North Carolina State University Athletics
Catcher Jennifer Patterson Reflects on NC State Softball
5/7/2004 12:00:00 AM | Softball
May 7, 2004
End of the Year Thoughts
By Jennifer Patterson
Looking back at our team, starting way back in August, people would have thought we were just a rather large group of girls (and that isn't just because there are 18 of us!). Unless you were a part of the athletic community, Wolfpack family or had close ties with one of these 18 girls you wouldn't know they were preparing to embark on a journey that not many have the opportunity to take. These ladies had traveled far and wide, and some from just down the road, to begin a new Wolfpack legacy.
In order to make history we had to be prepared for what was to come, little did we know that it would be the extensive running that our strength and conditioning coach Wright Wayne would be preparing for us. From the beginning it was pretty evident that speed wasn't going to be one of our bigger strengths; however, as time progressed so did our speed. Our team was finding itself doing things we thought we couldn't and we beat teams we thought we never would.
Practice was another story. Yes, we all had practiced for almost all our lives, but just not together. Building chemistry and learning each others' tendencies was something we really had to work at. As eager as we were to soak up every word that coach said, the only thing that was soaked was our practice gear, in sweat. We definitely managed to stumble over one another and our own feet (and I'm not just talking about Shaina and Miranda on the field). As frustrating as times could be, we always showed up for more. We had something to prove.
After a rather successful fall, we all returned from Christmas break eager to prepare for our upcoming season. Practices were intense and the anticipation just got worse. When the season rolled around we were ready to go. It was like we had all of this pent up energy and could finally let it out. Well, we lost a few here, and a couple there, and then a few more. We had some wins scattered in, but nothing big. Then something changed. We won a few here, and a couple there, and then a few more. Maybe we realized and just didn't talk about it, maybe we didn't realize it. We had a win streak going on. People were stepping up in all areas of the game, we had clutch hitting, smart base runners, and solid defense. There was no potion, pill or fairy dust. Our team finally decided to play together, stop being afraid and we were ready to accomplish what we've always been able to. We had it in us all along, It was a matter of believing.
Looking at everything as a whole, yes our team had some bad days, but we've also had some amazing ones as well. Who would have thought we would have earned a bronze medal or beat Virginia in the championship game of their own tournament? Earn a split with North Carolina or Who would have known Gelbard would get dessert without permission and ruin it for us all? Don't fret, we have had dessert since and it's now a privilege. These are a few of our accomplishments that our team has under its belt.
Our team has come a long way to overcome numerous obstacles. We are now no longer frozen deer in headlights. Coach has flashed the lights and the 18 of us are attempting to cross the street safely with Shaina and Miranda still tripping over their own feet.
All the things we've hated, fought about, bickered with and yelled over aren't really as bad as we thought. Those that were are life's lessons learned. Some of us come away new and sometimes better people, and some of us are learning. However, we all come away with great memories and friendships that will truly last a lifetime. Not all of us quite realize that the end of this inaugural season is right around the corner. I still feel like we barely got the ball rolling. But here we are with a 32-25 record and the ACC Tournament right around the corner. It's been a year of trials and tribulations and not once have I ever thought about going anywhere else to play. Being a part of the Wolfpack community and our Wolfpack family is where I'm meant to be.
Ladies, its been historical and an eventful ride. I hope our legacy continues and that we get better each day. Always play with your hearts and believe you can do it because we all can. Let's go get Georgia Tech and give it all we've got in the ACC Tournament!!!
