Camp Hints

For the NSW Country team, we have to have training camps where we stay over the weekend together. Due to the various locations our players live in. This year our 2 further most players were over 1500 kms away from each other. This is a challenge in itself, with some players having to fly in for weekend training camps. 

The biggest camp is the first one, where there are around 30 players to feed and normally about 2-4 staff (depending on how many the head coach decides they would like). The camps run from Fridays to Sundays meaning 5 meals in total (2 dinners 2 breakfasts and 1 lunch) and light snacks in between. 

The players are certainly put through their paces. So when it comes to food they are always famished. The easy off the shelf snacks are not the nutritional option that is good for their energy levels during an intense training camp like these. 

Here is what a typical camp menu would look like.

Friday - Arrive: 6.30 pm  (instruct to have dinner before they arrive)

Light snack: 

Ham and Cheese toasted sandwiches

Fruit 

Supper: 

Hot Milo

Fruit 

Rice Biscuits

Saturday

Breakfast:

Cereal (2-3 choices)

Yogurt

Toast

Up & Go/Chocolate Milk

Lunch:

Wraps with cold meats and salad

Dinner:

BBQ Chickens - have the shop cut them into 1/8 or 1/4

Salad

Potato Bake

Sunday

Breakfast:

Cereal (2-3 choices)

Yoghurt

Toast

Up & Go/Chocolate Milk

Snacks: 

Training sessions would normally run a couple of hours at a time so in between I would provide toasted sandwiches, fruit or some baked treats or more familiar home snacks (ie chips, muesli bars).

After the first camp I got a sense of what they like so I can provide more of that. I learnt quickly that the team I was looking after could not get enough hommus for their wraps/sandwiches and watermelon at fruit breaks. I would always provide extra of that each time. 

Whilst we didn't offer lunch on the Sunday, any left over food I would make up into take home snacks. There was regularly a long drive ahead for most families so to have something healthy to take along with them was always received well.

I would always set up breakfast before I would go to bed so then in the morning all that needed to put out on the table is milk and yogurt. If it took a while to get the players settled or it was a late night it meant that there was little preparation required.

I invested in a box for all the condiments that I had bought and any items that could be used from camp to camp that was not used up entirely. Particularly for items such as salt and pepper, spreads etc. Also depending on what venue the camps are at you may need to pack in some essential kitchen utensils. Whist some venues have ample facilities, its frustrating when you arrive to find that the kitchen is missing a good sharp knife or tea towels. I would always pack in the following items:

• Sharp knives - one smaller and one bigger
• Chopping boards
• Tea Towels
• Zip lock bags
• Cling Wrap
• Peeler
• Paper Towel

These basics will get you through even the basic of kitchens. 

Keeping the meals simple, means that you will be able to adequate feed the fussiest of eaters. Salads would never be tossed, just a lot of salad items laid out for them to build their own. Salad dressings left on the side so it can be added or not. 

