Pre-Sectionals Thoughts

We had our team dinner last night at Amanda's, and Jeff came through like a champ. Most of the girls didn't know how awesome he was at cooking, so when he introduced all the tasty dishes it was a pretty memorable moment. The "You will win the Section" fortune cookies were a pretty big hit too. In a way the dinner was a microcosm of our season--it was done all-out and eventually exceeded expectations.

That intense/excited/nervous feeling was definitely in the air at the final few practices and at dinner. It's hard to get yourself to care that much about something, and it will provide, win or lose, one of the more memorable experiences of college and probably your life. I still remember all the games-to-go I had at NYU, and even if they were disappointing, I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. It's what playing sports is about, those crazy highs and lows.

For the first time in the history of NYU Ultimate, a team is going into Sectionals as the favorite. It's a different mindset. Zac and I went to Sectionals hoping, if we played well and a few things broke our way, to qualify for Regionals. The Femmes go this year not only wanting to qualify, but to destroy every team they play. I believe strongly that they were the hardest working team in the section this year, and that they know it. It would be disappointing for many of them to not be Sectional champs, let alone miss Regionals.

That is why I am confident in this team. With all the time, effort, and desire this team has put in this season, when every track workout and rain practice ends up riding on a few throws and catches in one or two important games, I simply do not think the Femmes will allow themselves to lose. There is too much at stake.