Better than it looks

OK
So had we known they were framing us for the key local news photo of the game we would have been standing and shouting and animated in a crazy fan kind of way. The game was actually fantastic . It was demonstrative of all that is delightful in high school athletics: the stands were full, incessant cheering, cross-town rivals, intense competition, close score: (21-25,25-23,26-24) and the good guys came out on top.

A fun side note, is that Mackey who has enjoyed a dynamic season as captain and outside hitter of the JV team has been pulled up to varsity as they expand their roster heading into the season ending play-offs.

VolleyBall and Team

The following was written about Mackey's volleyball team, which I thought appropriate to share while she is out of town at nationals

  You all already know what a special group of girls we have in your daughters who are on the SPVB 16 Blue Team   As individuals they show what is exceptional about the female athlete in 2011.  Each one has worked extremely hard, at great personal sacrifice of time and energy, to display poise, athleticism and drive.  I am certain that a 16 year old girl would much rather enjoy what most 16 year old girls enjoy (friendship, fun and free time).  Our daughters, as individuals, are each special in their own way.  Everyday they take a part of themselves and share it with the others.  I fully believe at this time that is a rare and special gift when most athletes are driven to achieve only for themselves.

Our daughters, as a collection of individuals, are a “TEAM” in the greatest sense of the word.  Each of them brings something special to this group and each looks to the other for strength and sacrifice on behalf of the concept of “our team”.  This team truly is one of a kind and, together, they have achieved more than I believe any of them felt was possible when they were individuals hoping for a spot back in late 2010.  There is a reason that this group ended up together and for that, as a parent, I am very grateful.  They have achieved so much more than wins and losses.  They came together as individuals, completely believed in the concept of teamwork and excelled beyond what they imagined.  I trust they all, as a group, understand that they have been part of something special.

Last night they were recognized by the Sports Performance Volleyball Club for what they already believed in.  SPVB 16 Blue was given the 2011 Christine Federico(C-FED) Team Spirit Award.  As Cheryl Butler said so well last night, this is the first time Sports Performance has recognized an entire team with a spirit award at the awards banquet. In light of the sadness of the reason the spirit award now bears the name of an exceptional former player, coach and mother, it makes the recognition that much more special and truly defines what this group of girls achieved together. They are a team that overcame all obstacles, learned from an exceptional leader, motivator and coach and became greater than when they won or when they lost. They learned what can happen when individuals come together, support and defend each other and never give in; never give up.  I look at the picture below and take a sense of great satisfaction that my daughter ended up in this place, at this time with this exceptional group of young women working for one goal…..OUR TEAM!  I hope you share our thoughts with your daughters as we are so very proud each of them and feel very lucky that we were part of this exceptional season.

And so I am grateful for a daughter of integrity and courage who also happens to play a good game of Vball

Memorial day volleyball

Saturday it rained
Sunday it stormed
Today is beautiful

As such,we sit at the Renaissance Convention Center watching volleyball. Mackey is playing very well. That makes it fun. Club sports do consume a significant resource commitment and each of the kids has benefited in their own way. Focus, discipline, sense of team, physically engaged among other things add up.

It's a good day

Wisconsin Dells

Mackey went up Thursday after school with her club.
They went 3 - 0 on Friday
I came up Saturday they went 2- 1
We will find out how they did Sunday.

This would be Mackey serving the winning serve of the first match on Saturday.

Bump Set Spike

Another season comes to an end. Mackey's school season wound up this past week. Their team played well and had a winning season, they don't rank JV teams but they lost very few and won many. Mackey improved significantly in strength, power, vertical, soft touch and game smarts throughout the season. We've totally enjoyed watching her play.

On to Club.

And She's Only A Sophomore

High School athletics are interesting.
Given politics, evolution of skills and interest, competition you never know from one year to the next exactly what activities your student will want to be in or will be able to be in - so you live in the moment and enjoy what is happening as it happens. Such is the state of volleyball at Naperville North this year. We are enjoying it.

Mackey's got game. She is playing well and plays outside hitter. Tuesday was the first home game and the first game of the season I've been able to attend. It was fun hearing her name called out over the loud speaker as they introduced the team and again when she did a key play. She made the JV squad and is doing well. They won and she contributed. It's fun.

Games are Tuesdays and Thursdays.