October 16, 2012

Frustration was a familiar feeling this weekend as the Lady Bison came up short versus Coppin State University and Morgan State University. From shaky serve receive to inconsistent offense, it seemed as if we took two steps forward only to take three backwards. On a team whose skill and talent oftentimes surpasses that of our opponents, defeat is an unkind, nagging beast taunting, "No you can't." However, I'd argue that it takes a whole heck of a lot of courage to continually put our reputation, pride, and record on the chopping block. We have fallen down quite a bit, but each time we have gotten up. With the help of our teammates and gracious coaching staff, we pick ourselves up from the dirt, brush ourselves off, and start over. And we say, "Yes we can," in practice, in classes, and in our everyday lives. No matter what our opponents, naysayers, or fans say, we are courageous. The true test of an athlete is not how she acts after success, but how she responds to failure. It is obvious we have failed a lot this season. But I have been pleasantly surprised and encouraged by the "go get it" mentality of my teammates after each loss. Boldness is not hard to find on our team. We will continue to work towards our goal with bravery, dedication, and heart. As the song "Titanium" (one which our team enjoys singing in our underground acapella group) says, "Ricochet, you take your aim, fire away, fire away, shoot me down, but I won't fall, I am titanium." We have tasted what our opponents lack through their inexperience—hunger. We are hungry. And we are ready for battle.

Sincerely,

Teppi