Off-Season Training

Stay tuned, everyone, for an upcoming announcement regarding off-season skill work/conditioning sessions that we plan on offering around the second week of January.

Hope you're all having a great break!

Stay Tuned...

...for off-season training opportunities.

I'm looking forward to working with all of you girls in the near future!

PS. If you're interested (males and females), the winter holiday indoor soccer tourney is on again. See me for a sign-up sheet if/when you're ready!

Training during the week AFTER camp...

...July 26-30.

As many of you know, I will be in E. Lansing working the MSU soccer camp this coming week. Coach Stieper will be covering the Monday and Thursday evening training sessions for you guys. The other AM sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday will be helmed by either Connor or R.J.

PS. Thanks again very much to all who helped out with the kids camp this past week. You guys are the faces of the soccer program in Hamilton, and we're proud to have you represent us in a positive way!

Training during CAMP week...

...is canceled. That means starting Monday, July 19, we will not have regularly scheduled summer training. Take note!

Dead Period...and other stuff

Hi, all. I hope the summer's going well!

I hear from Frannie as of late that a bunch of you might be making an appearance at training tonight (Thursday)?! Awesome...unfortunately, I, myself, won't be there! I just had my knee surgery (you remember when Kaitlyn injured me before practice, right?) yesterday and will be hobbling a bit in the near future. Anyway, all went well, and Coach Stieper will be covering today. I WILL, however, be at training tomorrow morning from 9-11...be there?

Regarding next week (week of July 4), we DO NOT HAVE TRAINING since that week is designated by us and the MHSAA as a "dead period" in which we are not allowed to officially meet. Please take note. Feel free, of course, to do whatever training on your own!

After today and tomorrow, the next time us coaches will officially see you would be Monday, July 12 from 5-7 PM...come on out...and keep getting better!

Take care, girls. Let me know if you need anything.

No training...

...today, Wednesday (June 23) due to severe weather.

Happy...

...summer, everyone! THANKS for the card and gifts from the banquet...much appreciated. I certainly had fun with you girls this season.

And remember, FEEL FREE to come out this summer to train. Scroll down for the weekly schedule.

Take care, girls! It's been real.

End-of-season JV get-together

If you can make it, we'll be getting together this sat., June 5 at the DeNeef's for 6 P.M. dinner, drinks, and fun.

Check your email accounts for the DeNeef's address, or perhaps you can ask Niki yourself.

As for what to bring, I'm thinking you girls can handle organizing who's bringing what, but here's what we need:

hot dogs (for roasting)/buns
salad/veggies
fruit
chips
graham crackers/marshmallows/chocolate (for smores)

Pop and other sweets will be provided....let's figure everything else out though!

Hope to see you there...maybe get a hold of Niki for questions.

Banquet update...

**Monday, June 7 in the middle school cafeteria...6 P.M....wear something nice...bring beverages for you and your family...dessert will be provided.

End of Season Updates/Reminders...

Ladies, please see below and let me know if you have any questions/concerns/comments:

1.) Summer (boys...AND GIRLS!) training schedule....

Mondays: 5-7 PM (practice soccer field)
Tuesdays: 9-11 AM (practice soccer field)
Wednesdays: 9-11 AM (practice soccer field)
Thursdays: 5-7 PM (practice soccer field)
Fridays: 9-11 AM (track/practice soccer field)

Note: Monday-Thursday, meet directly at the practice soccer field site. Friday, meet initially at the track and then proceed to the soccer field site.

2.) You still owe me uniforms ASAP.

3.) We have a team get-together this week at the DeNeef's in the planning stages...stay tuned!

4.) Program Banquet: Monday, June 7 (MIDDLE SCHOOL CAFETERIA) at 6 P.M. (more details still to come)

1-0 win vs. Zeeland East

Ladies, once again, job well done in the game yesterday...and a BIGGER job well done for your overall efforts this season. I was very sincere with my "thank you" to you after the game yesterday. A reminder: thank you so much for making coaching CONSISTENTLY fun for me again. You guys were a great, mature, fun group to work with, and I think, obviously, that's reflected in our body of work this season.

FINAL RECORD: 12-5-1 (5-4 CONFERENCE)...BEST RECORD EVER FOR A HAMILTON JV GIRLS SOCCER TEAM.

We met two of three team goals for the season...not bad at all. Keep shootin' for more though, girls! In whatever you do...

