I'm coming down off the high of the weekend, now. I've also recovered, I think. We got back from the bar about 3:30 Monday morning, and Jake woke me up with his staring at 3:55 to catch our flight. Most people (who read this blog) know, but we ended up 4th in the tournament, with losses to Brute Squad (2), Loose Cannon, and Backhoe. Brute Squad played better than us, although in the second game, I thought we performed much better. Our offense needed to be cleaner, for sure, to beat a team like that. We also need to work on deep defense, and really utilizing our own deep game. The loss to Loose Cannon was really upsetting. We should have pulled that game out, no doubt. The D plays weren't there, and our offense started to make some stupid mistakes, right in the stretch. We were at 9-8 when the cap went on, they scored, then they scored again. We answered and it was a win by 2 situation, so even thought they scored the next one to make it 10-11, we were okay. Then came a really bad decision with no hope for our girl to make the play, and an unguarded deep cut to finish off the game. These are the kind of games I EXPECT to win 3 months from now. Our defense can and will win us games, and so will great receptions. I had my first truly difficult captain moment with Rackages after that game. I was PISSED. After a couple of moments, we were able to huddle up, and that heartened me. It looked like other people felt similarly- not pouty or sad, but mad, wishing they could have done more and wanting to perform better on Sunday. I was still angry, but felt better that others were angry and determined, too. We came out on Sunday to roll Layuma 15-3. It felt like we were almost hitting stride, and in the next game, we did. We beat Lady Godiva 15-5. I think for me one of the best moments of that game was an upline pass Lana had to me that was perfectly placed. I layed out for it, caught it easily, and wound up for an upwind forehand huck to Meghan Conrad, which she caught easily. It was pretty (not the forehand, just the whole flow). That was early in the game, and after that, we were on a roll. Our offense looked about 14 times as clean as the day before, our defense was in shutdown mode. We were up and excited to face Brute Squad in the semis. (We had looked like poopola the day before when playing them) I think they scored the first couple and kept their lead until we were tied at 9s. I couldn't stop smiling, even when we were down 11-14 (Final 11-15). It was awesome to be playing Ultimate- it was fast, it was smart, I was ready to hit the ground, I knew my teammates were, too. It was FUN. Their offense was much cleaner than ours, and once they got a backhand break, if they were within 20 yards of the endzone, it was in. We still had some pretty offense, but fewer quality deep cuts, and WAY too many turns. I think some of our co-ed players (me included) aren't used to throwing the disc so often. We had way too many throwing turnovers. I had 0 drops, which is pretty unusual for me, but we still had plenty to go around. Man, they are a killer, and so hard to work on. I had some throws that didn't get caught that were that thrower/receiver blame combo. I really, really want us to be catching those.
Loose Cannon was probably my favorite team we played- they were scrappy and intense on the field yet laid back off. Brute Squad was fun to play, but not into the sideline heckling/joking. Why play? Backhoe almost didn't play out the 3/4 game. We should have beaten them, losing on universe 10-11. I'll look forward to seeing their full squad face our full squad in Sarasota.
Things to work on (team): Zone. We have to get an effective one working. I think it will be a big focus at practice in a couple weeks. Offense: we need something besides center stack, something that uses our speed. THROWS, THROWS, THROWS!!! Deep: our handlers have to huck, our cutters need to cut deep. On defense: cutting off good breaks! At least force a poor throw. Actually shutting down the sideline; I KNOW we can. there are a few ladies that I think are worried about being beaten deep so play conservedly-that's monkey poo. I know we could play a last back defense that would allow us to shut down that force side.
A few big plays: Tai was pretty big all weekend, usually guarding "the short fast girl", and doing pretty well at it. She had an especially nice snag in the Loose Cannon Game, and a play in the air against, I think, Nemesis. Lana had some money makin' hucks, especially in the Loose Cannon game; as usual, she was open whenever she was needed. Swarty (Dikeman) came up with a huge grab from (sorry Tai) an awful forehand that I think really pumped up the team. Michelle had an awesome layout D bid where the disc was being swung, went high, and both Michelle and her girl turned, ran it down, and laid out for it- it was pretty. Jill had some great grabs on fading discs and a super sweet D on a dump (3/4 game?). Our zone O tended to tear apart the defense- hooray! As I predicted, we placed higher then the VB Boys (6th). I didn't get to watch them play hardly at all, which was a big disappointment; they showed their support during their byes, which was appreciated. A few of us guys and gals did get to hang out on Sunday night- that was fun. Big "play" from that evening would be M.E. decribing his "spin move" after having worked out a lot.
