Marquette University Athletics
Laura Farina's Coaching Diary
11/3/1999 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Every Wednesday for the remainder of the season, Laura Farina, Marquette University's head volleyball coach, will share her thoughts on the Golden Eagles' team.
November 3, 1999
October is complete and we are preparing for the final push in November. We ended the month on a high note with wins on the road against Southern Miss and Tulane. Chris Curtin moved into the top spot for all-time kills at Marquette Volleyball. Unfortunately, the opposing crowd did not cheer her accomplishment like our four fans did. Way to go Chris and way to go TEAM for assisting her in the achievement. Regardless of how many personal awards one may earn, everyone on the team had a hand in getting one of her teammates recognized. Yeah, team.
One part of the trip that really sticks out in my mind are things that occurred not volleyball related. For example, riding in vans to the venues and talking with the players on the drive to and from the hotel, listening to some funky music that the team likes, going to the French Quarter and then hearing about all the crazy events which they saw or participated in, and eating some phenomenal meals together. The team enjoyed themselves and we enjoyed being around one another. Ah, some of the crazy memories of being on a team.
My staff has been really good, not just in handling their responsibilities, but also in just who they are. Each has different talents which provides a balance on and off the court to me, the team, and each other. Courtney is doing a great job with the setters and keeping everyone positive. Matt takes care of the travel and provides analysis to games, practices, etc? The commitment to each other and for the team to improve are the bonds which motivate us. We have some pretty interesting discussions about volleyball and many more about subjects not related to volleyball. It keeps all of us on our toes.
Practice has been very good consistently for four weeks. A standard has been established of what is acceptable and what is unacceptable. Ideally, the team sets the standards and they make each other accountable. When it matters enough to you personally about how your teammate chooses to practice, a team gets better. Not only do you get better in how you perform, the team gets better at being a team. Incredible bonds are formed when you help your teammate improve. I am not talking about coaching a teammate but rather making them better by how you play. When you give, it is a win-win endeavor.
We still have a lot to give one another. We have three weeks to achieve our best!
