I also forgot to mention the other day that I got a shout out from Basketball Australia on Twitter too.
There was a more relaxed start to the day and the coaches wanted to take the girls for a short training session, so after breakfast we jumped aboard the bus to go to training. It was lots of fun, but still getting the work done the coaches wanted. That is what I love about this coaching staff, there is a great balance of work and fun. The girls are looking relaxed and focused and the bus rides are always a blast. We crank the music up and the bus shakes every time the bass drops. We don't, however listen to full song cause the girls get sick of a song and skip it on to the next. Reminds me of my husband who is always skipping songs on our travels too.
It's easy to loose track of what day of the week it is. I know my husband went back to work today as his regular messages I have been enjoying over the last couple of days have stopped, understandably. Also we noticed kids in school uniforms as we were driving around, making it clear that school is back too. Obviously the VIC school holidays are different to NSW cause our team aren't back at school till next Monday.
We had no plans to hang about after training this morning so we headed home for some showers and a fruit break. A few chose to whip up a toasted sandwich. Once again the close proximity of the supermarket came in handy as I popped out to fill up on some supplies while the girls and the coaches watched some tape of the opposition. I returned to set up a sandwich station for lunch then thought it was time to balance the books. As the team manager you're always collecting receipts and making sure all adds up.
With coffee and laptop in hand I decided to sit outside as the weather has been amazing.
Not before long it's game time, so the girls came together and jumped on the bus. We arrived at the stadium to see the final stages of a game played by the NSW Country Men. They were having a great game and staged a comeback since half time, similar to our game yesterday. They had a win, and while they are stretching to complete their 'warm down' the girls were stretching to warm up ready for the match up against QLD North.
I got the chance to have a quiet word to one of our players about today's game. She thought that she played terrible yesterday, and not scoring any points at all was a rare thing for her. I spoke to her about how the best players in the world, who train more than she does and get paid millions of dollars because of how they play, can also have bad days. I reassured her that she needs to focus on the games ahead, not in the past, and most importantly we all have faith in her ability.
"Awww thanks Han" was her grateful response. The role of a manager is not simply the physical needs, water, food etc, you're the nurturer too. I also have a firm belief that every child deserves to feel like a winner, and every amazing athlete is only one person away from being a champion. Being that one person should be the goal of each and every person involved in junior sports. It's such a privilege to share those moments with the players.
Time for tip off and our girls came out of the gate firing and it became obvious quite early that we were very capable of out playing this team. We just needed to stay focused and keep executing the plays that they had all practiced over the 3 weekend camps, a preseason tournament, and the training sessions that we had done since arriving in VIC. We nearly made it 100! Falling short only by 5 points. Very impressive showing by the girls today. We were supported by our men's team who cheered us on from the sideline, and from what we've heard, they were also impressed with the level of play their saw. Girls are representing!!!
During the game today I fumbled a couple of drink bottles and made quite a mess. It was hilarious....well I thought so anyway, because fortunately no one else saw and wasn't captured on the game film either. Phew.
Our very cool accommodation comes complete with an indoor pool and spa which is perfect for recovery. So as soon as we got home the girls made a beeline for it.
I headed back into the kitchen to rustle up a very big batch of Chicken Carbonara. I love this dish because there is little washing up and it's actually pretty simple to make, and tastes delicious. The girls had certainly worked up an appetite and were ready to devour their dinner.
My favourite part of today was all the visitors I had in my cabin during, and after dinner. The coaches and I sat together for a chat and some laughs. Then we had a whole lot of the team pop in to laugh tell stories and the best part, wash up! Everyone lent a hand, and I just sat and enjoyed the entertainment. Who needs TV? They shared stories of which basketball event/camp they first met and how they used to hate playing each other, and over time have become friends (for life quite possibly). This is truly the best part about the sport in Country NSW. They truly have the opportunity to grow amazing friendships. It's extremely special.
The girls watch over their game from today and then head to bed for an early night. Can't wait for tomorrow. Each day is better than the last.
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