The play that will keep me going: In the Layuma game on Sunday morning I was poaching (and appropriately, I stick by that), but got a little tangled up with another cutter, so was a tad late getting back to my girl, who had the disc. I was looping out to cut off her backhand, knew she would throw it, and layed out. It was kind of high (for me) and I just touched it with my finger- I needed one more inch for a solid D. So at Motown, I want to be able to get that disc. I've taken it easy these few days since, but tonight heralds the renewal of hard workouts.
I lost my cleats. I also lost my Worlds cleats in similar fashion- don't know the last time I had them after playing, but they definitely didn't make it home with me.
Central Region: We beat Nemesis when we were still "off" on Saturday. MOJO didn't win any games on Saturday. I am confident we'll fare well when we meet them at Regies (in Tulsa), but we'll see what the season brings. We should be able to see them a few more times before October. Women's Ultimate is still alive in the Midwest, and I can hardly wait to take it to Nationals.
Cuts to make: Still thinking and conspiring with Shel to get a handle on what our roster will be, and what we need overall from the fabulous group of ladies that tried out in Boston. It won't be an easy decision because everyone seemed to have that love of the disc and just be really happy to be there. I think it will be more of looking at roles that we still need, and who can fully adapt to our style from previous styles they've played than any glaring difference in quality of play. The other problem is that there will probably only be 2-4 cuts out of 12 women. IT would almost be easier to take only 2-4 women than cut that number.
Up coming practice: I think we need some intrateam competitions: 40s, pulls, killers, cheers....oh, speaking of which, we didn't cheer this weekend. My bad; I am normally very adamant about that. So, ladies, start working on your cheers. There will be a competition in 2 weeks.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Friday, June 22, 2007
Up and Coming
I've been meaning to post, but have been busy- working out, a class on DNA techniques, and recently a tortoise kidney slide to examine and diagnose. This weekend is Boston, as in The Boston Invitational. We've got 20 women, 11 of whom are trying out. I don't know how many we're taking, I have never had to cut anyone before, but all I can really think about is how THIS weekend will be the prelude to many more awesome weekends of Ultimate this summer and fall. I am stronger and faster than I was even 2 weeks ago, and Tuesday I found the mentality I want for this weekend. There is apparently some girl in Minnesota that I need to take out a hit on for messing up Solarz' hand; I hope she can still play. PDays. It deserves its own post, but alas, probably won't get it. I played very mediocorely, hopefully due to dreadful overconsumption of intoxicants and lack of sleep. Someday I will play sober and unhungover at PDays. It wasn't this year. As noted on Kev's blog, special props to MVPs Matt Ellsworth and Lana Meyer. It is great to have M.E. on the field- we have so many "old" guys/gals, that although we all love to play, Matt is still in that first puppy love infatuation with Ultimate that is refreshing to see. He has a real passion for the sport which really shows, especially on defense. Lana was unstoppable, especially on Sunday in the last 2 games. She also got multiple discs I thought she would miss or drop (no offense, Lana-some of those throws sucked). She also had some nice hucks and only was overly trigger-happy a couple times. That kind of play is much of what I'm hoping for this weekend- good ideas, a little risk to make it spicy, and receivers correcting for thrower error. The last ingredient would be a big layout D from someone, anyone early in the first game, just to get us started. From then on, it should be a chain reaction-somebody just needs to start the chain. I hope it's me. Safe travels to those leaving today- see you in Boston.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Weekend Ultimate
