Baying at the Moon

The soccer season may have ended for the Wolfpack, but the memories of a wonderful season linger.

I know that I can always count on meeting friends when I arrive at Mackay Stadium and head for the bleachers at midfield. Midseason, my coworker asked me who I was going to the game with and was surprised when I told her I was going alone. I grinned and told her I always met friends at the game. It evolved without planning. I've always encourage my team to attend, because I believe a lot of learning comes from watching good players. My line has always been, "Look for me at midfield!" So my players and their parents come, and they begin bringing friends. They are frequently my ex-kindergartners and they are usually surprised to see their teacher exhibit a different side of her personality: sportsmanlike, but noisy! We've built a camaraderie.

Our group has enjoyed cheering for the Pack whether they've won or lost. Building a successful team takes time. We've watched the ladies progress from losing seasons, to an occasional draw and now to regular wins that bring an unexpected satisfaction. Winning the WAC tournament and advancing to the NCAA championships was an exciting way of capping a fantastic season. Surrounded by a large and raucous home crowd, I cheered till my voice was hoarse and my hands were red from clapping so much. Mostly, those of us who met regularly at home games are now bursting with pride at how far the women's soccer program has come in five short years.

Home games are now more fun because we get to cheer for Naomi, as one of our own. When she goes on the field, we become her own personal cheering section. She has frequently arrived at our team practices tired from a hard practice of her own and then worked with the girls, encouraging and correcting them as a good coach should. She has added immeasurably to the quality of their technique as well as given them someone to emulate and admire. I can't remember what it was like to coach without her there! I can only say my appreciation for her is heartfelt.

Having most of the Chicks turn out as ball girls for the Pack vs. the Aggies was a memorable day. (Wendy and I may be alums but we cheered the Pack on!) Our girls did a great job and look fantastic in their official Ball Kid t-shirts.

So, a winning season for the Pack. I loved watching Sammy, our #5, speeding downfield with the ball and Randee showing both quickness and strength on defense and Caitlin making save after save. Each game would seem to showcase the talents of yet another player until I knew them all well. We'd track the away games online to see how they did. Naomi would tell us about getting in late due to plane troubles.

Yes, I admit I'm a little jealous of the fans that travelled down to Santa Clara for the NCAA regionals. I didn't really want to brave the fickle weather over Donner Pass, and I'm happy our house is more organized after an intensive effort, but I would have loved to spend one more evening cheering a team I've come to respect. Our ladies may not have won against a tough Stanford side, but they made a respectable showing: 2-1. I've looked at the stats for the game, but I can hardly wait to hear about the game from those partisans who saw it firsthand. I'm full of Pack Pride with a smile that just won't quit.