, to become conference champions!
We won the first round game of the state tournament 68-30, before falling in the next round by 2. I was proud to be their coach, their attitude and effort all season was fantastic. It was a great experience for me too, and I look forward to having my own girls there and sharing it with them in a few years!
No comments:
Post a Comment