This past weekend my 2010 volleyball team competed in the UIL state tournament. Going in to the tournament we were not ranked and had the worst record of all the teams in the tournament. In the semi-final match we upset the #1 team in the State, CC King. On Saturday our Cinderella run would end to a very athletic and talented Hebron team. Below is a little bit about our unlikely journey to the state tournament and what a journey it was!!
2010 Texas 5A State Runner Up
Two of my seniors, Katie and Stacey that have played for me since they were freshmen. These two made the State all tournament team and led our team to the best season in school history!! Stacey is going to Northwestern State University and Katie is going to Pepperdine, both on full rides.
Highlander with our managers the week before State.
The girls and me at our pep rally to cheer the team on!
Me, Karen, Paula and Megan(definitely the cutest staff at State!!)
Here is my team right before we went out to play in the state semi-final match at Texas State. Memories!!
The cheerleaders decorated our locker room before we left
I have always heard of people having God moments or experiences, situations in their life that could only be explained by faith in God. It might seem silly to some to have their God moment have to do with sports but that is where mine came. There are so many things about this year's volleyball season that to me could only be explained by God's hand.My team this year consisted of 16 players, two freshmen, two sophomores, 6 juniors and 6 seniors(11 new players to Varsity and more than I normally keep). I was very unsure going in how we were going to do, what the dynamic of the team would be, etc. In all reality I had planned to stay at home this year so I hadn't given the team as much thought as I normally would prior to season. From the beginning however, it was evident that these girls were going to mesh just fine and also be so much fun to be around. We struggled early with people out, line up changes, etc and then towards the end of district hit our stride.
I figured out(luckily not too late) that my team responded best to a more laid back approach to our big matches. I tried to remind them that it is just a game, the outcome is already determined, so just take it one point at a time. I had previously lost in the Regional Quarterfinals three times and we would make it to this round again but would face our district rival. I didn't have to tell the girls how important this match was- they knew and they responded. After beating our rival to advance to the Regional tourney(first time in school history) we went on to beat the #9 and #3 team in the State in the Regional Tournament to advance to the state tournament(again school history). The week before state was surreal. Sooooo much support for myself, the program and the players. The State tournament was amazing. Winning the semi-final match and then competing in the finals were memories I will never forget. There were so many other things that I will never forget either and know I will always be bonded with the coaches and players from the 2010 season.
Thats so cool coach. I will always remember my volleyball career in high school as being the best times ever. You were such a good coach. You knew how to get us pumped up and you showed us how to believe. Those girls are going to remember that experience for forever. How freaking exciting! I am stoked for them and for you, that is just so awesome. I was supporting ya'll the whole ride, all the way from Colorado! Miss having you as a coach. Those were the best years of volleyball I've ever had :) Go Lady Highlanders
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