Remember the Wonderful Journey

At the end of the season, we are tempted to remember the last game, angry and upset by our lack of play. We could end the season that way, remembering the nightmare of being on the court but not actually being there, feeling embarrassed by our inability to perform. We could stay there in that place or we could celebrate the journey.

It is, after all, the journey which tells the story--which creates the people who are involved in it. Even though the Cal, Pa game was horrible, it does not define who we are and how far we have come. It was only a bleep in the long days of becoming better players and people.

I am amazed at the journey of the team and the young women who were a part of it. I am thrilled by their growth and their willingness to battle despite setbacks and challenges. Who would have thought at our mid-October scrimmage against Shawnee State when we were down 30 points at half time that we would win 26 games? Who would have dreamed when two returning starters went down with knee injuries from that scrimmage game that we could find a way to overcome it?

It is a testament to our seniors and their leadership.

I am grateful for Jen DeMeyer's ability to continue through her injuries and her emotional ups and downs from being hurt. She was strong enough to come back time and time again until the last knee injury then she was gracious enough to accept the role of cheering on her teammates.

I am grateful for Veronica Carman's growth as a player throughout her years here. Who would have thought her freshmen year that she would become a vocal leader? Who would have believed she would have spend hours and hours becoming a better offensive player? Who would have dreamed of her being not only our defensive stopper but our scorer as well? She did.

I am grateful for Jihan Williams and her willingness to overcome the concept of victimization to understand her control of circumstances. She determined she wanted a better relationship with the coaches and she created that. She became a stellar player after a junior year filled with frustration. She became a great player but a much better person.

These young women led from their hearts and souls. They provided the leadership the team needed and kept the team headed toward the right direction. They were not perfect . . . but then none of us are. They made some mistakes but they kept grounded and focused toward what was important. They made my job easier.

I hope the Golden Eagles can remember this season as the culmination of all experiences--of what they have learned and gained from the season. I hope they can use this success to propel them forward in the future. I hope they realize the life skills they can for the demands of tomorrow: discipline, motivation, self-awareness, responsibility, goal-setting, overcoming adversity, functioning as a unit, and hard work.

Basketball is much more than a game. It is a journey.

IHHOAGE!