Gator Gazette <![CDATA[Gator Gazette]]> http://my.schooljournalism.org/Portals/2/logos/__TFMF_d5h1qh55vrmq5355lvdonx45_f5d14733-aea4-42c1-90c2-e158607d9958_0___Selected.jpg en-us Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved. Tue, 07 Sep 2010 05:41:58 GMT 15 <![CDATA[Hard Work Pays Off for Girls Varsity Basketball]]> By Alex Barth


Lady Gators get together for a pep talk with Coach

In the past ten years, Escambia girl’s basketball hasn’t quite accomplished a winning season. The girls, along with this year’s new coach, John Olsen, have dramatically improved the reputation and beliefs of the girl’s basketball program. Winning isn’t the only important thing to this team. Education, respect, and communication is very important to the program and to coach Olsen personally. “It’s my way or the highway,” says Olsen about discipline in his program. Everyone must work together and communicate well on and off the court for the girls to win. During past seasons, girls have brought their outside problems onto the court and into practice. Doing so causes conflicts on the team and into games. Disagreements can break the team, and the difference between a team that succeeds during games and a team that always loses frequently concerns arguments. Anytime one looks behind a winning season, hard work and dedication will stand out as clear catalysts for achievement. The workouts these girls endure are ten times harder than what they have done before, according to Coach Olsen. With all the practices and getting to understand the game more, these girls are peaking at their best. This year has had the most win in the past ten years. The girls have achieved many things by working as a team, and preparing by practicing skills. By putting their best feet forward and not taking criticism personally, these girls will go far. Standards are getting set for next year’s tryouts, and grades and dedication is a major thing sought by program directors. A new summer program is in the making to give the girls more experience and preparation for the upcoming year. In the past years, the girls had walked out onto the court thinking they’d already lost, but now as they practice they believe they can win. The girls have taken responsibility for their wins and losses, which has made the difference. As the girls win, school support continues to be a problem. Many sports face this issue: a successful program with no student support behind it. Soaking up the winning season is on the girl’s minds, but also they aren’t letting it affect their playing. Enjoying the accomplishment they have achieved has helped them with their playing by wanting to keep winning more. “Leave it all on the floor,” said Summer Stuart about their past season. This season has been a long time due and the girl’s have worked very hard for this season. ]]> Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:44:58 GMT