Basketball season this year had a very different feel than previous years. Maybe because this was Division 1, the girls were just more serious about basketball and not as interested in having fun and getting to know one another. We had some very good players on our team, but everyone made a contribution, even the two girls who had never played before. One of the toughest things about this season was that we always had girls missing from practice and games. They never really had an opportunity to work on playing together as a complete team. In spite of this, we did win our first four games, but lost the next two. We went into playoffs in second place. Our very last game was super tough. We were missing three girls and had to play outside in the afternoon heat. Our girls gave it everything they had, but they just got too hot and tired and couldn't keep up with the other team. We ended the playoffs in second place. Definitely not a bad finish considering our girls gave it all they had.
Ellie continues to grow in this sport. I always admire her for stepping into a new situation each season and giving her best. She listens to the coach and the stronger players on the team for guidance. She tries to put into practice what she is learning. She admits that she doesn't always know what to do, but she tries to defend for her team and get the rebounds. She made a few baskets this year which was exciting. She is also a great encourager on her team. Even when she was sick one week and couldn't play, she wanted to be at the game to cheer her team on. She may not be the best player on the team, but we are proud of her none-the-less.
I read a transcript of a radio program from Focus on the Family. The guests for the day were Steve and Lorri Zeller. Their three boys were recruited to Division 1 schools for basketball and are all playing for the NBA. They have written a book called "Raising Boys the Zeller Way." In the interview Steve Zeller said the following: "We were more worried about the academics and what they
were learning from the sport that they were playing because sports teach so much
character. They teach teamwork. They teach how to listen to an authority figure / how
the fans are going to respond—and all the criticism that you get and all the praise that
you get—and how to handle all that. That’s what we used sports for—is we used it to be
able to help us be able to build the character." I really liked this reminder that sports is more than just winning the game or being the MVP. It's about how you play and how you grow as a person. Humility, perseverance, encouraging others, and being a good sport whether you win or lose are the things people will remember about you; not how many games or medals you won.
It's a family commitment when Ellie plays a sport, but one we are willing to make to help her be active and to help her grow in wisdom, in stature and in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52). I am thankful for CYAA and the "God first, sport's second" motto. One day the basketball will stop dribbling, and who you are is what will matter.
Team Party
Playoff game - We finished in 2nd place
End of Season Party
All Star Game
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