End-of-Season Banquet UPDATE

All,

If you've not yet checked your school email accounts regarding banquet specifics, please do ASAP!

Note: Our banquet on Monday is at 630 PM and not 6 PM as previously stated below.

I'm looking forward to seeing you all again for the last time before the summer!

Ending the Season On a High Note

Ladies,

Congrats on the season-concluding 1-0 win vs. Paw Paw today! You guys were solid all game, and I was proud of your overall effort yet again...like I have been all season. I know we may not have met every single team goal we set at the beginning of the season, but nonetheless you guys showed character and heart throughout the season. Way to go! You've made a coach immensely proud to be a part of such an endeavor.

FINAL OVERALL RECORD: 6-8-4 (3-5-1 CONFERENCE)

We'll see you girls soon this Friday for our end-of-season team meeting and then again for the banquet on Monday, June 4 (see below).

Don't forget to bring all of your uniform items to my classroom right after school on Friday!

Take care, girls...again, GREAT JOB.

End-of-Season Banquet

Mark your calendars...

MONDAY, JUNE 4 AT 6 PM (HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA)

More details to come....

Happy Birthday To Me!

And one of the main reasons it is a very happy birthday for me is because of your all-around performance today, girls! Not to mention the serenade after the game...along with the thoughtful, humungous b-day card...hahaha. Thank you!!!!

In all seriousness, I was really proud overall of the way you guys played today in the impressive, convincing 4-0 defeat of a decent Zeeland West squad. I really thought we were hitting on all cylinders...from every position...for most if not all of the game. A job well done to all of you! You certainly made (an old) Coach proud :)

Now, we've still got some business to take care of on Wednesday in our last game vs. Paw Paw. Let's continue to finish strong, girls!

Schedule Update

In light of last night's results...

We will play Zeeland West at home on Monday, May 21 at 4 PM. Scheduled ball girls, be ready.

As for the rest of our last week:

**Tuesday: 3-5 practice...remember, we'll have a "pick-your-own-games" type of practice to celebrate our last practice of the season.

**Wednesday: home game vs. Paw Paw at 4 PM...party at the Scholten's immediately following.

**Thursday: off

**Friday: half hour team meeting in my classroom after school to turn in all uniform items and officially wrap up the season.

See you soon, girls. Let's end this season with a bang!

A Small Step Back...

Girls,

After a solid first half vs. rival Holland Christian today, I really thought our overall play dropped off in the second half on our way to a 3-0 loss. We really need to stay POSITIVE in all circumstances, ladies, and today was the first time I, myself, have detected signs of blame/finger-pointing. In all, that will do NOTHING to help our cause. The great thing is that we have two more games left in the season to redeem ourselves! We can do it...no doubt.

Have a great weekend, girls...check back in this weekend at some point for the official schedule for next week. Take care.

Back in the win column!

Ladies,

It was an all-around strong effort today in the first round of the conference tournament vs. Byron Center. Like I said, a (1-0) win is a win. And it's been a while since we've tasted victory, right? You guys did a great job today in owning possession of the ball, creating multiple scoring opportunities, and virtually suffocating any Byron Center opportunity on defense. Nicely done...now let's keep up the good work heading into Friday!

See you all for practice tomorrow....

Another heart-breaker...

Ladies,

Although I thought we put together a pretty good effort today in our 3-2 loss to Wayland, I really think it needs to be overall viewed as a disappointment. Yes, there were some good individual efforts and solid team play, but results are results, girls. And with a 1-0 halftime lead, we simply did NOT PERFORM in that second half. To put it simply, we're running out of time in the season to reach our team (and individual in some circumstances) goals! Not to fret though...there's still time to improve. And i'm confident we will, since I know the overall character of the team.

As for next week...

**Monday: 3-5 practice

**Tuesday: 3-5 practice

**Wednesday: game at home vs. Byron Center at 4 PM...ball girls, be ready...be ready for warm-ups by 315 PM.

**Thursday: 3-5 practice

**Friday: game TBD depending on the varsity result from Wednesday...more news after Wednesday.

Let's get back on the horse, so to speak, everyone! See you all soon...have a great weekend.

Another deceiving outcome...

...in that our 3-1 loss today at Zeeland West didn't tell the whole story of the game. As the game of soccer sometimes goes, the more deserving team doesn't always win...and today was a perfect example, girls! Simply put, we HAVE to cash in on the offensive opportunities we have in a game (and we had plenty of them today), and we can't afford to have major breakdowns in the back end. That's not a recipe for success no matter the context. But we can still build on the positives today: increased awareness to find targets and build...more disciplined one-on-one defense...offensive variety...etc.

Now we set our sights on Wayland for Friday, girls! Back to practice tomorrow...see you soon.

A "deceiving" 4-1 loss to H.C.