Day 11 - there's no place like home

After a very late night for everyone it was always going to be hard getting up the earliest we have had to in days. We are headed home today from our campaign for the U16s Australian Junior Championships. Truly a surreal experience indeed.
Tip #1: Have an exit plan. Make sure each member of the team has a specific job/area to be responsible for, this saves confusion and lots of kids basically wandering around doing nothing.
The girls are woken at 7am. They hit breakfast probably not until 7.30am as it would appear that around 3am a few woke up to begin chatting again. As they have their phones back I SMS them all what their areas of responsibility are. I knew they would all be lying in bed with their phones at an arms reach. I was right! I soon hear one of the girls reading out my message. They all hit the breakfast bar and start to go about the tasks that I have asked of them. Some of them were smart enough to get their bags packed last night so are ahead of the rest. It's after 8am when I decide to check their progress only to find a handful of girls straightening their hair. Their priorities are obviously different to mine. I tell them that hair is secondary to the other things that I have asked them to do. We have a massive house and lots of cleaning up to be done. Let's be honest, this has not been their strong point throughout out time here. They come out of various areas of the house with garbage bags and items from the bathroom 'ewww-ing' and all I have to say is 'I know'. It is interesting how they have simply ignored these things all week until they have to clean it up.
We farewell a couple of team members as they have chosen to travel home by car with their families. So I now only need to count to 8, after having to count to 10 all week.
We do get on the road in time, and make our way to the airport. With one stop at the stadium to pick up the copy of our Bronze Medal match. Devastation to hear that it had not been recorded. Of all the matches to be missed? How did this happen? Our coach uses his contacts (his mum) to locate an alternative copy and we are on our way again.
I am driving the car this time as one of our coaches isn't traveling with us so our head coach takes the bus driving duties. It's an easy drive, all freeways really and nothing is looking familiar on the way back. It seems like a life time ago that we arrived. The girls look like they are having a good time on the bus as I follow them all the way to the airport. They are taking selfies and smiling and waving out the back of the bus.
We pull into the airport and hand over the car and bus and make our way to the terminal. All smooth sailing through check in except when one of our girls suitcase is over the limit. We get some help to remove a couple of things and then we can continue.
I send off the girls in groups of 4 to buy lunch and then instruct them to meet us at the gates at a set time. I grab some lunch and of course a coffee too and head to the gate. Thinking it would be great to just have a seat and a relax before the flight home.
The flight is on time and smooth, and the coach has taken the opportunity to have a snooze, I think he has hit a wall. I am sitting there thinking about the time that has past and all the things that happened. I smile as I look down at the medal we've won. What a special treat to be part of something so special.
We touchdown in Sydney and all the girls power walk it out to the carousel to collect their luggage. They still have their bright material bows on their bags and the system works again as all the luggage is pulled off by whoever sees it first. Parents, grandparents and family members are there to welcome us home. Lots of hugs and thanks as we all part and go our separate ways home.
My husband picks us up with the Coach and we head up the freeway home. On the trip we fill in my husband on all the stories he has missed out on. Giving him some game insights and the funny things that happened both on and off the court. It was nice to debrief about the time knowing that its all over and the craziness is now at the end.
What a very special experience to be a part of and I am not nearly as weary and worn out that I thought that I would be. It is a constant flow of requests and hard work, but good organisation with a level of flexibility and a whole lot of patience is exactly what is needed to make it a memorable time for all.
I have so many other tips for the jobs required of a manager for training camps and the other items and planning. But will blog about that another day.
Thanks for following us,
Signing off
Team Manager of Bronze Medallist Team at Basketball Australia's U16 Australian Championships 2014

Day 10 - Bronze is the new gold!

I set my alarm this morning just a little bit earlier than the girls so I could set up breakfast and basically go back to bed for a bit. Night after night having gone to bed after midnight was making it harder to get out of bed. But certainly been worth it.
There are a few rustlings in the house that tells me the girls are starting to get up. I hear them tinkering away in the kitchen, obviously getting breakfast as they have done each morning. Soon I hear the coaches voice telling the girls it's time for their walk. So off they go. I know its cold by the comments as they walk out the door.
News begins to filter in that the favourites (and winners for the last 16 years) were now our competitors in the bronze medal match. They had lost their Semi in a controversial match up. This was the team that we had lost to in the pool rounds and whilst the girls had confidence, it was obvious that it made them nervous too.
I decide that we need some junk food for after the game. The girls have not been allowed to indulge whilst we have been here so knowing that this is our last game of Nationals means a treat for the girls is definitely in order. I talk with the coach about how after the game we should invite the parents back for a bit of a presentation and a few words about each of the girls. So off I toddle to the supermarket to pick up some entertaining snacks and lollies for the kids.
While I am gone they have gotten dressed and are anxious to have their team meeting and head off. But they opt to watch a bit of TV to pass the time. Finally they get the nod from the coaches that they can come and check out the tape of the game and talk about their match ups.
They come out of the meeting looking determined and off they go into the bus. The coach and I take a deep breath, he looks at me and says "well this is it". We have had a crazy 10 days, and we both can't believe how fast it has gone.
We arrive and have heaps of time to prepare for the game and I go on the hunt for the team photos. The photographers were not available at the desk at the time I went so I asked around a bit to some of the friendly and familiar faces I've come to know. They were saying that they should be back soon.
Fifteen minutes later, those lovely familiar faces had located them and got them to bring over to my court. Fabulous, but I don't let the girls see them as they will simply just get distracted saying how much they hate their photo (girls these days).
The girls look relaxed, which is great. A far cry from the very nervous bunch that arrived at the Arena 10 days ago. The game starts and there is huge support for us from the crowd. Noise makers, screams and cheers fill the stadium, it really was an incredible feeling, I am getting goosebumps just thinking about it. The girls play incredibly and when the final buzzer sounded we were the WINNERS!!! A 3 point win, and boy were the girls excited, not to mention our coaches. Our Assistant Coach picked up our Coach, and I am not sure his back and ribs will ever be the same. But truly exciting as I look around and there is not a dry eye around me and in the stands. We huddle in and then link arms in a line and wave at the parents and supporters in the stands. A very special moment indeed. We break tradition and let the girls run to see their parents straight away. I think I am in shock as we had beaten 'the unbeatable' team.
There are lots of hugs and well wishes. I made sure I saw each parent and gave them a big hug and thanking them for their support. What a brilliant bunch of parents.
We depart and tell them all we will see them soon back at our place. The coach fields message after message from well wishers from around the basketball community.
As soon as I arrive home I quickly set up for the parents to come and then pop back out again to get the kids McDonalds. Another treat for their efforts. No one complained about that at all. The parents give me a lovely gift, as well as the coaches. I am super lucky as I get a chance to thank the parents, the coaches and the girls for a brilliant experience.
The parents all start to leave and we start to get ready to head back to the stadium for our NSW country men's gold medal match and the closing ceremony where we will receive our Bronze Medal. I check my phone to find no messages. I guess when you win, people don't think to congratulate the manager. But that's ok, the medal is as much mine as the rest of the team.
The boys take out the gold in their match, meaning both NSW Country teams are coming home with medals. During the match I read the most heart warming post on Facebook.
"Very proud husband. Wifey has been working her butt off over the past few months arranging everything as manager for the 16 girls NSW country basketball team. All her hard work and countless hours paid off today as the team finished with the bronze medal. 3rd best team in Australia but the BEST manager in Australia. Well done. Maybe you will get the opportunity next year to go a couple of places better?????"
This made my heart happy!
The closing ceremony starts and we are the first up. It feels good to get a medal. I have never been a real sporty person myself so never really experienced this apart from being a manager. So awesome. Lots of pictures and hugs and congrats from all those around.
The fun begins when we get home, the excitement from the girls means that we have a very noisy household for a long time tonight. The girls all decide to bunk in together for their last night. I have no washing to do, but look at the clock and it's already midnight. I haven't even had dinner yet. I am go through the kitchen to see what sort of food we have left. I choose some left over pizza while I blog. The morning will be busy, so I hope that it all comes together.
What an incredible time I've had here. I can't believe its all over.

