Thanks From Coach Brad....
Thank you girls and parents for an enjoyable season. This is probably my last post of this season - it won't be the last you hear from me - but, probably the last post on our website. I have enjoyed doing this, hope you had some fun reading it.
Soccer is a team sport and like playing the game, we can not accomplish anything without teamwork. Similarly, I couldn't coach you girls without the help of many people. So, thanks go out to ...
- our girls! What a great bunch of girls to coach. You girls are starting to understand what it is to be a team ... winning/losing as a team; no fault/finger-pointing; winning/losing with grace and sportsmanship; helping your teammates when they are down; celebrating the little things and putting the coach in place when he is wrong.
- our parents for driving, watching practises/games, standing in the rain, supplying oranges, helping out with club events, bringing me the odd coffee (no beer?), samosas, answering my emails, showing up early for warm-ups, helping when needed, cheering (vs. coaching from the sidelines), etc., etc.
- the girls for putting up with my strictness at the practises ... hopefully it did not get in the way of your having fun!!
- Gorge Soccer Association for the great support, infrastructure and flexibility. They really do it for the kids!
- Mafalda, Parma and Paul for being linesmen
- the parents for helping put the nets away (I hardly ever have to ask)!
- Denise for organizing us at the tournament ... you did a great job (you now have set the bar high for next year!)
- to Mike Carr and his team of girls for having joint practises and parties - it is stuff like this that makes the club more of a family and a real community for the girls.
- to Mafalda for putting up with me for another year! As you have noticed, Maflada's style is quite different than my coaching style (she much meaner :-)). I think the two styles work out great!
And, to each one of you girls...
- to Alanna, thanks for your smile, cheerful attitude, toughness and discovering your scoring late in the season. Our top scorer this year! Great season!
- to Jaymie ... you can run forever ("lung on a stick") and for playing beyond your years and putting up with my constant teasing.
- to Jennifer ... a great listener/learner at practise, always trying hard to please and working hard. You are one of our workhorses (that's a good thing!).
- to Joslyn .... the pitbull. When called upon, she will forecheck like no one else. A desire for the ball (and to score). Bright-eyed, smiley, happy, chatty and fun to be around.
- to Taylor for sticking with us through the season ... it is very difficult when someone comes into a mature team (one that has basically played togather for 4+ years) and she had never played soccer before. Great last game in goal!
- to Indy for always having a smile! You are also one tough player.
- to Lauren for trying soccer one more time (It wasnt too bad, was it?). You were a good addition to the team and a great defender. I owe you big time! What is it ... a cat? A dog? A Jack Skellington hoodie?
- to Katlyn H. for trying to use your left foot! It works! You were a pleasure to coach, you are a great athlete and your skills are improving every time you play.
- to Cara ... our speedy gonzales. Speed and power wrapped up in a small package!
- to Olivia for your smart playing. Olivia demonstrates to us that if you play smart (calm, steady and antcipate the ball) one does not have to run around crazy, wear ourselves out and kick the ball all over the place. Also, I am glad you had a speedy recovery from your fractured arm.
- to Kaitlin M. for your great year! You are a great dependable athlete & soccer player who I could always rely on for "getting the job done". We will miss you when you leave on your new adventure to Quebec (How exciting!). Enjoy yourself. Try to keep in touch. And, when you come back to Victoria .... remember, once a Gorge Girl, always a Gorge Girl!
- to Heather - Still learning positional soccer, but showing great improvement. The hardest tackler on the team! The Terminator!
- to Paige for playing the most "hated" and "thankless" position on the field (i.e. keeper) with enthusiasm and passion. We appreciate your dedication to being a keeper and I know the girls also like the fact they didn't have to play goal as much! :-). Also, thanks for trying to keep quiet at practises so I can get a word in.
- And last but not least .... to Erin for being the brunt of my frustrations most of the time. It is not easy being the coach's daughter - Our expectations are always higher for our children and we are always much more strict with them! I am sorry for singleing you out - you have probably put up with a lot! You also have discovered that you have the knack for playing striker/winger --> those brilliant streaks down the side of the field with great crosses into the middle. Way to go "Pea"!
That's it gang.
Have a great Spring! Have a great Summer! See you on the field!
Brad
posted by BSH at
8:48 p.m.
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