Game time

We had our first game on Tuesday. It was against Austin, MN. It was an ugly start. After only 8 minutes the score was 22-8 (us not winning). After a couple time outs and pep talks the girls shook their "first game nerves" off and played hard. We didn't win, but in the 2nd half we played much harder and better. The final score was 39-30. It was so exciting to be back in the heat of a game even if we didn't win. And it's a completely different feeling coaching rather than playing because I can't help contribute what's happening on the floor, I can only call out plays with the hopes they will run it. The girls were disappointed, so I tried to stay encouraging. We have another game tomorrow and then 2 next week. We are improving, but it's a long and sometimes stressful journey.

The most difficult thing to do is motivate other people. How do you make someone believe in themselves? How do you communicate the potential you see in them? This particular group has been told for years (since they started playing) that they were bad. Parents and coaches have given up on them. As the other coach and I try to tell them they are getting better and that they can win, they look at us like they've never heard that before and therefore don't believe us. And now since they lost, they are hanging there heads thinking, "here we go again another losing season." We are not giving up on them, and we will continue to work them hard in practice everyday til the end of the season even if we never win one game. At practice last night I told the girls I don't care if they lose every game, miss every shot, and make 100 mistakes as long as they are working hard, and trying to make something happen. I can't stand when they just stand there and expect to get the ball without working to get open. I also try to say that basketball is fun and a great sport, but life is bigger than basketball. It's a great way to learn to deal with difficult and sometimes challenging circumstances of life.

I don't know if it was motivating, but they seemed to perk up a little. So, we practice again tonight and play tomorrow- we'll see how it goes!