Please see the "soccer banquet" info below...

Uniforms are due to me ASAP...captain bands too.

On a random note, if you guys would like to get together sometime next week for our OWN thing as kind of a last hurrah, i'm all for it. Thoughts? You're more than welcome to come back to my house...but that might bore you by now. Let me know ASAP! Captains?

Take care, girls...i'm still here if you need me for anything!

End-of-season JV/Varsity BANQUET

Mark your calendars:

**Monday, June 7 at 6 P.M.

More details to come...

2-0 loss vs. Unity...and other stuff

Well, girls, I hope you left yesterday's game with the absolute confidence that you did all that you could out there...no regrets. If not, you've got one more game this season to prove yourselves!

I meant what I said after the game: I hate "moral victories" and a team should NEVER get used to losing and/or be satisfied with it; HOWEVER, our overall effort vs. Unity was probably the best effort a Hamilton soccer squad (boys and girls) has put forth against that team since i've been coaching. Soooooooo, I guess we can allow a little satisfaction.

Here's what's next on our slate:

**game tomorrow (wed.) at 5 P.M. at Zeeland East (a rematch of our 1-0 win against them earlier this season)

**we'll meet in my classroom at 3 P.M. for our last team meeting of the season.

**bus leaves at 4 P.M. from school

**bring BOTH color jerseys to the game since that's still a bit up in the air

**we'll decide on clothing for IN school later a practice today

Let's end this season on a positive note, girls!

Reminders...

...for tomorrow and the rest of the week, our last week:

Monday: we "dress up" in school...bus leaves at 3:45 for Unity...we'll meet in my room at 3 P.M. for snacks, beverages, a talk, and some video.

Tuesday: practice (our last one of the season)

Wednesday: away game at either Zeeland East or Holland Christian...time to be determined.

Miscellaneous: stay tuned for the end-of-the-season soccer banquet info... if you couldn't already tell, the weather us supposed to be hot and humid for most of the week. Can we deal with the elements?!

I'm excited (to say the least) for our game vs. Unity...no regrets tomorrow, girls!

Another win...and now REALITY

Girls, once again, good job yesterday in taking care of Freedom Baptist, fighting the elements, and coming up with the 5-0 win.

Now, it's time to prove that we are a GOOD team; that is, can we OVERACHIEVE and perhaps take out a couple of teams that are "better" than us? I'm excited, as a coach, to find out.

UNITY is next...a TEAM GOAL is next...VISUALIZE SUCCESS!

8-0 win vs. Park

First, please see below regarding a scheduling update.

Second, it was an "excellent" job by all of you yesterday vs. Park in the first round conference tourney game. A lot of contributions were made and by a variety of players. I'm really, for the most part, loving your guys' collective maturity as of late.

That said, it's about to get a lot tougher for us! I think it's great that we've had a lot of success lately, and now, at the end of the season when a team is supposed to be peaking anyway, we can meet some challenges/team goals head on.

Keep it up, girls!

Schedule Update

We now play Unity Christian in our second round conference tourney match AT Unity on Monday, May 24.

The bus leaves at 3:45 PM from school that day with the JV game starting at 5 PM.

We'll meet in my room at 3 PM that day for a short team meeting. Feel free to bring HEALTHY pre-game snacks and beverages!

1-0 Allendale Win...

Ladies, as I said yesterday, I thought the effort vs. Allendale was a solid, workmanlike effort. We played an all-around steady game, but we've simply GOT to finish our offensive chances and PERFORM in those critical, clutch situations the rest of the season. The beauty of it all though is that in our two matches with Allendale this year, we did not allow a goal. Nice job!

Now it's back to conference action with a first round rematch vs. Wyoming Park tomorrow. Let's keep our mature, ambitious team attitude going, girls.

By the way, check out some newly added photos under the link to the left. Thanks, DeNeefs!

On to the next one...

Ladies, I hope you're enjoying the weekend...good weather finally!

Regarding yesterday's 4-1 win vs. Wayland, another job well done. One thing we should definitely take from the match is the fact that a team can dominate a soccer game, but all it takes is one or two brief let-downs to let a team back in it. In other words, it's got to be 100% focus for the entire match! Let's take that mentality into our 3 matches next week.

Some reminders:

1.) We'll wear white jerseys in school on Monday.

2.) We'll meet outside at 3 PM for a 4 PM home game vs. Allendale

3.) Ball girls for the varsity game, be ready!

