Monday, July 13, 2020

A PRAYER, A DOCUMENTARY, AND INSPIRING WORDS FROM SOME EXCITED YOUNG WOMEN!!



First, I'm praying that we have a women's basketball season this year.  

Second, I want to thank Coach VanDerveer for authorizing an exciting video documentary of her career here at Stanford! I'm gearing up to tell her story, thirty-five years of inspiration and success. While we're at it, we'll also tell the up-close and personal story of the 2020/21 season, from the first team meeting to (hopefully) the Final Four in San Antonio.

Third, I've heard back from several members of the team about their summer workouts and their thoughts of the coming season. I was so grateful to hear from Haley that "she's getting back into the basketball groove." Also, that she's focusing on her three-point-shot to be more of an offensive threat. She hopes to come back this season a better all-around player than she was last year (and that, Miss Jones, is saying a ton.)

I asked Ashten if she wears number eleven because she's a fan of EDD? She said she hopes to model her game after the Mystic's star, but she wears number eleven to honor a high school player who wore that number and passed away during Ashten's senior season. Lately, she's been playing against her brother on a local outdoor court. She says she can hardly wait to get back to school and hopes to finish next season in San Antonio!

Jana VanGytenbeek tells me she's working hard every day this summer and hopes to be able to make a contribution to the Cardinal team this coming season. She plans to arrive in Palo Alto in the best condition of her life and soak up everything her coaches and teammates tell her. Her favorite WNBA player is Sue Bird, a pass-first point guard who makes everyone around her better. At a Stanford camp when Jana was in the fifth grade, she told  Tara she was planning to play for her one day. That day is coming soon, Miss VanGytenbeek.

Lacie Hull plans to become as much of an offensive threat this season as she's been a defensive stopper (my word) in the past. She's focusing on her three-pointer and her mid-range jump shot. She said she's always admired Diana Taurasi's game and appreciated her encouraging words when Stanford played the national team last season. She and Lexie have been working out on a local outdoor court this summer and look forward to getting back in the gym.

The players exuded excitement and enthusiasm about the upcoming season. Haley said the anticipation is killing her. Me too.

GO STANFORD!!

1 comment:

  1. Excellent and insightful post. Thank you. I have watched Elena Bosgana in the FIBA championships and, even at 16, I am very impressed with her aggressiveness, driving to the hoop; ENJOYING CONTACT and finishing. Her footwork is terrific. I think she brings a new dimension to the team. Agree with you on Brooke- a big time player already, she will have a huge impact on the game.

    ReplyDelete

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