I did not intend to play Ultimate last weekend. It was someone else's idea; in fact, I wanted to run errands, etc. But The People spoke, saying Ultimate was what they wanted. We had an intense game of 4s on Saturday where we were trying to focus on pushing the disc up the field, and cutting as soon as we threw, so as not to leave the receiver with no one to throw to downfield. We did a pretty good job of it, and I must say, 4s is tiring. I had a really close layout D bid on Huckett that really pissed me off- it felt like in open where I know what is going to happen, see it, turn as fast as I can, and still come up a step short. A couple of ladies had to leave after the scrimmage, but the rest persevered: 2 "games" of hotbox (to 1), wherein the highlight was older Meyer taking out the younger in hilarious fashion. I think we also did the "drill" where you try to get 10 passes inside a 10 yd x 10yd box- it is really tiring. The Lana, Noelle, Huckett (I think) combo came within a pass of defeating the Derscheid, Gibbs, Natalie trio, who really looked like they wanted to lose for awhile- a stint of 1 or 2 pass TOs and D always a step behind. Nat tipped away a lot of throws (on D), while Lana ran my ass ragged. Sunday we had 5s and a sub, and what a difference it made. We played a game to 11, then a game to 9. It was windier on Sunday, and there were quite a few more tuenovers, but also a lot of nice layout grabs/bids. Jane Ly had some especially nice ones. I had one bid where I thought I collapsed a lung, which would be fine if I had caught the disc. It was a nice pass Lana had made (in the sense that I could catch it but my defender couldn't), but I paused before turning to run it down to ponder grabbing it in the air (yeah, right, Dersch), so missed it by a few inches. My lung reinflated, but I've got some sore ribs. At about 4-3 there were many calls to end the game at 7, partially because the vBBoys had finished and headed to lunch, partially because people were really starting to tire. It was the 2nd resaon that made me keep the game to 9. I was really close to giving in, then thought, what if this is the Boston final? I'm glad we played to nine, and at least a coule girls said they were glad I made them do it. I got 1 thing on my list done, laundry, the rest I will have to try to cram into this week. Evening festivities were fun- I won at Cricket in darts, which was truly amazing. I thought I was improving, but then we played partner 501 and Jon and I really sucked- i think we were 150-200 points behind at the end. Jon is usually really good, so I blame him.
Sprints yesterday: 5 sets of 2 bleachers in Jack Trice Stadium (home of the most dominant mascot on earth, Cy the Cyclone, who is actually a Cardinal) with 2 jump plyos between each set. I can hardly wait to go back. It really was inspiring to be in Jack Trice, which is funny because I don't particularly care to watch football and haven't been to a game since my freshman year of undergrad....8 years ago. The grass is NICE, and I would love to play a game on it. My quads, abs, and calves are pretty sore today (understatement).
OH! I got the newest sample skirt yesterday! I like it! I am taking it to practice today for women to try it out. If we choose it, it will be the first time in about 6 years that I will wear shorts under my skirt- they are attached. I had originally planned to remove them, but I LIKE them! They are like mesh spandex stuff and make the inside of my thighs feel kind of giggly- I was too tired to run around in them last night as i checked my mail post-sprints. I'll keep you updated.
Last item of note: I am making Carrots Au Gratin tonight, freestyle. And I plan on getting a layout D tonight at pick up, if my calves will agree to it.
Sprints yesterday: 5 sets of 2 bleachers in Jack Trice Stadium (home of the most dominant mascot on earth, Cy the Cyclone, who is actually a Cardinal) with 2 jump plyos between each set. I can hardly wait to go back. It really was inspiring to be in Jack Trice, which is funny because I don't particularly care to watch football and haven't been to a game since my freshman year of undergrad....8 years ago. The grass is NICE, and I would love to play a game on it. My quads, abs, and calves are pretty sore today (understatement).
OH! I got the newest sample skirt yesterday! I like it! I am taking it to practice today for women to try it out. If we choose it, it will be the first time in about 6 years that I will wear shorts under my skirt- they are attached. I had originally planned to remove them, but I LIKE them! They are like mesh spandex stuff and make the inside of my thighs feel kind of giggly- I was too tired to run around in them last night as i checked my mail post-sprints. I'll keep you updated.
Last item of note: I am making Carrots Au Gratin tonight, freestyle. And I plan on getting a layout D tonight at pick up, if my calves will agree to it.
