Preston Indian Freshman Girls Basketball Season

The season ends at 15~5 and Olivia is quick to remind us that there are only 3 basketball seasons left until graduation.  This year has been a terrific year for Olivia and her team.  They were coached by an amazing coach, that not only taught them about basketball, but also about life off the court.  To see Olivia grow and mature as a young athlete has been a highlight over the past few months.

Here are some lessons I watched Olivia learn as she worked through her freshman year as starting point guard.

1.  As a freshman you have the privilege of 5:30 AM practices on days when there isn't a game.  Rough on parents, players, and coaches, but a great lesson on commitment. 
2.  As a freshman you are just learning the intensity of high school sports, sometimes this lesson is a tough one. 
3.  As a freshman you sometimes have to deal with emotions you aren't use to.  Four overtimes in one game makes for an emotional end, especially when you lose by 2 points. 
4.  As a freshman you have to learn how to walk away from a ref even when you don't think he knows what he is talking about.
5.  As a freshman you will make friendships with the girls on the court that will carry over off the court.
6.  As a freshman you learn that the basket wouldn't have happened without the pass.

I am sure if she was here giving input she would add a few more lessons.  I hope she has enjoyed playing this season as much as we have enjoyed watching her.  She truly loves the game of basketball and her work ethic and determination show that.  May there be many more games in her future as she keeps improving her skills.

And finally as Coach Smith would say, "Thank you all (again) for a wonderful season!  I love you guys and will be your biggest fan next year!  And remember breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  Eat your spinach because iceberg lettuce is a waste.  And, of course the games isn't over until...."