Marquette University Athletics
Entry 14 -- Oh, What a Season -- March 29, 2007
3/29/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
March 29, 2007
AL McGUIRE CENTER - How do I put into words such an incredible season? History was made; most wins in a season; best finish in the Big East Conference and two players (Krystal and Q) named First Team All-BIG EAST, and that's just to mention a few! Most important, a solid foundation was laid for the future. Winning attitudes and the pursuit of excellence don't happen overnight. It takes a lot of energy to make sure every part of your program reflects a winning attitude.
From day one we talked about being champions; we talked about the discipline, hard work, and sacrifices it would take. It goes beyond words--it is your actions that set you apart as winners. I watched a team put their personal agendas aside for the good of the team. I listened to them encourage each other and push each other to be the best. I watched how they took a defeat and turned it into a positive. There was no win or loss that didn't challenge us and make us stronger.
There were so many significant moments during the season. One that jumps out right away was our trip to the Virgin Islands. We had an incredible time and yet, in the midst of many distractions, we found a way to focus and play our hearts out for three straight games. It was great to win that tournament! It will forever be one of my most special memories because I got to share it with family. I don't get to see my siblings that often and to have them there along with their spouses and our precious Kylie, was truly a gift!
We won a lot of games, but losses can make you grow just as much if not more. A significant week for our team was when we lost to Rutgers on the road and then came home to drop a game to UConn by four. It was a challenging time for all of us because we realized we are that close to beating the perennial powers in the conference, but yet didn't accomplish it. We had to dig down deep and find another level in all of us to take this program higher.
I believe it is those moments that you set your foundation, you push yourself to go beyond what you thought you were capable of and realize that you have what it takes. Those moments are never easy because doubt can creep in, but when your team and coaches have the same like-mind of being champions, you learn to listen to one another and not the voices of others that could try and limit the potential of your team.
The last significant moment I will talk about is going to the NCAA tournament. It's significant on two levels. The first is because we had our best seed in history and went to our regional site in Texas with a lot of confidence. I didn't have a team that was just happy to be there, I had a team that knew we always belonged there and now we have to take the next step and win. We won the first game with a total team effort and that was satisfying because we played all ten players all season and to have all of them contribute to the win meant a lot because you could see in a tangible way how each player had grown.
The second significant thing about the tournament was that we lost the second game. It's significant because we didn't play anywhere near our potential. We wanted the win so much that we psyched ourselves out of playing like we knew how. Of course I didn't like the way we lost, but I will never feel sorry for myself either. I will always find a way to lead this team and to get us tougher physically, emotionally, and mentally. We will never forget what happened and use that as great motivation as we get ready even now for next year.
To my four wonderful seniors...THANK YOU! They have impacted this program with work ethic, leadership, and most importantly, great character. They have left a great legacy and they will be friends of us all forever.
For all those that return, it's time to get to work and start building upon the things we learned this year and use the foundation that has been built to take this program even further. Of course there is time for rest and vacations; I am a firm believer in getting away so we can all be refreshed and relaxed.
But for now, while the season is fresh in our minds, it's fun to get back on the court and show each player how we want them to work this summer...it's always exciting and challenging to see when seniors graduate how the group that is left will step into new roles. I will let you know about the seniors and their future in my next blog. We will be celebrating the season with our fans on April 15th so we get one last time to talk about the year...and then it is time to move ahead to next season! Until next time...