Friday, June 1, 2007
A Sad Day
I got this Anaheim pepper plant that I was really excited about because I could then make my own chili rellenos. This is my absolute favorite Mexican dish- It is a big mildly spicy pepper stuffed with melty Mexican cheese, battered, fried, and drenched in a smooth salsa. I got hooked on it at La Fuente, but they started doing something weird- putting what appears to be instant mashed potatoes inside the pepper with the cheese. Wha'? Yeah, I don't get it either. I tried it 3 times thinking it was a fluke each time. Sigh. Anyway, on Wed. night Gibbs, JC, DK, and I went to a Mexican place in Des Moines after a very rainy, pretty fun pick-up. The enchilada sauce sucked (it tasted like canned tomato sauce, like Chef Boyardee), but the chili relleno was awesome AND I saved half of it for lunch yesterday. So I was really excited yesterday about my pepper plant (it is coming back around, now) and thinking how maybe I should look up some recipes, and day-dreaming about handbattering that first delicious cheese-filled beauty. I don't look up recipes as I think it will make me too impatient for my little plant to produce- I don't want to put undue pressure on it. Fast-forward to 4:45: I arrive home and have a lawn-mowing notice on my door (I never mow until they threaten me with a fine- I am a busy person). For those not aware, I live in a trailer park with a postage stamp-sized yard, about 1/3 of which refuses to grow grass, the rest of which grows weird ground cover with clumps of weeds. So I use a plug in weed eater to mow the whole thing. I start weed-eating, and work carefully around my tomatoes- there are already green ones on the vine, I don't want to damage them. My pepper plant is nestled between 2 tomato plants. Or, it was. I think I mowed over my pepper plant 3 times before I realized it. I may be a retarded spaz. Sympathy is welcome and appreciated.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Leftovers
I love leftovers. I love the taste, which tends to blend and magnify with time. I love the feeling of completion when finishing them off, and even love missing them once they're gone. Sometimes I like to add cheese, sometimes jalepenos. I like them cold, I like them hot. Somehow, Ultimate is like food for me, only better because it doesn't make me fat (I am just not an attractive person when I have "extra" weight). Ultimate this year is kind of like leftovers- I've had it before but it tastes even better than last time! It will be different, kind of like making a casserole out of leftovers- you've had all the parts before, but never all together, and probably not with as much cheese (I loves the dairy products). I've played women's, I've played club, I've played with this girl, I've played with that girl...but never club women's with ALL these girls!!! A few of them I've never played with. That is like opening something new to add to your leftovers. I won't play a tournament for almost 2 weeks, and won't play Rackages for almost 4, so all I really have to post about is my excitement & my workouts. Workouts have been awesome, the work on my mark less than awesome. I need a sign to pin to my shirt, reminding me to focus on it; I think when playing against so many males, I tend to focus less on it because I have a bit of a complacency- they're going to break me anyway. "What?!!" you say, "Rachel, that is a horrible attitude and they WILL break you if you think that!" I know. Which is why I need to work on it. And really, I've handblocked a lot these guys before, so it can be done. So, if any of you see me being lazy or getting broken or not getting on the mark, please chastise me. Pick-up tonight. I hope people are timely.
Oh, a little note....Small Rackages is in the Elite division of Boston Invite, which I think has 9 teams that went to Natties last fall. Suh-weet, but if I post about it now, I won't have a post until after Poultry Days.
Oh, a little note....Small Rackages is in the Elite division of Boston Invite, which I think has 9 teams that went to Natties last fall. Suh-weet, but if I post about it now, I won't have a post until after Poultry Days.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Ultimate Weekend
Gorgeous weather, stellar players, all manner of foods cooked over fire, swimming in the lake.....what wasn't to love about last weekend? I was really happy with the level of play on both days, but especially Sunday. We had fewer women on Sunday, sometimes having to play 5s, but the intensity was still there. I think part of it was having a spectacular huck drill to start out- holy crap, that was awesome. If you weren't there or want to relive it, imagine explosive speed meeting a perfectly arced disc with a few great bids for just out of reach discs- bids that will be there after a couple of grueling months of workouts (grueling is good for everyone, right?). Thanks to the Iowa State women and Minneapolis women, Saturday was awesome- 18 ladies with 2 very intense scrimmages.
So where do I start......One thing that I think Ying said on Monday, "That Solarz girl can really throw!" It was a funny comment because it was so genuine, and it is such general knowledge for most of us, that it is more amazing if she screws up. While everyone did well, I've got a few special "props" to mention: Natalie's sweet throws, especially that high release backhand to Savage to win the scrimmage on Sunday; if she can add a little touch and remember we aren't Joe Brisbois, she'll be perfect. Tai's ever-amazing layouts (and also good job sitting out after a slight injury; this is no joke- it's a huge step for her to realize she is mortal), and Jazz playing some ferocious, non-stop D. Just seeing the speed of the game and fewer numbers of turnovers than "regular" women's! Ahh! Our zone looked pretty shoddy at first, but got up to speed by the end of Saturday. It definitely reminded me that I like playing cup....when I am in shape for it. I didn't do as much toying with positions as I wanted, but I think it is hard for me to play and fully assess other players at the same time. So I'll wait for Poultry Days and Boston. Boston. That is worthy of another paragraph.