Day 9 - oh its on!!!!!

A nice chilled out morning again today with the girls getting up at 8am for a good brekky! I am not sure whether the coaches were excited or whether the girls were restless, but the morning walk went ahead slightly earlier today. It was a start like normal, and the girls were relaxed and happy.All having slept well and having a good night sleep.
The morning sort of got away without me, and not sure where the time went, but all of a sudden I needed to be ready, have morning tea on the table and get ready to head out the door. The girls have been keeping track of time, without a clock in the house and without their phones. Kids rarely wear watches as they use their phones for a clock often. We also pack a lunch today as the NSW Country boys play in their semi final straight after ours, so we are hanging around to lend our support to them too.
We get in the bus and the car and head in. The coach and I enjoy some tunes. We are the same age so grew up with the same music. So often the music selection is a subject of choice. Today we spoke about the Bangles - Eternal Flame as it came on the radio. Holler if you remember that one?? I have been sharing a little bit about my upbringing during these trips and had told stories about the strict rules about 'devil music' in the house as a kid and recalling that the Bangles was the first 'secular' music cassette tape I had ever owned. Our coaches 1st cassette was Belinda Carlisle - Heaven is a place on earth. I giggled. This banter has helped pass the time (and the nerves).
We arrive in plenty of time and this was the first game slot for the day. So we had heaps of time to get prepared and ready for the game.
A warm welcome and good luck from Danny Martinez again today. What a lovely bloke he is. Glad to have met him and to know who is at the helm of NSW Basketball. I have had such a ball meeting so many new people and making new acquaintances across the basketball community around Australia. How lucky am I? It's interesting though how there are some NSW supporters who have been here all week and are yet to say hi, or ever reciprocate a smile? Perhaps I am too scary........hahaha, for anyone that knows me would understand that this is VERY far from the truth. I'll have a chat with anyone. I am not sure who they, maybe I am supposed to? Being a fairly new comer to the basketball community (only 4 years or so) there are lots of people that I feel that you're expected to know........you know....so and so. I am clueless, but have met many other wonderful people in the NSW Country Basketball world who are awesome. Perhaps in time those others might actually befriend me, but until then, I'll just continue on with my managing and enjoy my time here with the girls.
We set up on the bench and the scene is set as we go up against QLD South. If we win this we are in the Gold Medal final. The girls get off to a good start and looking really good. We a nail biter till the end, finally going down by 1 point!!
Wow, so much to be proud of but the girls and coaching staff are bitterly disappointed. I simply cannot be, and continued to smile all the way through to the end. What a privilege it is to represent your state (even if it is filling drink bottles and washing towels) and can't possibly be upset with where we have gotten to so far. Considering there was an online article tipping that we would be playing off for the 9th-12th places. We certainly have shown them.
Our coach was brilliant and made sure that in the post game huddle told the girls to keep their heads up. He was proud of them too. Just didn't go our way today.
The up side is that I remembered the lollies at half time! Yay me!
The girls stretch down and soon they will face their parents for some love. There are definitely some tears today. And understandably so too. They are so invested in this. Even my daughter who has been helping me out throughout this time was sad. We've all had a part to play, no matter how big or small. But tomorrow is another day and the girls recover quickly as they take a seat together to support the boys.
We head home and start the long process of shower time. I love the girls but my goodness to get 10 girls showered and dressed can feel like an eternity! And we have 3 bathrooms, who knows.
I am doing the rounds of the house today and find the 2 of the girls have sneaked into the pantry (and closed the door) to raid my Tim Tam stash. Though I didn't realise what they were doing till they had to come out for their shower. Cheeky little monkeys, but seriously I love them all to pieces and can't be cross for long.
We have dinner soon after and the settle in for movie night. 'Blended' is the movie that we watch with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. They are a great pair on screen. Girls loved it, but just before its finished I realised that I haven't got any milk for breakfast so I tell the girls to finish the movie while I pop down the road. It's 9.30pm and thank goodness Woolworths is still open.
I am so pleased to be here with these girls. Lots of cuddles today, I think it is starting to register that it is all nearly over. All the girls can think of now is the final game and the last night together and if we can have a party. All I can think of is how the hell are we going to clean the bus and the house before we leave.
I couldn't possibly finish the blog today without one tip?
Tip #1: Be GRACIOUS is defeat, no matter what position in the team you are. Even the manager!