4.) It's supposed to be low 60's and rain that day.

5.) We play AT HOME vs. Wyoming Park on Wednesday at 4 PM...Thursday is AT Freedom Baptist and the bus leaves right after school (JV only that day).

See you soon, girls! Enjoy the weekend.

Takin' Care of Business...

Girls, I really liked how we "handled success" yesterday with a business-like win vs. Rogers (8-0)...especially with quality contributions from a variety of players. Keep that up.

And remember, keep up with the good habits and the POSITIVE VISUALIZATION. If we do, chances are success will continue to come to you.

Great Summer Soccer Camp Opportunity...

...brought to the Holland area by Demarcus Beasley, US national team player.

Go to the following site for more info:

http//www.beasleynationalsoccerschool.com/

Reminders

First, check the post below regarding the previous Park game if you want.

Second, a few reminders/updates:

1.) We will wear anything Hamilton soccer-related or black jerseys in school tomorrow.

2.) The bus leaves right after school...be ready!

3.) We will still have our get-together at my house on Thursday at 7/730 P.M. Let's just plan on having each of you who are attending bring a snack, beverage, and/or dessert to pass. Sound good?

4.) Time to take care of business and HANDLE Rogers tomorrow.

See you soon!

2-0 Win vs. Wyoming Park

Ladies, it was our third win a row last night...nicely done. How do we handle a bit of SUCCESS though at this point? Handling SUCCESS in a mature, productive way is just as important as handling adversity. Do we keep battling or do we become complacent?

It'll be interesting to see how we respond vs. Rogers and Wayland in the next couple of days!

Let's keep the positive momentum going, girls.

PS. Check the "recap" link if desired.

Mother's Day...

Tell your mom you love her today! And be nice!

Then, see below if you haven't already...

Weekend Update...

Hey, girls.

First, nice work today at practice today. I know it can be a bit boring to have to sit in desks and write after a day of classes, so I appreciate the attention and participation. And the physical part of practice was well done...bravo.

Reminders:

1.) We meet on Monday at 3 P.M. in my room...bus leaves at 3:30-3:45 P.M. that day.

2.) We wear anything Hamilton soccer-related to school on Monday.

3.) Feel free to bring food and beverages to my classroom on Monday...let's make sure we follow health/nutrition pre-game principles!

4.) The weather on Monday calls for a high of 60 and partly cloudy...think colder since we play later in the day (5 PM).

Congrats to Morgan Stillson for her captain nod. I agreed with each and every one of the nominees/reasoning today. It's great that so many girls on our team are that well-thought-of!

Finally, regarding perhaps one more team get-together, the wife and I (and baby Quinn) are offering another team dinner night at our house this next Thursday evening, the 13th, if you guys are interested. Thoughts? If not, we totally understand...just thought we'd offer and give you a chance to hang out and meet the babe finally. Let me know ASAP!

Take care, girls...have a good weekend...eat and drink right...:)

Check out...

...the new photos under the "photos" link to the left. Thanks, Rae!

Reminder: We will meet in my room after school tomorrow (Friday) at 3:00 P.M. dressed and ready to go for indoor practice.

Belding rout...

Girls, overall today, the 8-0 win should be viewed as a LEARNING EXPERIENCE rather than a success. Here's what I mean: just as much as we need to learn to stay positive and fearless when we are the lesser skilled team in a given game, we also need to learn how to stick to sound defensive, offensive, team, and individual principles when we are the MORE skilled team.

I thought today we were a bit sloppy and inconsistent with the latter scenario. Agreed?

Either way, we are now 5-4-1 overall, and THAT'S something to celebrate due to one of our stated team goals to the left.

See you tomorrow, girls!

OVERACHIEVERS

You ladies should be proud of yourselves after today's win 1-0 vs. East. You certainly earned a quality victory and it was because you kept a positive attitude, displayed toughness, and worked together...a total team effort.

In addition, I hope you understand that what I said in our pre-game talk was completely sincere. I'm proud of who you guys are and you should be too. Plus, I didn't mean to scare you with next season's prospects. Just work hard, stay positive, and you should be fine!

Now, let's keep the ball rolling and beat a non-conference Belding team on Wednesday!

Weekend Items...

Hi, girls. I hope the weekend's treating you well. Once again, girls who are going to Prom tonight, have fun and be safe! I'll be watching....:)

Reminders for Monday:

1.) We'll wear white jerseys in school.