So, I have been very excited about this team since I fully decided to see it through in January. I thought I'd have no problem filling up a team with high-caliber women. However, a couple injuries here, a few co-ed players there, and I am looking at 14-15 women instead of the 18 I wanted. Then reality finally hits me (Jon has been trying to tell me this since at least Feb.) and I realize for Nationals we probably want more like 22-24 players. All of a sudden I am down about 8 players and reluctantly looking at slightly lower-tier women: either they have the heart but not the skill, the speed but not the experience, or are just inconsistent. I don't want role-players, I want play-makers. I'm not kidding. I think right now anyone on Rackages could turn the tide with a huge grab or a monster D. I didn't want to have to think about adding players that would play a lot in "early" games, and then count on 12 for semis, finals, and the tough ones. Then, a windfall. Bait has decided the team is not headed in the direction they intended. There are players among them who would like an opportunity to play Rackages. Great! I have played with (and enjoyed) a handful of their best, but haven't seen them all. So Boston is sitting right there as a perfect opportunity to see them in pressure situations and get a chance to hang with them off the field. We happen to have only 9 for Boston, so it only gets better. Needless to say, I am freakin' psyched for Boston.
Back to the weekend. Both teams on both days tried force middle with patchy, if any, success. This is very frustrating as FM can be very effective and devastating. It also allows me to poach without really leaving my girl, and who doesn't love it when I poach except Flaming Moe. The problem is, everyone has to buy into FM, and everyone must play it differently (both marking and upfield) than sideline force. Actually, the marking is more similar to one-way than the upfield! The application of the mark is as if the disc has been broken on a sideline. We continuously allowed wide-open hucks. And I think with any team D, when the marks/force start to break down, the upfield D follows- if you can't trust your mark, you end up trying to guard the whole field, and unless you are considerably faster than your girl, you get burned. I am going to be trying to work on my mark, although I can't say I did a very good job against Ben Lyons last night- the kid is lanky, but that's no excuse. So that is my focus until Poultry Days: marking.
Actually, with all the speed & cutting skills, our sideline force didn't look spectacular. We didn't have shutdown D very often. I think part of it is being slightly out of shape, but part is mentality, at least for me. I have to really talk to myself before each point and tell myself not to let her get the disc, ever. This isn't to say I am slacking off on some points, I just don't always have a burning hatred of my girl having the disc. The times I've laid out on D have been those times when I am desperate to not let my girl get the disc.
I think the offense over the weekend was really impressive to me- the D was not bad, just a little weak at times, but the O seemed really smooth, especially for women's. There were definitely a few times when turns happened from trying to force it into the endzone, but for the most part, I thought people were patient. And especially on Saturday there was so little clogging! There were a few good snags, but mostly it was smart, good throws to open people. Rock. I think the D will come- I have tried to choose those with an inner tigeress that's loves to devour discs. Yep, I'm weird. It may be awhile 'til I post, but I may have a short update on how workouts are coming along. I have started to like sprints, again, which is good.
So where do I start......One thing that I think Ying said on Monday, "That Solarz girl can really throw!" It was a funny comment because it was so genuine, and it is such general knowledge for most of us, that it is more amazing if she screws up. While everyone did well, I've got a few special "props" to mention: Natalie's sweet throws, especially that high release backhand to Savage to win the scrimmage on Sunday; if she can add a little touch and remember we aren't Joe Brisbois, she'll be perfect. Tai's ever-amazing layouts (and also good job sitting out after a slight injury; this is no joke- it's a huge step for her to realize she is mortal), and Jazz playing some ferocious, non-stop D. Just seeing the speed of the game and fewer numbers of turnovers than "regular" women's! Ahh! Our zone looked pretty shoddy at first, but got up to speed by the end of Saturday. It definitely reminded me that I like playing cup....when I am in shape for it. I didn't do as much toying with positions as I wanted, but I think it is hard for me to play and fully assess other players at the same time. So I'll wait for Poultry Days and Boston. Boston. That is worthy of another paragraph.
So, I have been very excited about this team since I fully decided to see it through in January. I thought I'd have no problem filling up a team with high-caliber women. However, a couple injuries here, a few co-ed players there, and I am looking at 14-15 women instead of the 18 I wanted. Then reality finally hits me (Jon has been trying to tell me this since at least Feb.) and I realize for Nationals we probably want more like 22-24 players. All of a sudden I am down about 8 players and reluctantly looking at slightly lower-tier women: either they have the heart but not the skill, the speed but not the experience, or are just inconsistent. I don't want role-players, I want play-makers. I'm not kidding. I think right now anyone on Rackages could turn the tide with a huge grab or a monster D. I didn't want to have to think about adding players that would play a lot in "early" games, and then count on 12 for semis, finals, and the tough ones. Then, a windfall. Bait has decided the team is not headed in the direction they intended. There are players among them who would like an opportunity to play Rackages. Great! I have played with (and enjoyed) a handful of their best, but haven't seen them all. So Boston is sitting right there as a perfect opportunity to see them in pressure situations and get a chance to hang with them off the field. We happen to have only 9 for Boston, so it only gets better. Needless to say, I am freakin' psyched for Boston.
