On the road with Dianna Pfenninger
Nov. 4, 2008
Hey Longhorn fans! As we head off to San Antonio today, the team scatters to their prospective classes, dorm rooms, study halls, and apartments. It's a typical day for a student-athlete, but the excitement is evident. Everyone is packing for what we hope will be a long trip and a great tournament. It is a week away from the routine of school and life in Austin, Texas. It is a week that we get to spend with teammates and friends. It is another week that we get to play--with the chance to win a championship. I wish you guys could spend just a day with us...we're so blessed to have such a great group of people surrounding us. From our coaches and managers to our athletic trainers and teammates, it is an experience like no other. And this week, we have the privilege of staying together for a week (hopefully) in San Antonio. The hotel we stay at is such a beautiful place, with plenty of outdoor activities if you get bored, or need a break from homework. Bike riding and horse shoes tend to be the favorite (and I, by the way, am terrible at both). But, that is not why we are heading out to San Antonio. We have a tournament to win. And that starts tomorrow with our game against Missouri. We have been training this week with the mindset that we are going into a tough game, where we know our competition will be fired up. We have confidence and determination heading into the tournament. We must be focused and ready to play because these games are tough. There is an indescribable atmosphere in the stadium because any team can go on to the next game and any team can get sent home. And, as much as we love Austin, we want to stay in San Antonio as long as possible this week. When I think of the Big 12 Tournament, I think about tough games. I think about being completely exhausted, but working as hard as I can to do my part for the team. I think about penalty shootouts and butterflies in my stomach. I think about freezing cold ice--literally, ice--baths and sitting around a bonfire with my teammates at night. I think about hugging my teammates after a win, and celebrating our victories. My hope is that we have more of these memories this year. We have so much potential, and it is time for that to show. And what better time could there be than now?
The postseason is always reason for excitement. The games are intense and high-pressure. If you lose, you're out. And as a senior, I really feel it this year. There's an urgency that is inexpressible. I have felt it all along, but it is at the forefront of my thoughts as we approach our game tomorrow. I am focused on our goal, and I am confident that we are capable of winning this championship. Hopefully, we will see you there on Sunday. Thanks for reading, and until next time, HOOK `EM! --Dianna |
|
