Today started with a sleep in!! Mainly because we had a lot of time to fill in as our 1 game today tipped off at 7pm. Today gave us the time to do a little bit of sight seeing so instead of the regular walk around where we were staying the girls were taken to Bell's Beach for a walk around there. Because of the later day it afforded us the time to have a lazy bacon and egg breakfast too. But as always cereal, toast, yoghurts etc available too.
With player in need of a physio, the first order of business was to find one close by that could squeeze her in. Fortunately there was a recommended physio that the organisers had connected with prior to the tournament to see to players. We were lucky enough to not only jag an appointment with a practice 5 mins from home, but the same physio for the SEABL team. To have a physio who understands the sport and the movements required to play was invaluable.
But before the appointment I headed to get more food. I feel like I have been there hundreds of times already in the last 5 days, but its accessibility has been great so we haven't had to stock up on a lot of food at once. We don't really have the space in the pantry to have days of food on hand, so I normally have enough food for the next 3-4 meals ahead of time.
Tip #1: When managing/coaching a girls team it is important to have more than one female on staff. A manager and at least one coach. To be the only female as well as the manager makes it challenging to be in multiple places at once. In fact it should be mandatory. Not only to provide support to the manager but also to grow the capabilities of our female basketball coaches.
I had to come home quickly from shopping to take a player to the physio, seeing as though our coaches are all male and not allowed to go with a female player alone. So while the rest of the team hit the factory outlets nearby I headed to the appointment. Our coach's mother (who lives in the area) offered to be the female presence in the house if I would have liked to go to the factory outlets with my family (who were also visiting to support the team). However the tight schedule and my need to be in multiple places concurrently meant that I had to decline.
After getting home after the appointment and dropping the player to be with her team mates, I sprung into action to cook up some serious carbs!! On the menu for lunch was Chicken Carbonara. My biggest challenge has always been working out quantities, especially when having to quadruple the amount of people that I am catering for in comparison to my own family of 4. But fortunately today it all worked out and my dish was a hit. So much so that it looks like we will add it to the menu for another day later in the week.
Tip #2: Flexibility is key. It's great, and very helpful, to be organised but also good to be flexible particularly when you come across something the players love.
A late lunch has meant that the afternoon is spent resting and mentally preparing. Tonight's game is against the reigning champs. But the girls are taking it all in their stride. They know they have what it takes to give it a RED HOT go! When we call that it's time to get ready the girls quickly obliged and spent the last 10 minutes before we leave going over player match ups with the coaches.
We arrive at the stadium and again allocated the SEABL change room. Our coach gives the girls some final instructions, then we maximise our time to warm up. I asked a dumb question today and could only blame it on having just finished my first, and only coffee for the day. I am sure the poor court manager thought that I was a moron. I counted the chairs and we were short 2 chairs.
"I have 14 people on our bench, but we only have 12 chairs. Can I have a couple more?"
"Um there will be 5 players on the court"
Insert Red face here! I am thankful for the patience of the staff and for not laughing at me.
Game time - It's tense, but our girls are ready. They take it all in their stride, and kept the scoreline close pretty much the whole game, surprising many people I think. What works for us is that we are a team. Sounds strange I know given that we are playing basketball. But there aren't any selfish players out there. This also means that we have a lot of strength in the bench as well as the starters. It was great to look up into the stands to see our Metro NSW girls there to support us as well. Lifting the spirits of the girls throughout the game.
Whilst we suffered a loss, I was as proud as punch. I couldn't believe how mature the girls were to just keep going. It was obvious that the parents were so proud too and still positive in defeat.
Some chatting with family as always after the game and stretching time. They love this time with their families. I make sure that I try to chat with each parent too. Not only to express my pride in the girls, but to reassure and advise how things are on the home front too.
We head home for a 'dinner' of sorts. I just layout lots of cold meat, bread and leftovers. But the most popular choice tonight is toasted cheese sandwiches. A quick and yummy winter snack, before heading off to bed. A big day tomorrow.....2 games.
BRING IT ON!!!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment