Day One of the 2010 Season

A few days ago was the first day of practice. A very exciting day for all of us! I found myself nervous a good two hours before it started– just like freshman year all over again. This year we have a record-breaking TWENTY-FOUR players. I’m so excited to be part of such a large and diverse group, even as I’m still working to remember all the freshmen’s names.

To be honest, it was a pretty long first hour. Our head coach Judy Finerghty – most commonly known as Jude – had us doing a variety of sprinting drills involving relays, shuttles and, most curiously, sludge-hammers! It was strange playing without the seniors from last year for the first time and with six new freshmen whom I haven’t yet gotten a chance to get to know after being abroad first semester. After a number of drills and passing exercises, I found myself shocked when I looked down at my watch and realized not even half of practice was over. It’s always hard to get back into the swing of things.

In the last half and hour or so of practice we scrimmaged one another. Passes went soaring up to the high Walker Field House ceiling, people had trouble catching up with their feet, catching their breath and catching the balls, but the energy was astonishing and made up for everything. I don’t think I’ve ever seen our team so smiley and enthusiastic. Emily Kloppenburg – Klopp – was so excited she found herself smashed into the bleachers with a bruise the size of a grapefruit on her shin trying to get a ball. Impressive. When Jude announced that practice was over, I found myself disappointed, wanting more, realizing I had way more energy than I thought I did.

So many people dread pre-season because all they can think about is the running, the 7AM Friday practice, and the oh-so-sweaty Bays. I love preseason because there is a unique sense of excitement, potential and harmony. I can’t wait to see how we grow these next few weeks and mesh together as a team on and off the field, creating a unity that will lead to our success.