Girls,

A loss is still a loss, so we've still got some kinks to work out. That said, I was overall proud of your effort today in a rainy, sloppy game vs. H.C. I thought you battled all game, showed good energy, and played hard until the end...and even had the upper hand with possession at times...especially in the second half. All of that shows character and can/will help us from here on out.

See you tomorrow for practice!

Next Week

Ladies,

Here goes with the schedule for this upcoming week (May 7-11):

**Monday: home game vs. Holland Christian (4 PM)...by ready to warm-ups by 315 pm...ball girls, be ready.

**Tuesday: 3-5 practice

**Wednesday: game at Zeeland West (5 pm)...bus leaves at 4 pm.

**Thursday: 3-5 practice

**Friday: game at Wayland (5 pm)...bus leaves at 330 pm.

From here on out, girls, please keep in mind your personal strengths as well as what I mentioned as "areas of improvement" in my emails to all of you. With 2.5 weeks left in the season, we CAN reach all of our goals!

Quite a (2-1) bounce-back effort!

Ladies,

You deserve many kudos for your character, determination, and positive attitude today in bouncing back from a horrendous first half vs. Allegan to play solid defense and score two unanswered goals in the second half for the win. Job well done! That said, in the future, we need to show up for the FULL 70 MINUTES OF THE GAME! Either way, it was a "bounce-back" effort to be proud of, and it serves to continue to proceed us toward our team goals (and "what we stand for").

See you tomorrow for regular outdoor practice 3-5 PM. And remember, keep checking your email accounts if you haven't yet!

A (5-1) WIN!!!

You should all be commended overall for a deserving win vs. an over-matched opponent in Park today, ladies. We fought through a bit of sloppiness, that's for sure. Either way though, scoring 5 goals is a great sign (and a step forward) for this team, and we need to carry on that offensive output into our next game: a rematch vs. Allegan on Wednesday.

Reminders:

**Team meeting in my room asap after school tomorrow (tues.)...practice outside soon thereafter.

**Check your school email when you get a chance...and at least by Sunday of this week...for "mid-term comments" from me.

**I'll be checking grade reports for all of you this Friday, so prepare accordingly!

Let's keep this ball rolling, girls....

Another Tie (vs. Hopkins) and more...

Ladies,

Despite yet another tie today, I really feel like we can build on our last two game efforts (vs. Byron Center yesterday and Hopkins today). Job well done all over the field regarding increased offensive chances, solid defense, composure, and teamwork. Let's please remember all of these lessons heading into next week's 2-game schedule and beyond.

Speaking of next week's schedule, here goes with it:

**Monday: game at Wyo. Park (5 PM)...dress up for school...bus leaves at 345 PM.

**Tuesday: 3-5 practice

**Wednesday: game at Allegan (5 PM)...not sure when the bus leaves as of yet...it's only us traveling since varsity play Rogers.

**Thursday: 3-5 practice

**Friday: 3-5 practice

In all, we've got a couple more great opportunities next week for success...and wins!

Let me know if you need anything this weekend, girls...stay active...enjoy it all.

0-0 Byron Center Tie

Ladies,

You should all be applauded for an all-around quality effort today from every position on the field. According to how the game played out, we deserved a better result, but i'm still proud of the effort on all ends. Simply put, WE NEED TO CAPITALIZE ON OFFENSIVE OPPORTUNITIES!!! We'll get better...and will have tomorrow to redeem ourselves vs. Hopkins.

Reminders:

**Bus leaves at 245 PM from the high school.

**We are wearing all black.

**I will need official notice from anyone who will not be riding the bus either there or back to school.

**Wake up at a decent time tomorrow, eat healthy foods, get on your feet a bit, do some homework...and BE READY TO WIN!!

See you soon, girls...good job today.

Z.E. 2-0 Loss

Ladies,

Simply put, we've got to do a better all-around job from here on out in order to reach our team goals (as well as what we want to "stand for). That means a total team commitment to our themes: COMMUNICATION, DEDICATION ON AND OFF THE FIELD, PHYSICAL AGGRESSION....AND FOR THIS WEEK, COMPOSURE. Of course, winning games isn't everything as you all know. It's just that I think we can do better...little by little...in practices, games, warm-ups, off the field, all of it. And I truly think that today's game...warm-ups through post-game...was a small step back for us. I never fault your guys' overall effort, but we need to get better in many areas.

Let's right this ship asap, girls!

See you for practice from 3-5 PM tomorrow.

1-1 Allegan tie...and next week

Ladies, another job well done overall today vs. Allegan, especially short-handed as we were/are. It's got to be a bit disappointing to give up a one goal lead and end with a tie, but I never doubted your collective effort or attitudes throughout the game, and neither should any of you. Keep up the good work in that department....and then let's beat Zeeland East on Monday!

Here's the schedule for next week:

**Monday: game at home vs. Zeeland East....be dressed and ready for warm-ups at 315 PM..."dress up" for school...scheduled ball girls, be ready.