Day 8 - We did what???

Tip #1: Routine Routine Routine - apart from being superstitious before big games, it helps bring normality to the day, and helps the players relax.
A bit of a sleep in this morning and big breakfast. Lots of options for the girls this morning. Cereal, eggs, bacon, toast, crumpets, yogurt. The girls always eat well.  They will need their fuel for the upcoming match up today.
After breakfast the daily walk is in order. They arrive home all giggles and laughter with stories to tell from new information shared on the walk. Though its always cold, I think the girls enjoy the walk together.
While the girls chill in front of the TV I get to work on preparing a 'light snack' so the girls have enough energy in the tank for the game ahead. Our game time is at 1pm making it a difficult one for meals. So the snack I prepare is a combination of fruit and low GI bite size snacks.
Just before we go the coaching staff get the girls together to run through some tape and match ups. And off we go!!
Everyone is relaxed and happy on the trip in. We arrive in plenty of time and a big smile and welcome from Frank the court manager. A true legend.
I take my player to be taped and then off to the change rooms. It's quiet but the girls look ready (and focused). Whilst I would love to stay and listen in, I had thoughts of sneaking in a coffee before the game, but then realise that I need to check which side of the bench we are on. I go to the board to find out, by the time I do that, the window of opportunity has passed and duty calls. I arrive at the bench to find the other team starting to unpack their stuff on our bench. The conversation was sort of weird, like they thought there was a choice of which end we would be at. I politely explained we were Team A (meaning this was our bench) and they got the message.
The girls start to file out of the change room and start to warm up. While I was setting up I met Daniel Martinez (the CEO of Basketball NSW) who popped over to say hi and to ask if we had any behind the scenes photos as that is what people really want to see in the newsletters they produce. Hello? Do I have any photos?
Tip #2: Set up a private Facebook group where all your parents and players can have a private space to interact. As the manager I have full access over who can join the group etc. It has been a great way to give parents some insight into the behind the scenes happenings and allows them some peace of mind about how their kids are doing and what they are up to. Let's be honest, teenagers rarely provide detail when they get home from anywhere. I have used it to poll the parents and the kids about food, clothing needs etc in the lead up to the trip.
So I explained to Daniel that I have plenty and had already sent a couple off to the BNSW marketing guy as well as writing this blog. He was very impressed, but ultimately just wanted to make information accessible making it an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
The game was so impressive to watch.as our girls got more and more of a lead. It never looked like we were going to lose. Our composure and athleticism was no match for our opposition. But we were gracious in victory as our opposition were the other NSW team and I went over and hugged and kissed all the coaches. They are a great bunch of people, and we are sad that only one of us can progress to the semi finals.
Holy crap........that means we are in the top 4 in the country!!! The girls squealing with excitement as they come off the court was enough to bring a tear to my eye.
Lots of hugs from parents and big smiles. A very positive time. 1 injury throughout the game ( a twisted ankle - only jarred I think) so a big success.
A treat for the girls will be Subway again. They cheered like nothing else. On the way home the coaches realised they should have been back at the stadium scouting again, so we make contact with the bus and pull over to switch drivers so I can take the girls on the bus home, and the coaches can turn around and head back. I take the drivers seat and crank up the music. We are all high on adrenaline.
Subway are happy to see us and we spend the rest of the afternoon in recovery sessions, having showers and getting ready for dinner.
The coaches mum is having the girls over for dinner to give me a night off. Which is very thoughtful. So we head out to their place and enjoy some homemade burgers. Yummo!
The girls are able to have plenty of time to chill back at home after dinner, and then an 'earlyish' night. Well for the girls anyway. I always blog whilst a number of washing loads are done and thrown into the dryer in preparation for the next day. Whilst there is some time in the morning to do things like that I like to have it all done so in the morning I have nothing more to think about other than getting the girls breakfast and a snack and that's it.
Reflecting on the day it was truly awesome and we have so many supporters, who I can't name as many of them are not from NSW. Perhaps I will tell you after the tournament, but its obvious that we have a lot of people backing us as they pass by our bench as I have been setting up each day, giving me a thumbs up or a wishing us an authentic 'good luck'.
Bring on tomorrow. This is so exciting, I really can't believe its happening.

