University of North Carolina Athletics
Carolina Softball Journal
December 19, 2011 | Softball
Dec. 19, 2011
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"I get knocked down, but I get up again, you're never gonna keep me down..." Remember that Chumbawamba classic? That is the song my professor was playing before we took our AD/PR Research final and yes, it did foreshadow an incredibly difficult 82-queston exam. But nonetheless, FINALS ARE OVER! (Victory dance).
For the past two weeks, we have been steadily studying and writing papers for our final exams. Most of the girls study in the sharp, new athletic center (AC) where they are close to the weight room for study breaks and have access to computers, academic advisors and tutors. I prefer to study in the UL so I don't get distracted by all the cute athletes. During finals weeks, a typical day for me consisted of doing a quick work out or hitting session in the morning, studying in the library and then taking one of the different exercise classes offered by the SRC or Rams gyms (Muggle gyms) in the evening. I love the Zumba and step classes, but Sara drags me into these grueling cycling classes where we spin for like 300 miles...and go nowhere. Not to mention I sweat enough to drown an infant. Another kind of study break took place when we went to our annual UNC softball Christmas party!
Every year, the coaches, team and additional staff gather for a delicious meal and a white Christmas gift exchange! This year, our party took place in one of the reception rooms at Aloft hotel. However, we are only allowed to eat after completing a scavenger hunt within our TPS teams. Each team meets at the field where the coaches give us a list of items to find. We have to drive to the places where these items are found and take a picture of the item and it must include each TPS member. This year the scavenger hunt was more like UNC softball vs. Mother Nature. It was pouring and windy while we desperately clambered in and out of Kelli's jeep in desperation to check off the items on our list at various places on campus and on Franklin Street. Once we had compiled all of our pictures, we headed to Aloft so the coaches could judge them. Needless to say the Rams won again!
In addition to this contest, the coaches also asked each TPS team to create a poem to recite to everyone. They were hilarious! I have to give it to the Bats; their rendition of "Twas the Night before Christmas" had everyone rolling, especially when Tisha acted out every line for an amplified visual effect. I was nervous they might take the win on this competition, but again, the Ram's creative poem/rap/skit took the cake! After all of that craziness, we selected gifts from the table in order of the number we drew out of a hat. I ended up with a Starbuck's gift card just in time for finals!
Finally, before we all departed for the holidays, we sat down with the coaches for our end of year meetings. In the meetings we discussed what our strengths and weaknesses defensively and offensively in the fall were and what our plans for working out and training were for the holidays. Furthermore, we created our own line-ups to present to the coaches. Sitting in front of the panel of coaches can be intimidating and sometimes AWKWARD , but it is always a good ending to the fall. Everyone is extremely excited for season--we are going after that ACC title!