2.) We meet dressed and ready to go at 3 PM on the game field.

3.) Ball girls for the varsity game, be ready!

4.) Always strive to maintain a POSITIVE ATTITUDE no matter the circumstances on Monday and beyond. Congrats to Jess on her captain vote! To me, it was great to hear so many girls nominated at the end of practice yesterday because that means that this trait is on display often on our team!

5.) BEAT EAST!

Take care, everyone.

5-0 Unity Loss...

Girls, I thought today's first half was up to our potential...the second half? Not so much...

We need to realize that we CAN hang with the upper echelon teams...and we should EXPECT to do well against them...no questions asked!

We've now got a few solid days of practice ahead before another challenging week of matches next week.

Time to re-focus!

We'll see you outside for practice tomorrow at 3 PM sharp.

Medical update...

Hey, girls. Thanks for the work with Coach Ayres today, once again.

My "procedure" in Detroit went fairly well today despite a few complications. I'm actually writing you from Detroit right now as I (and my still-recovering wife) am not fit to drive anywhere after the day. Soooooooo, it looks like I will be absent from school tomorrow (Wednesday) again, and i'm still up in the air for the game at Unity depending on the on-going circumstances.

Of course, I hope to be back on time!

If not though, GO GET 'EM TOMORROW!! You guys looked solid and confident overall yesterday vs. a talented West squad...keep up that momentum!

Hopefully, we're all wearing something similar to school tomorrow? Captains? Also, are we all set for a Thursday evening get-together? Please keep me updated.

BEAT UNITY!! IT'S A TEAM GOAL!

PS. Check out the game recap from yesterday down below.

RAINY weekend update...:(

Mornin', girls.

First, check out the post below regarding the game last night as well as the "recap" link to the left.

Second, check out the newly added "photos" link to the left as well. It's got our team photo. And remember, whatever pictures you guys might want posted, just send them to me electronically or put them onto a disk for me, and i'll post them.

Third, captains, what are we thinking for a team get-together this coming week? Is Thursday evening still a possibility? Let's get this thing planned ASAP!

Finally, our theme for the upcoming week is MENTAL TOUGHNESS and all that that idea entails (composure, letting go of mistakes, playing tough through elements such as weather, fatigue, pain, etc.). We are certainly going to need MENTAL TOUGHNESS in our upcoming slate of games! We'll vote on an alternate captain before our game on Monday, so be thinking about who displays these qualities the best.

Have a good weekend, girls!

Allegan WIN...

Girls, nicely done today...a good bounce-back effort after this past Wednesday. I thought the second half of today's game (despite the numerous missed chances) was one of your best efforts of the season. Way to keep pluggin' away! And like i've said before ANY goal--ugly, pretty, lucky--is a GOOD goal.

Now it's back to our conference with a big road game vs. Zeeland West on Monday!

Remember, our bus leaves at 3:45 Monday and we'll wear anything Hamilton soccer related to school that day.

Enjoy the rainy weekend!

H. C. Loss...

Ladies, upon further reflection on today's 4-0 loss, I still don't think we played to our potential. Never mind the "loss" part of it, I just want to see us, win or lose, truly play to our potential, back down to NO ONE, and play with confidence and the capability that I KNOW we have...EVERY TIME.

It's time to bounce back with a solid practice tomorrow and then a great game vs. Allegan on Friday....

Keep your heads up, girls!

Remember the DETAILS, because collectively as a team, we didn't today...it's got to be ALL 18 players on board...not 12 or 13, etc.

Beat Allegan!

Game Change...

The game at Freedom Baptist previously scheduled for Friday, April 30 has now been rescheduled for Thursday, May 20 at 4 P.M. (away). We will now have practice on Friday, April 30 instead.

Practice (Friday)

Once again, ladies, thanks for the hard work with Coach Ayres today...she filled me in on the details of your workout. I hope you enjoyed the "slot" drill...:)

Have a great weekend...remember, we'll meet on Monday on the practice field at 3 P.M. for an important start to Holland Christian preparation.

An early heads-up regarding our team THEME for next week: DETAILS. Think about what that might entail...

See you soon, girls!

Practice (Thursday)...

Ladies, thanks for working hard with Coach Ayres today at practice. She filled me in on the details and was impressed with your work ethic and attitude. Nice work!

