Today started out a lot later than yesterday. We were able to enjoy a lie in but a brisk walk was the best way to start the day. But my goodness its cold here in Torquay.
Tip #1: Where possible, stay walking distance to a supermarket
The girls enjoyed a relaxed breakfast before hitting the bathrooms to beautify, hair straighten, ribbon up, make up and come out of the bathroom looking amazing. Boy they are a gorgeous bunch. If the tournament was based upon how awesome you looked, we would win for sure! They were getting ready for photo time, where the team photos and social media photos were being taken. It was also the first time that the entire team were kitted out in their uniforms. The smiles on their faces said it all.
Photo time was lots of fun. Called ahead to the stadium to make sure we were headed to the right place and got some directions on exactly where we were to go to at the venue, so to make a smooth transition from the bus to the photo shoot.
We breezed through, but not before being complimented on what a great group they were. No real surprises here. They are, and we can't wait to see those pictures!
A quick lunch break (thanks to Tip #1 was able to get some emergency forgotten supplies) before headed back in for a training session, which was great to be on the court that we will be playing on in 24 hours. The coaches seeing a noticeable difference in the level of nerves. They had shaken that off and were moving around really confidently.
Tip #2: Make friends - its so great to meet all the wonderful people in basketball, in particular the organisers. I am not saying go suck up to them, but manners, friendliness and smiles can go a long way.
There was finally a bit of down time so half the team decided to head out to some nearby factory outlets and the others headed to the supermarket. It was fun for all.
Tip #3 - Liquid chalk is a great way for teams to personalise their own bus windows. As you can't do anything permanent this can be great alternative.
It was now finally time to decorate the bus. the liquid chalk was shared around the girls and this has become truly a right of passage for the Basketball NSW Country girls. There were inspirational quotes and names plastered everywhere.
"When you're afraid to do something, that's the PERFECT time to do it"
Very happy with their handy work, they barely skip a beat when the parents begin to arrive. We wanted to give the parents the opportunity to see where their daughters were staying and share the experience with us. A few house tours later and the hour was up. So we waved goodbye and started to think about what to do for dinner.
Tonight the assistant coaches will cook. The Head Coach and I have an official meeting to attend with Basketball Australia and the organisers of the tournament.
Home made burgers on the BBQ look to have been a success in my absence. Might get the boys to cook again! It certainly is a great help given that its a pretty crazy time in the kitchen as the manager.
Tip #4: Manager and Head Coach should travel together in ground transportation.
Our meeting was short and sweet! But what is invaluable is the time in the car where I, as the manager, and the coach can chat about the next part of the day and how we will tackle it. It's also a great time to debrief and have some uninterrupted time to chat through observations and scheduling.
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