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.