It looks like i'll be away from school and practice tomorrow (Friday) as well since we're still in the hospital for the time being (we're still doing fine...the wife is still a bit under the weather). Sorry! Coach Ayres will take care of business again tomorrow. As for Monday, plan on meeting me outside at 3 PM sharp for a quality practice (and again on Tuesday) in preparation for a BIG game vs. Holland Christian on Wednesday.

Have a good day at school tomorrow, a quality practice, and a refreshing weekend, girls!

1-1 Middleville TIE

Hi, from the hospital, ladies. I just got off the phone with Coach Malefyt, and he filled me in on the highlights of the game today.

First, congrats on what Malefyt described as a hard-fought game...especially defensively. It sounded like we didn't yield too many dangerous opportunities for Middleville and that we had an organized effort for the most part. Unlucky to give up a goal in the last few minutes, though!

All in all, job well done today...this puts us at a 2-1-1 overall record thus far this season and headed swiftly toward two of our TEAM GOALS: achieve an overall winning record and beat H.C.!

Guess who we play next, girls? Yep, H.C. next Wednesday :)

Have fun and work hard with Coach Ayres tomorrow!

Take care...all is well at the hospital for the Robinsons.

PS: Check out the "recaps" link to the left if you care to.

Girls!

It's a GIRL! hahahaha....Quinn Nora Robinson, born this morning at 1:54 A.M....10 lbs. and 2 ounces! Yikes...wife/mom is fine...everyone's fine. Thanks for all the thoughts and well-wishes!

As for soccer, feel free to check out the recently updated "game recaps" link to the left regarding last night's Allendale game.

I'm hoping (and expecting) the best from you girls tonight at Middleville! Keep up the good work...i'll hear from Coach Malefyt at some point regarding how it went. Keep COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY as well!

Note: Coach Ayres will be covering me for practice tomorrow (Thursday), so be prepared for that. Friday is still up in the air at this point. You'll meet Coach Ayres outside for practice 3 pm on the practice field. Keep checking this site for updates/news!

Allendale RECAP (and more)...

Ladies, i'll keep this brief since the wife is perhaps currently in labor. I'll try to keep you updated when I know more!

Great 4-0 win today, girls....especially the second half. I really liked how we came out of the half with more of a vengeance...and killer instinct, if you will. Remember that feeling tomorrow and beyond!

As for tomorrow, reminders:

1.) We wear anything Hamilton soccer related to school.

2.) Our bus leaves promptly at 3:30 P.M.

3.) To the few of you, remember the away game food/drink responsibilities.

Finally, GOOD LUCK tomorrow if i'm not able to be there! I'm, of course, there in spirit...keep the ball rollin' in the right direction!

Reminders:

1.) We wear white jerseys in school tomorrow...white socks for the game.

2.) Meet dressed and ready to warm up by 3 PM at the game field tomorrow.

3.) Captains, remember the warm-up cd.

4.) Ball girls, remember your duties for tomorrow.

5.) All players, plan on staying until at least halftime of the varsity game...preferably the whole game!

Also...tonight, the following girls--Liz VandeWege, Jenna Brunger, and Kaitlyn Lampen--should review/study the "defensive center mid" role and responsibilities section of the "player responsibilities in a 4-4-2" packet that I handed out earlier. Prepare, girls!

Practice today was so-so, ladies....our focus, intensity, and fearlessness need to be much better starting tomorrow.

Let's get Allendale!

PS. Congrats to Sidney for her "captain award" regarding her COMMUNICATION skills.

We're almost back!

Yippee, huh?! :)

Seriously though, i'm looking forward to seeing you all again and getting back down to business.

I hope that you guys have enjoyed your breaks and that you had safe traveling and a lot of fun with family/friends.

As for the Robinson household, STILL no baby news...the wife is ummmmmm...a bit impatient with the ol' baby at this point...just wants it to pop out already, ya know? Anyway, we're also all recovered (kind of) from the Spartan bball debacle a while back...I know you all care. :)

Regarding soccer bizz, be prepared to meet outside by 3 PM for a hugely important practice on Monday. We need to get back into the swing of things ASAP what with games on Tuesday (home vs. Allendale) and Wednesday (at Middleville). Also, captains, hopefully we've got the warm-up cd taken care of for Tuesday? AND ball girls, be prepared for Tuesday's varsity game as well.

REMINDER: our continued theme for this week is COMMUNICATION. Be thinking about ways in which YOU can all contribute to this significant of aspect of all quality teams!