Back to the weekend. Both teams on both days tried force middle with patchy, if any, success. This is very frustrating as FM can be very effective and devastating. It also allows me to poach without really leaving my girl, and who doesn't love it when I poach except Flaming Moe. The problem is, everyone has to buy into FM, and everyone must play it differently (both marking and upfield) than sideline force. Actually, the marking is more similar to one-way than the upfield! The application of the mark is as if the disc has been broken on a sideline. We continuously allowed wide-open hucks. And I think with any team D, when the marks/force start to break down, the upfield D follows- if you can't trust your mark, you end up trying to guard the whole field, and unless you are considerably faster than your girl, you get burned. I am going to be trying to work on my mark, although I can't say I did a very good job against Ben Lyons last night- the kid is lanky, but that's no excuse. So that is my focus until Poultry Days: marking.
Actually, with all the speed & cutting skills, our sideline force didn't look spectacular. We didn't have shutdown D very often. I think part of it is being slightly out of shape, but part is mentality, at least for me. I have to really talk to myself before each point and tell myself not to let her get the disc, ever. This isn't to say I am slacking off on some points, I just don't always have a burning hatred of my girl having the disc. The times I've laid out on D have been those times when I am desperate to not let my girl get the disc.
I think the offense over the weekend was really impressive to me- the D was not bad, just a little weak at times, but the O seemed really smooth, especially for women's. There were definitely a few times when turns happened from trying to force it into the endzone, but for the most part, I thought people were patient. And especially on Saturday there was so little clogging! There were a few good snags, but mostly it was smart, good throws to open people. Rock. I think the D will come- I have tried to choose those with an inner tigeress that's loves to devour discs. Yep, I'm weird. It may be awhile 'til I post, but I may have a short update on how workouts are coming along. I have started to like sprints, again, which is good.
Friday, May 18, 2007
To my teammates, to understand me better
I began this reflection shortly after I heard the news that the Iowa State women had lost to Iowa, missing out on even a game-to-go. This is the most talented team ISU has ever had, yet they didn’t do as well as the previous year at regionals. I had to miss regionals, so could only speculate on what might have happened and how it would impact the team I am in the process of creating. It made me think about motivation, leadership, and responsibility. It made me think about the first year of CLX, the year of the lost games to go. It took me weeks to mentally recover, and I know some of the girls are going through that. I’ve seen this team struggle with motivation, leadership, and responsibility throughout the year, and given that a large chunk of them are on Small Rackages and that some of the others may not know me well enough to know where I stand, I thought I’d put my thoughts out there.
Motivation
I’ve always had dual motivation when it comes to Ultimate. The first motivation is individual- I want to win, and I want it bad. I want to beat my girl (or guy), I want to get poach Ds, I want to MAKE the team win. I want that disc and will do anything to get it. This helps me in practice, in sprints (if there are others), and especially in games. Sometimes it has been an “I’ll show them attitude”, other times it is simply love of plastic- I LOVE playing Ultimate and rarely forget that. I think the girls on the team already have that attitude. Sprints are harder because I don’t love them. If I can think ahead to the time I WILL beat my opponent, that helps, but often I do them for the second reason: my team. My team is counting on me, and I love them enough to do it for them. I want to BE a motivator for others because sometimes I need a little outside motivation. It could be Huckett saying, “Yeah, let’s sprint tonight!" (and I swear she is actually excited to do it) or “C’mon we can finish this" (and I know I wouldn't without her), it may be Lana being crazy on the sideline and loving her for it (putting a smile on my face after a shit throw I made), it may be Savage telling me what she sees and being in awe that she would share with me how to be a better player while still thinking I’m pretty okay despite all my short comings. But what is important in me is wanting to be motivated, and allowing my teammates to bring me up. Many girls see me as a motivator and are ready to let me motivate them, but sometimes seem to resent it from others. One thing that keeps me ready to be motivated is the strong belief that my team is working hard and simply wants me to play my best. They think I’m pretty okay and whatever they say or do is an attempt to make me better. Some people may call this a positive attitude. I've seen it happen on teams where everyone is waiting on someone to light the fire, but each individual seems to have wet themselves down and gotten into the worst part of the wind, making the fire difficult to start. Motivation is often about making yourself good tinder for the fire- if you can't find it in yourself, you are seeking to find that spark in someone else and you are ready to pass it on to each and every teammate.
