Ladies, 

What a weekend, from the time we all left Atlanta until we got home is was just one thing after another.  Weather, tournament schedule changes, then more schedule changes, all followed by long periods of waiting to play and then the fun trip home. 

Saturday we had a rough start and then played better in the afternoon, but still just didn't seem to be having much fun.  Sunday, everyone seemd to be having more fun and played well in the first match and then we went a little flat in the second match.  So here is my thoughts on it. 

For the first time we seemed to come together better as a team.  As individuals everyone of you stepped up and played well at some point over the weekend.  We all need to focus on steping up more consistently as a team.  We need to have more faith in ourselves and know in our hearts and minds that we can win and go out and have some fun and win. 

We are going to focus on three things over the practices between now and our next tournament.

1. Terminating the ball on Offense. 

2. Blocking better on Defense.  We had great improvements in this area this weekend.

3. Faith in our team - believeing that we can and will win.  When a team has this mind set then they can win.  As the quote that Abby provided stated:  Victory belongs to those that believe it the most and the longest - We believe.  We simply need to believe in ourselves more. 

I hope everyone is doing well after the weekend and ready for practice. 

Now for the parents, I enjoyed the opportunity to spend a bit more time with you all.  I really enjoy talking with parents and I get to learn about my players from being with you.  I gained some insite from several of you in regards to the way that I might address and interact with you daughters through the remainder of the season.  For that I would like to say thanks.  I look forward to being able to spend more time with you in Huntsville.

Finally, I would like to say thank you to all of you who were praying and have asked about Will.  He is getting back to normal and doing well.

Coach Joe

Ladies,

I just want to tell you how excited I was to see your response to this past weekend at practice last night.  It would have been real easy for everyone to be down and not into practice last night.  However, just the opposite happened.  When I arrived at 7:10 and already had 6 players almost ready to take the court and then everyone else was there and ready by 7:15. That is commitment and I can not tell you how happy I was to see it.

You were there and ready and really push hard and work at practice.  As I mentioned last night we have several positives:

    1.  You guys forget the past and work for the future

    2.  You are committed to the coaches and the team

    3.  You are committed to working hard

Each of these elements will play a big role in our success throughout the season.

Have a great week and I will see you Saturday night.

Coach Joe

Ladies, nice job at practice last night.  The team is coming together well and I am happy with our work thus far.  Don't forget to be at practice early on Thursday as we are going to be scrimmaging some of the coaches for the first half of practice.  We will spend the last half working on final details in preparation for our first tournaments.

I am excited and looking forward to the first tournaments.

Coach Joe