Take care!

PS. I suppose if you do NOT see me on Monday, it's due to upcoming baby news...fingers crossed.

Dang it...

State! :(

The wife and I are currently in mourning after the bball loss...and still no baby!

In all seriousness, I hope you guys are enjoying your time off!

Take care, and let me know if there's anything you need from me.

2-1 loss vs. Spring Lake...

Ladies, one thing we CANNOT do is just accept a loss like today. That's a game we had in our grasp and we let it slip through. As we move forward to equally talented teams (Unity/H.C.), we really need to keep this game in mind in terms of how to "weather the storm", stay composed, and pull out a hard-fought win in the end...no matter how ugly it gets.

That said, it was a good overall effort today and something we can build on.

Have a GREAT, SAFE break, everyone, and please continue to check this blog for updates, news, etc.

PS. Check out the "recap" link to the left at your leisure.

PPS. GO STATE!!!

REMINDERS...

1.) The bus leaves at 3:45 P.M. tomorrow for the Spring Lake game.

2.) Snacks and drinks will be provided.

3.) We wear anything Hamilton soccer related in school.

4.) The weather calls for a windy, sunny, 70 degree day.

5.) COMMUNICATE at all times tomorrow...bus, bench, and field!

6.) Beat Spring Lake!!

See you girls soon.

1st game vs. Coop...1-0 win:

Girls, it was a solid effort all around today vs. Coopersville. We've obviously got a lot of work to do, but I was impressed with the team play and the composure we showed throughout...job well done.

As for Wednesday, I meant what I said after the game: we've definitely got our work cut out for us vs. Spring Lake. Let's build on this win and "overachieve" a bit on Weds. in order to start our Spring Break off right!

We'll see you outside for practice tomorrow at 3 PM.

PS: Check out the "recap" link down to the left for a summary of the game, stats, etc.

GO STATE!

Final Four, baby! hahahahaha...see you girls tomorrow!

Weekend Update

Hey, girls. I hope you're enjoying your weekend. I know you are since you're all still excited about the big MSU win last night!! Or maybe that's just me....

Anyway, a few updates/reminders are below:

1.) On Monday, we will wear BLACK jerseys in school. We will wear black socks and game shorts in the game. Be sure to have the proper cleats and official shin guards for the game!

2.) Our bus leaves promptly at 3:30 on Monday after school and NOT right after school. Coach Malefyt changed the bus schedule at the last minute since OUR game doesn't start until 5 P.M.

3.) Check out the newly updated "2010 JV Girls Roster" link below and to the left. Also, I will provide "game recaps" after each game in order to commemorate the official matches during our season. You can see that link below as well.

4.) Please provide some simple, HEALTHY snacks and drinks to share with the rest of the team for the bus ride to Coopersville on Monday. Mrs. Kooiker will provide snacks on Wednesday and Frannie will take care of beverages that day as well. Thanks ahead of time to both!

5.) IMPORTANT: please continue to look over your "set plays" diagram sheet and "player position roles" packet that I distributed to you last week in order to sufficiently prepare yourselves for our games next week! Also, continue to look over the "player evaluation" forms in order to get to know your teammates on a higher level. I may be asking some more "trivia" questions in the near future...hint hint!

That's it for now...please feel free to contact me with questions and/or concerns. It's game time on Monday! Excited? I am...let's start the season on the right note and keep in mind our TEAM GOALS and WHAT WE WANT TO STAND FOR on a daily basis.

Take care, girls!

ANOTHER Game Change...

We've now got a home game on Wed., May 5 vs. Belding at 4 P.M. Mark it down!

TEAM goals, rules, and more...

Check out the updated headings to the left.

Let's represent these ideas each and every day in subtle and more obvious ways!


**Short term reminders (here ya go, Sidney!):

1.) You've got clothing orders due on Friday.

2.) Our team meeting tomorrow (Thursday) begins at 2:55 in my room...come dressed for outdoor practice.

3.) Remember, we've got the game change below.

4.) Team pics are Friday...wear white.

5.) Study your teammate evaluations and set play sheets...hint hint!

GAME CHANGE...

Our JV home game for next Wednesday, March 31 has been changed:

**We will no longer play at home vs. Kenowa Hills. Instead, the varsity will stay home to play Kenowa Hills VARSITY, and JV will travel by bus (departs at 3:45 P.M.) for an AWAY game vs. Spring Lake at 5 P.M. that same day.