Day 7 - Living the dream

Routine is great for the girls and so important. Today they were up for a walk. But a bit shorter as the coaches were off to scout a game this morning (but also was a bit rainy this morning too). Before they left they wished one of our players a very happy birthday. I can't believe we have 2 birthday's in a row in our team. Being a family who loves birthdays and have a morning routine for our birthday girls, it must be tough to wake up and not be with your family.
Off they trudged and I set up for breakfast. A few items had run out today much to the girls dismay :(
Note to self: Don't run out of the stuff they like.After breakfast our injured player returned after spending hours at the hospital under observation and a night sleeping at her mum's accommodation (due to leaving the hospital at 1am). She still wasn't quite herself, but was happier than the night before.
We had a bit of a chill out before starting to get ready to head out to the game. We were playing at 11.30am so it wasn't too long before it was time to board the bus and with the coaches missing it was time again for me to take control of the bus ride in. I am quite OK with this, however not great at reversing and parking so I call in for back up when I reach the car park at the stadium to park it.
Today marks the last games of the pool rounds and to date have only lost one game. The girls are handling themselves so well and boy are we proud of them. Today they came out to play alright and each player dug in. We had 2 on the bench who didn't even play (due to resting injuries) and we still nailed it. Today's game included a quick change of a uniform due to blood mark after a player was scratched across her leg.
Juggling issues like that whilst an unexpected time out is called and drink bottles and towels are needed. It can get a bit hectic and once you're out of whack, can take a little while to get back on track.
The bottom line is that we were not going to be bullied on the court by NZ today and we nailed a brilliant win 78-49. We have a chance to give it a good go! This win takes us to the quarter finals. Now that is exciting.
Tip #1: Be considerate of where you will be 'dropping' in to. Whilst you may not always be dining at 'restaurants' its still polite to give them a heads up that you are headed their way. This is what I did with our lunch choice today.
I decide to treat the girls to Subway on the way home. A healthy 'takeaway' option. The girls feel like they are getting a treat whilst still remaining reasonably healthy. We take it home to have lunch together, but the girls are very grateful for this.
On the way home they had asked if they were able to go back and watch the boys team play to fill in their afternoon. It was something the coaches wanted to do too, so off they went. They were packed up in the bus and I remained home to do some running around and chores.
Tip #2: Confirm and reconfirm. Check in on places that you have booked in to ensure that you are all on the same page. How can you make their life easier as well as making it easy for those who are dining with you.
I head out to the physio to purchase some specialist tape for one of our girls, then pop in to speak to the manager of the club. Later tonight we have a dinner out at a local club where all the families have been invited too (and to celebrate our birthday girl too). I speak with them about how it will work, where we will be seated, and how would you like for me to communicate to the families how we can all get our meals served quickly and without confusion. They were wonderfully helpful at the Torquay Hotel. Now I am looking forward to coming back for dinner tonight.
I hit the shops to refill some of the groceries and head home to unpack, wash uniforms and prepare for the arrival of the girls. They return to spring into action to get ready for dinner. It was funny to watch the decision making about whether to remain in uniform or to wear other 'clothes'. Finally deciding they would prefer to wear their uniforms. It's obvious they are proud to be in them, and rightfully so.
The girls are ready on time and we head out to meet up with the families. I am sure the parents are missing their kids, but when they arrive the kids are too busy chattering with each other to notice. Although it is a great time for parents to get together too.
What was particularly cute to watch was our parents also working as a team. They rearranged the furniture to ensure they were on one long table instead of lots of little ones.
We ate, we sung happy birthday and we said good bye to the parents before making our way back home for a stretch and then bed. The girls were still buzzing from their night out, but quickly settled into bed. Only one round of the rooms before they were all fast asleep.
I am still finding it hard to believe that this is already DAY 7!!!
The coaches communicate the morning plan which helps me plan what we need to have ready for breakfast and the morning in general.
Bring on the quarter finals. We are ready!

