Reflections

Another season over. So much has happened. On the way home (the LONG drive. Haha), Sai asked me if this met my expectations. I asked her if she meant by the tournament, or this whole season, or what specifically. And she just asked about everything in ultimate in general.

So first, about the coaches. Definitely met expectations. Did their job well. Coached. Inspired. Motivated. In games, got our head straight, redirect our focus. And I found it helpful from coaches who would tell me little things that they think that I need to work on, and how I can improve. I was encouraged by them numerous times. I love our coaches.

The season.. Hmm. My expectations fluctuated a bit. On one hand, I knew that we weren't going to make Nationals. But the other hand, I thought we had amazing rookies, and a pretty decent young team, so I also had somewhat high expectations. For the most part, when we played well. We played well. But it's a little inconsistent. And it's also that we can't always have power lines. But lots of rookies exceeded my expectations. It was great. People have stepped up SO much since just sectionals. It's absolutely amazing. Jenna with her layout. Amazing. I was so impressed this weekend. And I am eager to see what the team will be like next year. I don't know if we'll make Nationals next year, cuz it all depends on the team and how we develop, and also how other teams are. So we'll see, but I definitely think we have a fair shot. If we were able to do okay this year with pretty much all rookies, and only a few returners, imagine the possibilities next year.

Expectations about myself. Haha. Uh. Let's see, early in the season like fall. I had super high expectations to be super kick ass and amazing. And once winter hit, I soon realize that it wasn't gonna happen. Haha. I was a bit frustrated with that. Like I really had high expectations for both myself and the team, and when that didn't happen immediately, I got frustrated. I do think I improved a lot, and there's so much more to improve. But I am content with myself. Yeah, I'm not good as I wanted to be, but honestly, I feel like it was somewhat unrealistic, and I am content and proud of myself. I still have two year to continue to prove myself and even more improvement. Never Enough.

Regionals. Our team played some points really well. Ran our O, had good D. Other times, we completely fell apart. We played well our first half against Oregon. I had so points where I was just working in flow, and working well. Other times, it was just hard to get my head in the game. When I had to lead a line, I found it especially difficult. Mainly because I'm not the best handler and there was not much to work with. I work better in flow. Dump and swing. I feel that I have a much higher turning percentage when I'm picking up the disc. Especially if it's force forehand, and a coach tells me to run a huck play. My backhands are usually fairly good. I can throw my forehands fine without pressure, or right after the swing when the mark isn't completely on me. But with pressure, it's definitely 50/50. And usually right after I throw one away, the next time, it's hard to shake it off, and it just adds to the pressure making it even harder. Self-fulling prophecy. Give me flow, and I'll work much better. I'm not a player maker, and I'm not trying to be. Maybe one day. We'll see. Until then.

This season was completely different than last year. A lot more emotionally draining. A lot more drama (probably just cuz I was more involved). I played a completely different role. And it was tougher, not just cuz I had to step up, but in also mentally and emotionally. It was definitely frustrating sometimes. And took a bigger role in my life.

Need to figure some things before it starts again. I hope I find the answers I need.

I love this team. Pleiades Love.

But it's over. For now.

Picnic Day

Wow. Uh. Never again.

Lots of midterms and assignments this week. Had my psychobio one today (missed our IM game cuz I was studying for that. Sorry! Heard there was only 2 girls for the first half, and then another showed up). I hate science. Only got 4.5 hours of sleep (if that) before our 6 AM morning practice. Everyone was so slow. Haha. And there was frost all over the field. And then downed a cup of joe before my midterm at 10. First time I bought coffee from the coho. Haven't had coffee since the summer at my internship. And I officially deem coffee ineffective for me, since I'm still really tired, and I want to nap. And now my stomach feels all weird.

Well, Amy and I are gonna make pasta tonight! Woot. Deliciousness guaranteed.

Time to type up notes for my Business Law class since I've already distracted myself with the crossword and the Office. OMG, Jim and Pam! So cute. Can't wait for One Tree Hill tonight. Probably can't watch it cuz of the studying I need to do. And when does Gossip Girl come back on? I miss that show.

Sectionals

3rd. Only played Stanford A and B, and Berkeley A and B.

Did not play as well as I wanted to, and I became pretty tired by the time we played Stanford. In the beginning, my forehand hucks looked pretty good, but the wind would slightly take them out. But later, they started blading again. Need to work on that more.

Another thing to work on: not traveling. OMG. Most embarrassing moment. Pool play. Bulky to Teresa to Allie going deep. Got the pass, traveled (took a few too many steps), hucked it off. Nice floaty, looked like a 50/50 disc, and Allie skyed her defender for the score. Except for the fact that a travel was called on me. Everyone started celebrating. Sarah P was all excited. And I was like, "Uh.. it comes back.. uh.. travel called. ....yeah.." Embarrassing. But it's okay. Allie scored again.

So that's my goal. No traveling.

Pissed

Okay, may not have handled it in the best way, but remind me not to try ever again, because apparently it's pointless. Why waste time and kill hope? Won't ever bother next time. I've done my share, and I've tried even when it's the other way around. But nothing happens other than dead hope. So why even bother?? I know I'm not going to anymore.

Sectionals this weekend. Livermore. Have the worst shin splints ever. Now that my knee is better, another roadblock, eh? From IC Ultimate: "Santa Cruz and Davis are both in rebuilding years, and they will be duking it out for third. Lillian Berla gives Sol an edge over Davis and their army of short Asian handlers." Hahahahaha at the army of short Asian handlers. Hahaha. Makes me laugh.

But yeah.. third?? Let's do it. I'm a LOT more confident about my forehand hucks now. :) Maybe I'll actually call plays and huck it now.

Things to work on:
1. Defense. I want handblocks again. Haven't gotten any since the one day at Prez when I got 3 or 4. And more run throughs.
2. Hucks. (both flick and backhand)
3. Break marks more often.
4. Wise decisions.

And hopefully when I'm on that field, this anger was dissipate. Remind me not to be foolish again.

DUI Recap

19472 shades darker, sunburnt lips, and aching body. Got murdered by all the club teams. Lost to Chico (which consisted of non-Chico, former Pleiades), and beat Santa Cruz (however, Lillian and Hannah were not playing..). In a pool play, I had a huge backhand huck, which a Fury player commented that it was a "great rip." And then in the same point, she proceeded to hand-block me. Haha. I was working a lot on my forehand hucks this weekend, and they seems somewhat catchable now. At least it's a lot less bladely. But my backhand hucks are getting too floaty now.

Sectionals this week. Should be fun. Time to bring the A game. Staying at Meg's! We got to play sardines or hide-and-seek.