Players/Parents, can we arrange away game snacks/beverages for that day as well?!

Please let me know.

TEAM DINNER...

Reminder:

**Team dinner at Robinson's at 7 P.M. this Thursday. Check your previous handout for address and phone number. Arrange car-pooling as needed!

Food/Beverage Responsibilities:

**Last names (alphabetically) Brunger-Grady: MAIN COURSE
**Last names (alphabetically) Klein-Lampen: BREAD OF SOME TYPE
**Last names (alphabetically) Prikasky-Schrotenboer: FRUIT AND VEGGIES
**Last names (alphabetically) Steele-Tidd: BEVERAGES
**Last names (alphabetically) Vandenbill-VandeWege: DESSERT

I will provide utensils...and the great hospitality, of course!

Lookin' forward, ladies....

MONDAY update...

Girls, a few things...

1.) Remember that we'll be meeting in my room at 2:55 PM tomorrow to talk about team rules, goals, and ideas that we want to stand for. Come prepared with ideas!

2.) We have our parent meeting tomorrow at 530 PM in the MS cafeteria. Come prepared with beverages to share with everyone.

3.) The team dinner at my house this Thursday at 7 PM is still on. Please communicate this with your parents and arrange rides accordingly. I'll post soon a food responsibility menu for your preparation.

4.) Our team picture time this Friday has been changed from 3:45 to 4:15...no big deal...just thought you should know.

Good, productive practice today...please remember the "positives" and the "negatives" that were mentioned from MY perspective. Let's keep improving!

See you all tomorrow...

Sunday UPDATE...

Girls, as my heart is still racing after the absolute crazy end to the MSU game, I just wanted to clarify something for tomorrow's practice.

In light of the improved weather, we will DEFINITELY practice outside. Be dressed and ready to warm up by 3 PM out near the bleachers.

Hope you had a good weekend!

Go State!

First Full Week (March 22-26)...

...and then some...WITH UPDATES SINCE YESTERDAY:

First, remember that our theme for the next week is simply TOGETHERNESS; we've got to come together quickly and prepare accordingly for our early part to the season!

Monday: meet outside for practice from 3-515 P.M. (weather-permitting...stay tuned for announcements...either way, come to school with appropriate dress outdoor and indoor gear...running shoes, etc.!)...report to coaches regarding how many will attend the parent meeting the next night...remember, WE will provide beverages for Tuesday night.

Tuesday: meet in Coach Robinson's room at 2:55 for a team meeting...practice outside until 5 P.M....PARENT MEETING at 5:30 in the MS cafeteria...dinner provided.

Wednesday: meet outside for practice from 3-515 P.M.

Thursday: meet outside for practice from 3-515 P.M...team dinner at Coach Robinson's house at 7 P.M....FOOD/BEVERAGE RESPONSIBILITIES TO COME IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

Friday: meet outside for practice from 3-515 P.M....team pictures at 3:45 P.M. outside on the field.

Monday of the following week: GAME at Coopersville...bus departs ??

Tuesday: meet outside for practice from 3-515 P.M.

Wednesday: GAME (home) vs. Kenowa Hills...meet at the field dressed and ready to warm up at 3 P.M.

Thursday/Friday: OFF for Spring Break

Note: There is a possibility that I won't be in school on Monday again due to a doctor appointment, but this will NOT change the above schedule.

PS: Thanks for a great start to OUR season yesterday and for being open and honest on those surveys in my classroom...interesting responses!

PPS: Go State!

Welcome...

...to the team, girls! I, for one, am VERY much looking forward to working with all of you this season.

Let's get this thing off to a great start!

PS. Get accustomed to checking this blog on a frequent basis for news, updates, recaps, announcements, etc.

IT'S HERE!

...the season, that is.

Reminder to all for this Monday, March 15:

*We will meet in Coach Malefyt's classroom at the middle school at 3 P.M.

*Be dressed and ready to go for eventual OUTDOOR practice, including ALL appropriate soccer-related equipment (shin guards, cleats, etc.) that day. FYI, as of today, the forecast for Monday calls for some sun and mid to high 50's.

*Tryouts are from Monday to Wednesday at 3-5:30 PM.

*Take care of physical and insurance issues BEFORE practice on Monday...no excuses!


We'll see you all soon! Lookin' forward...