Day 6 - bouncing back and loving it

A double header today means that we are busy busy! We wait for our assistant coach to walk into the house as we burst into song "Happy Birthday to you!!!". All he wanted for his birthday was 2 wins he said. We will have to wait and see. There have been so many mixed results and some surprise teams. Its starting to feel like its anyone's game.
But to start the day a very windy and cold walk meaning that it will be very short (only half an hour). It's great to have a routine but also to get the girls out of the house.
Back home to enjoy brekky and relax and get into the right head space for the game. I put out healthy snacks and fruit too so the girls can keep the energy stores up. Fortunately the girls enjoy each other's company and pass the time by chilling out and watching movies, chatting and swapping stories.
The washing was sitting dry in the dryer from the night before, backing up after a 7pm game then an 11.30am game the next day sometimes means that everything is not exactly smoothly running, and a little bit more rushed. But the girls can work themselves out easily enough. Grabbing the uniforms and distributing them to make sure all were looked after.
We headed out to the game ready and in the right frame of mind. and not surprisingly came out with a win!!
Another great game with helpful staff and quality basketball. Parents are beaming and the tenacity of the girls to back up after a loss was truly inspiring to watch.
Today I had to say goodbye to my family who had come to visit but made their way back home, so I said my goodbyes and wished they were able to stay on.
Tip #1: Use your other staff to run out to get grocery items when time is short. Be specific in what you want and you will get exactly what you are after.
Back home to get lunch together, on the menu today is lasagne and salad. I start to prepare whilst sending our assistant coach off to buy some items for later in the day. Finally lunch is served and is snavelled up in no time. After clean up its time to hit the physio again which has been factored into our day.
We arrive back and it's time to get ready again. Yes the uniforms were washed in between games and ready to go again. I was lucky today as the coaches mum offered to take the towels and wash them to help out with one less load to do.
The girls have packed some extra food for the trip back in and off we go again. We hope to give our coach his second win birthday present. The girls are looking really relaxed. No signs of nerves, but on the way in we hear of an upset win in the other pool making it interesting for the placings. Our coach reiterates that its anyone's game. And in this tournament it couldn't be truer.
We come out to play, putting on the accelerator and not stopping until the buzzer at the end of the 4th quarter. A casualty in this game though, one of our players took a knock to the head and has a visit to the hospital with suspected concussion. I'm sure she will be ok, and be back firing on all 4 cylinders tomorrow.
A hilarious moment in the game tonight was when I was checking on the player who was hurt, and not concentrating on what was happening on the court. Before I knew it I copped a ball to the head. Pretty hard too. The crowd made an audible gasp. It was pretty funny for me though "I'm okay everyone"! The referee even got a giggle coming over to check I was OK and if I would like him to give the player responsible a warning (said with a very cheeky grin on his face).
But most importantly tonight was another win. Seriously impressed with this group of girls. A underestimated bunch who come out as a team and play as a team.
After the game and doing the rounds a number of parents ask me how I am coping, am I tired etc. I can honestly say, no I am not. I am loving it all!!!
We come home to a warm and light dinner and get ready, as another team birthday awaits us tomorrow. Hopefully our missing player will arrive back to us in the morning all well.