Getting Back Into the Swing of Things

Getting Back Into the Swing of Things

“Gold medals aren't really made of gold. They're made of sweat, determination, and a hard-to-find alloy called guts.”
--Dan Gable

We have just completed our first full week of practice for the Spring 2010 season. Because of the unusually wintry weather we have been having lately, our practices have mostly been indoors and have consisted of some hitting and a lot of conditioning! Twice a week we practice in the mornings before classes and I think that a lot of girls prefer this to midafternoon practice because it makes it easier to get homework done in the evenings. I always feel bittersweet about the first two weeks of season for any sport I have played because I am never ready to be incredibly stiff and sore for that length of time, but I am ready to get back into shape. Unfortunately, one can not happen without the other. It has been awesome being back at practice with the girls working hard but having fun so that definitely makes it worth it. One of this year’s rookies, Olivia Stone, told me, "it's been really great to start practice. I love being with all of my teammates; it makes practicing way more fun and seems to motivate me to work my hardest!" It’s great to see the freshman developing a good work ethic from the very get go as well as having fun at practice with her teammates. That is exactly what practice should be like for the girls and its very encouraging to me for the upcoming season.

The past two weeks have been really crazy for me. After completing interterm final papers and tests most of the girls got a much needed weekend off and a few went north to go skiing together! That weekend, instead of relaxing before the spring semester, I travelled to Mississippi State for my very first veterinary school interview and drove to Virginia Tech for a second interview. The travelling and stress of the interviews and applying to vet school along with the beginning of new classes (which always seems overwhelmingy) and the late nights watching the Australian Open created for a super busy week with not much sleep. I totally agree with Olivia in that being around everyone at practice has been a lot of fun and helped to keep me level when there has been so much going on lately! Our first match is only three weeks away so there is much work to be done before then but we are all excited to get the season underway. Until next time….

See you on the courts—Go Eagles!!!

~ Megan Mathias ~