Leadership
I seem to slip into leadership roles because I’m loud and intense. I love being in charge and running the show. Everyone wants a leader, and I think teams play better under strong leadership. The leader isn’t necessarily the best player on the team, and that is something the college girls especially need to see. I have been the best player on a team before, but only for the first couple years when the Iowa State women were still learning the game, which means I haven’t been the best for 3 or 4 years. People still follow me. A leader has a vision, a leader listens, and a leader is in charge of unifying the team. Vision is important so the team knows where they are going and when they are making mistakes. It MUST be discussed and leaders must listen to achieve unification. A leader cannot be effective unless followed, and a leader worthy of being followed must be respected. If you have respect for the person and their position, you must be willing to follow- that means shut up when they are talking and LISTEN to what they are saying. Don't mutter under your breath after they say something and don't talk behind their back. That isn't just rude, it is undermining the entire team. Saying there is a leader implies followers- followers have responsiblity, too. Leadership doesn’t have to be my style, loud and in your face, but can be a way of being, an attitude, an example. It is a trickle-down effect, and even the follower of one can be the leader of another. I am hoping to be a good leader, and think I have some qualities that make it possible. I think a leader’s greatest duty is to try to help her teammates become the best they can be. In the past, my biggest challenge has been appropriate delegation of tasks and responsibilities so that I can still be an effective player myself while bringing out the best in everyone else, as well. I am hoping with this team that we have such strong players, such willing attitudes, that my job will be easier, allowing me to play and lead better than ever. And a Sheldahl leading with me won't be too shabby, either.
Responsibility
This is the toughest one. Who is responsible for getting you in shape? Who was responsible for that last score? Who’s FAULT was it that we lost? That we won? If you’ve played with me, you’ve heard me say it, “Sorry, my bad!” Sometimes it's true, sometimes it isn't. Usually it is a combination, and what I really mean is, "I think I could have done more; I'll try harder!" I think it is important to learn from mistakes by taking responsibility for them and knowing how to fix them. This isn't to say each throw, each fake, each cut must be overanalyzed, but when the TEAM starts making mistakes, figuring out what each individual can do to correct them. Even further, to take responsibility for unmistakes: you didn’t do anything wrong, but did you do everything you could? Were you active on the sidelines? Did you run the sprints and do the time outside of practice 2 and 3 months ago? When you saw someone make a mistake, did you try to give them constructive criticism? When that girl threw the disc away, where were you? When your teammate got scored on, where were you? This is a team sport with individual responsibility. Losses aren’t attributed to a single player, they are attributed to a team. Likewise wins. Being a part of that team means doing everything that is right for the team. If the game starts to go south, who is responsible for turning things around? You are. I am. She is. You have to evaluate what you are doing and TALK with the team about what is happening. You have to be READY to do what your captains say is necessary and most of all, you must believe that everyone is doing all they can. This is part of the motivation and positive attitude that is necesary not only for team success, but to not be a bitch in general. If you are personally doing your best, your job isn’t done. You have to try to find a way to help everyone else do their best, too.
It seems to me that I keep seeing these girls want some one to motivate, to lead, to hold them responsible, but my philosophy is it has to come from within. Your team is there to help you when you slip, but you have to be ready to let them help you and ready to help each other when the time comes. When you need me, I’m there for you. When I don’t want to do that last sprint tonight, I’ll be thinking of you and doing it for you.
