As we do each and every year, we start the process of rebuilding the Lady Miller’s Lacrosse Team with new players. The seasoned veterans are gone, and the now “older players” gather to teach the new ones the most basic skills of the game. And it always strikes me as funny, particularly since I was there when those “older” players were the newbies.
Today we gathered for our first informal conditioning session and it was a real blessing to be joined by 2 of our 3 new Assistant Coaches. All three of our new coaches are former players, two of them played for me, and the other is a former men’s player. All of them however bring a perspective I do not have, that of a former lacrosse player. An it was cool to see the 2 of them work with the girls, who although today numbered very few, actually will be quite a large group when practices are mandatory.
We will gather again on Wednesday with a larger group than today, and it will be more running than anything. It takes a lot to build up the stamina it takes to play this game, but I was so impressed with the enthusiasm I see in all of them. It already looks to be a great year!
Ironically, Stephanie called from college tonight and needs a new stick. It is not an unusual request, but how we bought it was. Having to arrange for shipping rather than doing it all with her seemed odd, but things are changing for me (and her) and that’s just how it is.
I will walk onto the field this season for the first time without her as a player. It will be hard, but perhaps not as hard on her. My expectation is high for all my players, but I know she felt that pressure more. She is working hard on a nationally recognized team where she is no longer the top dog, and once again she has to work herself up the ladder. An All-State player worried about playing, go figure…… but then again I expected it. After all, each season causes us all to begin anew.
Goodnight my friends and God Bless!
Tommy+