Sunday, June 1, 2008
Well, I'm definitely excited to have my own blog! Like Coach Fritz, I never actually thought I would be saying that. So, welcome to my thoughts.
In any event, I'm excited to be a part of the great hockey tradition here and definitely excited to be a part of the much anticipated hockey rink renovation. And that's pretty much where my solicitation ends. I think it's important for people to realize that although the women's program has only been Varsity for the past 8 seasons, there were so many women before who still laced up the skates, showed up to their practices with the same dedication and will to win that my current and former players had. I cannot thank those strong women enough for getting this program off the ground. We truly would not be where we are today without at least one of them saying, "Hey, if the guys can do it, so can we!"
I understand that line of thinking mostly because I was the biggest tomboy growing up and always wanted to be involved in sports and do whatever my older brother did. Only because I know he'd never read this I can say that at one point, I finally surpassed him in hockey skills. Actually, many of you may know my brother so that just makes me more credible. (And for the interest of my safety, he's still a wonderful brother)
Regardless, it's been quite the three years here with an exceptional group of young ladies. Graduation was a few weeks ago and although I stepped in when this particular graduating class were sophomores, it was still somewhat surreal to see them all grown up, ready to take on the world. I hope that at some point, I made an impact on their lives. I also hope that many of them will get involved in hockey -- hopefully in the coaching aspect and not as a violent, whacko parent that you read about in the paper and say "Who ARE these people?!"
Knowing that this, of course, will never occur from a Lake Forest graduate, it then excites me to think about the incoming freshman class for the fall. So far we have 7 new players and one (potential) transfer. All 7 (or 8) players will be able to come in and make an immediate impact. One of the things I've strived for with recruiting is, besides talent, having a team that will be harmonious with one another. We've all seen it where the team of superstars cannot accomplish anything because each player is out for their own personal gain. I hope that for next year and the years to come, we will have successful teams that work hard but more importantly, enjoy playing together and really remember their time here.
I hope everyone had a great Memorial Weekend and have saved up their sick days for the upcoming beautiful summer weather.