Motivation
I’ve always had dual motivation when it comes to Ultimate. The first motivation is individual- I want to win, and I want it bad. I want to beat my girl (or guy), I want to get poach Ds, I want to MAKE the team win. I want that disc and will do anything to get it. This helps me in practice, in sprints (if there are others), and especially in games. Sometimes it has been an “I’ll show them attitude”, other times it is simply love of plastic- I LOVE playing Ultimate and rarely forget that. I think the girls on the team already have that attitude. Sprints are harder because I don’t love them. If I can think ahead to the time I WILL beat my opponent, that helps, but often I do them for the second reason: my team. My team is counting on me, and I love them enough to do it for them. I want to BE a motivator for others because sometimes I need a little outside motivation. It could be Huckett saying, “Yeah, let’s sprint tonight!" (and I swear she is actually excited to do it) or “C’mon we can finish this" (and I know I wouldn't without her), it may be Lana being crazy on the sideline and loving her for it (putting a smile on my face after a shit throw I made), it may be Savage telling me what she sees and being in awe that she would share with me how to be a better player while still thinking I’m pretty okay despite all my short comings. But what is important in me is wanting to be motivated, and allowing my teammates to bring me up. Many girls see me as a motivator and are ready to let me motivate them, but sometimes seem to resent it from others. One thing that keeps me ready to be motivated is the strong belief that my team is working hard and simply wants me to play my best. They think I’m pretty okay and whatever they say or do is an attempt to make me better. Some people may call this a positive attitude. I've seen it happen on teams where everyone is waiting on someone to light the fire, but each individual seems to have wet themselves down and gotten into the worst part of the wind, making the fire difficult to start. Motivation is often about making yourself good tinder for the fire- if you can't find it in yourself, you are seeking to find that spark in someone else and you are ready to pass it on to each and every teammate.
Leadership
I seem to slip into leadership roles because I’m loud and intense. I love being in charge and running the show. Everyone wants a leader, and I think teams play better under strong leadership. The leader isn’t necessarily the best player on the team, and that is something the college girls especially need to see. I have been the best player on a team before, but only for the first couple years when the Iowa State women were still learning the game, which means I haven’t been the best for 3 or 4 years. People still follow me. A leader has a vision, a leader listens, and a leader is in charge of unifying the team. Vision is important so the team knows where they are going and when they are making mistakes. It MUST be discussed and leaders must listen to achieve unification. A leader cannot be effective unless followed, and a leader worthy of being followed must be respected. If you have respect for the person and their position, you must be willing to follow- that means shut up when they are talking and LISTEN to what they are saying. Don't mutter under your breath after they say something and don't talk behind their back. That isn't just rude, it is undermining the entire team. Saying there is a leader implies followers- followers have responsiblity, too. Leadership doesn’t have to be my style, loud and in your face, but can be a way of being, an attitude, an example. It is a trickle-down effect, and even the follower of one can be the leader of another. I am hoping to be a good leader, and think I have some qualities that make it possible. I think a leader’s greatest duty is to try to help her teammates become the best they can be. In the past, my biggest challenge has been appropriate delegation of tasks and responsibilities so that I can still be an effective player myself while bringing out the best in everyone else, as well. I am hoping with this team that we have such strong players, such willing attitudes, that my job will be easier, allowing me to play and lead better than ever. And a Sheldahl leading with me won't be too shabby, either.
Responsibility
This is the toughest one. Who is responsible for getting you in shape? Who was responsible for that last score? Who’s FAULT was it that we lost? That we won? If you’ve played with me, you’ve heard me say it, “Sorry, my bad!” Sometimes it's true, sometimes it isn't. Usually it is a combination, and what I really mean is, "I think I could have done more; I'll try harder!" I think it is important to learn from mistakes by taking responsibility for them and knowing how to fix them. This isn't to say each throw, each fake, each cut must be overanalyzed, but when the TEAM starts making mistakes, figuring out what each individual can do to correct them. Even further, to take responsibility for unmistakes: you didn’t do anything wrong, but did you do everything you could? Were you active on the sidelines? Did you run the sprints and do the time outside of practice 2 and 3 months ago? When you saw someone make a mistake, did you try to give them constructive criticism? When that girl threw the disc away, where were you? When your teammate got scored on, where were you? This is a team sport with individual responsibility. Losses aren’t attributed to a single player, they are attributed to a team. Likewise wins. Being a part of that team means doing everything that is right for the team. If the game starts to go south, who is responsible for turning things around? You are. I am. She is. You have to evaluate what you are doing and TALK with the team about what is happening. You have to be READY to do what your captains say is necessary and most of all, you must believe that everyone is doing all they can. This is part of the motivation and positive attitude that is necesary not only for team success, but to not be a bitch in general. If you are personally doing your best, your job isn’t done. You have to try to find a way to help everyone else do their best, too.
It seems to me that I keep seeing these girls want some one to motivate, to lead, to hold them responsible, but my philosophy is it has to come from within. Your team is there to help you when you slip, but you have to be ready to let them help you and ready to help each other when the time comes. When you need me, I’m there for you. When I don’t want to do that last sprint tonight, I’ll be thinking of you and doing it for you.
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