Entry 8 -- Our Littlest Fan -- December 13, 2006
12/13/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 13, 2006
AL McGUIRE CENTER - WE ARE FINALLY HOME!
First off, it has been so nice to be in the comfort of our our own homes and own beds for more than two days before thinking about going back on the road!
I am proud of the players for the way they have been able to handle the stretch of road games at thus far into the season. We have played seven games away from home since the season started. What our team has been through has not been easy, but the players have been able to balance basketball and academics with the focus it takes to win on the road. We have finals right now. I believe it is so important to give time off, and when you do practice to keep it simple because they are in brain overload with exams. You can still have a good workout by focusing on fundamentals and getting back to basics.
Let me take a diversion from everyday basketball talk and tell you about our littlest fan and the impact she has had on the program. For those of you who don't know our senior guard Efueko Osagie-Landry had two major events happen in her life recently. First she got married and second she gave birth to her little girl Moriah.
Moriah is six months old and a big part of our team. It is fun for me to sit back and watch the team play, hold, talk and all of the things you do with a beautiful young baby. Don't get me wrong it is not just the team that is holding, rocking and cuddling with her, the staff is right there in the midst of it. In fact, the players have been known to call me "Granny Ter-Ter" as I take my turn to rock her to sleep.
I have so much respect for 'E' as she balances everything in her life; being a mom, wife, student and basketball player that is making a huge difference on this team.
I have made this statement a lot that we are a very unselfish basketball team and I believe a big part has to do with the players offering a helping hand to 'E' when she needs it. The word family in athletics gets thrown around a lot, but I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt that this team really understands the love and commitment it takes to be a family.
It is so easy to get caught up in wins and losses of a season. I know this team is as focused as being champions as any I have ever been around. A huge part of the success thus far is because the team knows what is most important, and that is looking out for each other and encouraging one another everyday. That is exactly why we are where we are today.
Even though it is finals week for our players, it is certainly not a time off for our staff. We are out recruiting and preparing for our game - at home - on Sunday against Gonzaga.
Check back next week while we are still playing at home!
