North Carolina State University Athletics
Day Four - Saturday, May 13, 2006
5/14/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
May 14, 2006
A 12:15 meeting time in the lobby was what most of the team knew about the night before they went to sleep. But for others who wanted to spend some of their morning hours staying occupied, another run to Michael's craft store to pick up art supplies transpired, and about an hour and a half of open painting in a hotel room, or as we like to call it, our "art studio" began. When we had to get ready for our match, we dressed in our Wolfpack red tennis outfits and met at the vans to grab some lunch.
At the Pita Pit, we all ordered and sat down talking of what the rest of the day would be like and what we had to look forward to. Nothing but confidence and excitement was being discussed on all three tables that our team took up in the restaurant. We wanted to get to the courts and play.
When we arrived, a men's NCAA match was in progress. We waited and watched them as they raised their expectations where the impossible would be possible. That could be seen with some of the unbelievable shots being seen on every court in the tennis complex. This instilled nervousness, in us as most of the matches were in third sets, as well as optimism. We had optimism that we were the matches, who were following this one; we would be jumping onto the courts that held such great tennis five minutes earlier and now it would be our turn to make the fans howl for the Wolfpack.
Our match resembled the high expectations of the men's match, and the drive needed to win; however, VCU did also.
After the match, we went to a local, downtown Richmond restaurant where music and a friendly atmosphere encircled the one table of the 11 of us girls in the center of the restaurant. Hitting knees and rubbing elbows did not seem to bother anyone; we all wanted to sit together for this possible last team dinner together for the year of 2005-2006.
However, it's just the beginning for the NC State Wolfpack. Even though we have ended our run in the NCAA, falling to Virginia Commonwealth 4-0, we know we have a lot to be thankful for.
1. Nandita and Barbara are the two seniors on our team. This match today was their last of their college tennis careers. They have left a mark on this team and they will be missed.
2. We have proven, not only to others but also to ourselves, that dreaming big is the beginning. When you work big, you will get big rewards.
3. Members of the team can say their contribution to the rest of the team was important and irreplaceable. As coach would say, "We want the team to feel that something is missing when someone is not there; that the team is not complete." I believe this is true for our team.
4. Our work ethic and our dedication to wining were for the right reasons. We wanted to win so that we could spend more time together and spend more time playing tennis as a team before summer began.
5. AND * Our coaches have been great role models. They have taught us about sportsmanship and the importance of competing, as well as team unity. This helps us in all aspects of our lives.
Overall, our final thoughts as we all huddled under the NCAA sign at the tournament for a group photo was that we were here, we played our best, and we know what it takes to get back.
For me, I have one more year as a member of the NC State women's tennis team and I want to make the most of my experience here. So far, my memories are far and wide and the connections I have with the team run deep. Most of all, I believe that the best is still yet to come.
A.B