UPDATES

A few things, ladies, as we wind the "off-season" down...

1.) There are no more "small-group ball sessions", BUT conditioning sessions are still on for the time being. Check with Coach Malefyt for clarification on those sessions.

2.) We officially kick off the season on Monday, March 15 at a time yet to be determined pending the weather. Be ready to go!

3.) We, as coaches, are VERY excited to meet all of you officially and get to work on what will be a very successful girls season.

Please let me know at any time if you have any questions, comments, and/or concerns!

Good luck in FINAL EXAM week, girls...go get 'em.

Another CANCELLATION heads-up...

Sorry for the late notice AGAIN, guys, but I won't be able to make it to tomorrow's (Thursday, Feb. 25) small-group training after school at the middle school...this time, I, myself, have a doc. appt. for a left knee that's been acting up as of late. I've been trying to change the appt. time but with no success.

So, that means whoever usually trains with me upstairs on Thursdays, do not plan on showing up.

Take care...and keep working hard during the other days!

Cancellation Heads-up

Sorry for the late notice, guys, but I won't be able to make it to tomorrow's (Tuesday, Feb. 16) small-group training after school at the middle school...baby doc. appointment that I want to attend.

So, that means whoever usually trains with me upstairs, do not plan on showing up.

Take care...and keep working hard during the other days!

Training update...

Everyone, please continue to follow the small-group training schedule below until further notice. AND if you cannot make a session and know this ahead of time, contact Mr. Robinson or Malefyt so we can plug someone else in your time slot!

Good job this past week to everyone who participated. Keep it up!

OFFICIAL small-group training schedule:

Be aware that we start with this training next Tuesday (1/19) and Thursday (1/20) on the balcony of the middle school gym. In addition, Mondays and Wednesdays are for general conditioning from 3-4 P.M. and anyone is welcome to participate.

PS: Zach Beyer, Deban Scholten, Zach Driesenga, and Shannon Blourne are "alternates", so if any of you happen to NOT be able to make a session, either see one of them or me (or both) well enough beforehand and we can fit one of them in your slot!

Tuesdays (3:00-3:30):
_________________Sarah Baker___________________________
________________Jenna Brunger____________________________
________________Joslyn Blood____________________________
____________________Carley Geurink________________________

Tuesdays (3:00-3:30):
__________________Frannie Steele (GK)__________________________
___________________Kelsey Whitcomb (GK)_________________________
________________Emily Grady____________________________
________________Sidney Grady____________________________

Tuesdays (3:30-4:00):
___________________Brittany Holyfield_________________________
_______________________Chelsea Adkins_____________________
_______________________Justin Blacklock_____________________
____________________Dylan Guillozet________________________

Tuesdays (3:30-4:00):
_____________________Travis Williams_______________________
___________________Kray Freestone_________________________
____________________Shelby Reaume________________________
____________________Josh Brigham (GK)________________________
(alternate: Zach Beyer)

Thursdays (3:00-3:30):
__________________Tyler Immink__________________________
_______________________Aaron Polet_____________________
____________________Brittany Holyfield________________________
______________________Heidi Mihm ______________________

Thursdays (3:00-3:30):
_______________________Sarah Baker_____________________
_____________________Jenna Brunger_______________________
_____________________Sidney Grady_______________________
_____________________Emily Grady_______________________

Thursdays (3:30-4:00):
___________________Shannon Blourne_________________________
___________________Chelsea Adkins_________________________
_____________________Shelby Reaume_______________________
______________________Josh Brigham (GK)______________________

Training SIGN-UP

We're still looking for players who are interested in small-group training sessions.

SIGN UP on the back of Mr. Robinson's classroom door ASAP!

Remember, the weekly training schedule officially start on Monday, Jan. 18.

Take care, everyone.

OFFICIAL post-break training

Ok, folks. Here it is: beginning on Monday, Jan. 18, we (Coach Malefyt and Robinson) will be having the following weekly training schedule at the middle school upper balcony level until further notice...

**Mondays and Wednesdays (3-4 P.M.) = conditioning for both sexes and for any number of players

**Tuesdays and Thursdays (3-4 P.M.) = small-group training sessions (SIGN-UP SHEET GROUPS OF 4 AND TIMES IS LOCATED ON COACH ROBINSON'S DOOR...FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED!)

Fridays = off

Please contact Robinson or Malefyt for any questions, concerns, etc.

Hope to see a lot of you out for training!