I've never actually thought about the idea of a "blog" let alone write one, so bear with me, it could get interesting. Last year, I had the luck (the bad kind), should we say, to declare a medical redshirt due to an ACL injury occurring during the last game of our summer league. With this injury, came an opportunity to become a student assistant to my coaches and team, in which I am very grateful. At first, I thought, 'Yes! I get to travel with the team, AND get paid for it as a workstudy job! Wahoo!!' As it turns out, it could have been one of the better things that happened to me. Don't get me wrong, the paycheck was great, but the things I learned from sitting next to my head coach, Brian Niemuth, throughout the season and all the way in to the Sweet 16 was even more rewarding than that little slip of paper. However after sitting out of basketball for what seemed like centuries, (actually it was only a season, but seriously, that's six long months of ordering pizzas for the team--yes, I'm an expert now) I realized how much I loved playing the game. That's what kept me motivated.

Anyway, enough about last year, it's time to talk about the new year. Let's just say this preseason was the worst/best I've ever endured. I'm truly able to say I was proud of every one of the girls after every single workout. Yes, it was that hard. I mean, really, fifteen 150yd sprints in one workout? Who does that? Turns out, we do. Not everyone can say they've been "Snyderized," as we like to call it J (our strength and conditioning coach is Justin Snyder) We have him to thank for that great next-day soreness we felt after every day we worked out and for the constant reminder to "stay hungry" and to "take advantage of every opportunity to get better."  No matter how you look at it though, we're lucky we busted our butts, because it's paid off already.

Yesterday, (Nov. 11) we had our annual scrimmage against Division II NW Missouri State  in Maryville. We loaded up into Simpson's very own bus (which we like to call the 'people-mover' because it looks like a public transit bus) and started south for our second scrimmage of the season. As it turns out, that preseason workout stuff worked. Our recovery time after coming off the floor was super fast, and we were able to put forth awesome effort every time we stepped on the court. Not only do we feel better, but we can see its effects in each other. We played great and Coach Niemuth was pleased. I'd say that's a pretty good start. It feels good to be back. J