To try and put the past 6 months into words just won't do justice. But to let it slip without recording the memories would be a misdeed. What an incredible basketball season it has been. I haven't quite come to grips with the fact that it's over yet. The truth is, this has been the most memorable and enjoyable basketball season of my life. There are obviously many reasons for this but I think what sits at the very top of those reasons is the camaraderie that existed between a group of girls working towards one common goal.
The group of girls that made up the team this year was incredible. Obviously nothing can replace playing with two of my very best friends, Kristen Riley and Dani Peterson. We've spent four amazing years together, forming memories that I wouldn't trade for the world. Seriously those two girls have left a lasting impression on me and I will forever hold them close to my heart. Love you girls!!!
As I think about the other girls on the team, I feel so proud to have associated with them and call them my teammates forever. What a great group of girls to be around every single day. There is no doubt that I would not rather be on any other team in the world. Every single girls from top to bottom contributed so much to our success in some irreplaceable way. I love you girls and thank you for all of your hard work, your friendship, and your incredible examples.
What a successful season we had this year!! 26-7 is definitely something to be so proud of. Our coaching staff did an amazing job this year. I owe so much to the coaches. They have influenced my life in such a positive way. I could go on and on about each one of them and how much I appreciate what they have done for me. Thanks coaches!!! And Melinda and Wendy better get ready for our tennis club!
Now a bit about one of the most memorable games of my life. The West Coast Conference tournament championship! What a great day that I will cherish forever. What a great feat for our team to come out and take down the 23rd ranked team in the country, a team that dominated the conference for 10 years. We showed so much heart and determination in that game. It left me with a feeling that will always be apart of me. No one can ever take that championship away from us! The feeling that I felt walking off the court victorious was inexplainable. Tears streamed down my face as I realized that we had reached a long awaited goal. It was a moment of triumph. A moment that made those long and painful three years of fighting through injury all worth it. It's true what they say, everything does happen for a reason and hard work does indeed payoff. That feeling of exhilaration is exactly why I play basketball.
Going to the NCAA tournament was a great experience. It was a goal that we have had for the last 5 years. A goal that we had failed to accomplish for several years in a row. We came into this season with ONE goal in mind... to go dancing! And we did it! We saw our name called on selection monday and it was so much fun. We went to Chicago confident and expecting to win. Obviously most good things eventually come to an end. And our season came to an end a little bit prematurely. But what we did was build a stepping stone. We built a foundation for the future to add upon. I'm so proud to be a cougar. So proud to be part of this team during this special season. It has been a season that has changed my life and given me memories and friendships that will last FOREVER!
