| |
HOPE
By Jessica R. Chisley, Asst. Coach
October 14, 2007
Hope. It is a small word with profound and emotional meaning. One who holds onto hope, may survive the darkest possible moments in life. Conversely, when hope is lost, life may become desolate and meaningless. In the dictionary, hope is defined as the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best – or – to look forward to with desire and reasonable confidence.
In the world of sports, this word is very important. Each year goals are set, dreams are brought into focus, and paths are defined. Yet, over the course of a season, obstacles appear that may challenge our ability to achieve those very goals. In such instances, what keeps us from giving up? More importantly, what helps remain focused and driven to stay the course? Hope – the feeling that regardless of what has happened, things will turn out for the best.
Friday night, we lost a heart-breaker to Sewanee – the University of the South. Though we gave up a goal in the first half of play, the ladies were confident we could score the equalizer to tie things at one-all. If we were to do that, we were certain we could push through to win the game. When the second half began, many notable changes started occurring. The level of play picked up, our focus was impeccable, and we were flat-out “getting after” the Tigers. For much of the half, we felt we had them on their heels and were able to create a few goal-scoring opportunities. Sadly, we simply did not finish. As minutes ticked by, the need to score became increasingly imperative. The ladies were doing everything they could, but nothing seemed to work. Then, as the final minutes ticked off the clock, we felt our dream of an NCAA birth slip through our fingers. In that moment, we were all at a loss - a loss for words and a loss for answers. We simply could not understand.
Driving to Oglethorpe that night, things were quite quiet for the ladies – and understandably so. The task of bouncing back for Sunday's match was not going to be easy. Saturday afternoon, we practiced at Oglethorpe and ended with an exciting game of Power/Finesse. In this game the objective is to score two goals in one turn. The coach plays a ball to a player positioned just beyond the penalty box who gets two touches to strike a shot on goal. As the first shot is struck, the coach then plays a second slow-rolling ball just inside the penalty box that the player must strike immediately on goal. Depending on makes and misses, players are eliminated from the competition. By the third round of play, the players were having a good time as they trash-talked and cheered each other on. As we concluded practice smiles once again resurfaced on the players faces.
Saturday night, we headed to the Perimeter Mall in Atlanta for a lovely team dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. After dinner, we had about an hour before we had to get back on the bus. You know what that means…SHOPPING!!! While the Wildcats battled LSU, we tackled the mall looking for the latest fashions at bargain prices. Before long, it was time to head back to the hotel. So, with bags in tote, the players loaded the bus and we were off.
Sunday morning, we prepared a smorgasbord of food for the players. On the menu - delightful bagels, cream cheese, peanut butter, orange juice, water, bananas and apples, granola bars, and yogurt. Shortly after breakfast, we loaded the bus for the game. At the game field, the sun was warm and the grass was fluffy - good soccer conditions. As the game went on, things began to come together – we were able to efficiently move the ball around the field, get behind the defense, and secure a few quality looks at goal. When the game concluded, we had scored five goals and earned another shut-out. Scoring on the outing were: Mollie Sheron, Allison Terry, Erin Menard, Brittany Garr, and Anna Horne. Assists were earned by: Marina Hoe, Sarah Hall (2), Allison Terry, and Elizabeth Hooper.
After the game, while watching the Men's team, we received word that our travel partner had beaten Sewanee. Our hope of finishing as one of the top teams in the conference had once again returned. More importantly, our dream of making the NCAA tournament resurfaced in the back of our minds. At this point, anything was possible so it was time refocus and get back to the drawing boards.
This weekend, we travel to Texas for a pair of tough conference match-ups. Friday we take-on Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX at 4:00 pm CST. Sunday morning at 11:00 AM, we gear-up for the Tigers of Trinity University in San Antonio. As always take care and until next time…
THINK CENTRE!
This week in women's soccer archives:
Tuesday Oct 9, 2007
Tuesday Oct 1, 2007
Tuesday Sept 25, 2007
Tuesday Sept 18, 2007
Tuesday Sept 11, 2007
Tuesday Sept 4, 2007
Tuesday April 24, 2007
Tuesday Jan 16, 2007
Tuesday Oct 31, 2006
Tuesday Oct 24, 2006
Tuesday Oct 17, 2006
Tuesday Oct 11, 2006
Tuesday Oct 3, 2006
Tuesday Sept 26, 2006
Tuesday Sept 19, 2006
Tuesday Sept 12, 2006
Tuesday Sept. 5, 2006
Monday Aug. 28, 2006
|
|