**Tuesday: practice 3-5

**Wednesday: practice 3-5

**Thursday: game at home vs. Byron Center...be dressed and ready for warm-ups at 315 PM...dress in school?...scheduled ball girls, be ready.

**Friday: no school...game at Hopkins at 4 PM...bus leaves at 245 PM.

Have a great weekend, ladies. Stay active and enjoy the outdoors...and get some school work done as well!

Checking in...

Sorry for the late notice today about the cancelled practice, ladies!

Here's what we would have talked about at practice today:

**Dress for school tomorrow (Friday) = the captains are to decide and somehow spread the word. If you don't hear anything, please just sport something Hamilton soccer-related.

**Be fully dressed and ready to go for game warmups at 315 PM tomorrow for our home game vs. Allegan.

**It's supposed to be pretty cold and rainy...be prepared!

**Scheduled ball girls, be prepared for the varsity game.

**Tomorrow, we stay physically aggressive (yet in control), play smart soccer, and get back to winning. PS. A delayed congrats to Mista for being voted the rotating team captain regarding this theme!

See you soon, girls.

2-0 Hudsonville Loss Thoughts...

Girls,

Like a couple days ago, I was proud of your physical effort today in the game vs. Hudsonville. You should again be commended for your overall collective ability to step up...physically. We didn't have too many serious offensive chances today or majority possession for that matter, but that doesn't change the fact that I was proud of the effort either way.

We'll see you all for practice tomorrow...in preparation for a big Friday home game vs. Allegan!

Let's get back to our winning ways...deal, ladies?

3-0 Unity Loss Thoughts...

Ladies, I really thought you physically stepped up to the challenge today vs. a strong Unity squad. Job well done in regards to going toe to toe with the opponent and looking confident while doing it. Remember that effort for the near and more distant future.

Next up is another talented team--Hudsonville. Let's build on this effort!

See you for practice tomorrow, girls.

3-1 loss to Middleville...thoughts...and next week

Ladies, I thought overall we put up a spirited effort in our loss to a tough Middleville squad last night. We need to file in our collective memory bank the idea of being AGGRESSIVE and TOUGH for the ENTIRE game as we look to the future. We may not be able to out-talent all of our opponents, but we can out-work them! It's a way to ensure that we'll have a fighting chance in each of our remaining games.

Feel free to check out the "game recap" link to the left.

Ok, so next week:

**Monday: game @ Unity...bus leaves at 345 PM...dress for school?

**Tuesday: 3-5 practice

**Wednesday: game @ Hudsonville...bus leaves at 345 PM...dress for school?

**Thursday: 3-5 practice

**Friday: game vs. Allegan (home)...be dressed and ready to go for warm-ups by 315.

Please continue to review our team goals to the left...and what we aim to stand for as a team as we get rolling back into the heart of our season!

PS. A delayed "congrats" to Megan Dangremond for being elected by her teammates as a rotating captain...for her DEDICATION!

Summer Goalkeeping Camp

This seems a bit random...apologies...but wanted to notify anyone interested of a goalie camp I (and a coaching partner...another former MSU goalie) will be running this July.

Here's the link:

http://elitegoalkeepingcamp.blogspot.com/

Check it out...let me know if you or anyone you know might be interested...etc.!

Team Dinner

We'll have our first team dinner on Wednesday, April 11 at 7 PM until 8-830ish...at Coach Robinson's house (maps and more details to come at tomorrow's team meeting).

Here are the team dinner responsibilities for 16 players and 1 coach...please let me know if any of this is a concern:

**Jersey Numbers 2-6= main meal items

**Jersey Numbers 7-8= starch/dinner bread items

**Jersey Numbers 9-12= fruit/veggie items

**Jersey Numbers 14-15: beverage items

**Jersey Numbers 16-18: utensils...paper plates, plastic eating utensils, napkins, cups

**Jersey Numbers 20-22: dessert items

If anyone would like to swap duties, you can work it out amongst yourselves! Lookin' forward to a fun night, girls. And, of course, work out who's bringing what regarding teammates in your "food group". Please let your parents know asap regarding the above plans. See you tomorrow for a team meeting in my classroom at 3 PM.

We're Baaaack!

Welcome back to reality, girls! :)

Hope the break was therapeutic overall...and that you still got some work done regarding school and fitness?! Regarding "school", i'll be checking in with your teachers shortly regarding grades, etc. Remember, you girls are STUDENTS first...and our first team rule follows that idea. Take care of your business in the classroom...and ask for help if needed.

Ok, here's the tentative schedule for this coming "back to school" week:

**Monday: practice 3-5 PM...supposed to be a bit colder, windy, and perhaps rainy...be ready!

**Tuesday: practice 3-5 PM...TEAM MEETING IN ROBINSON'S ROOM @ 3 PM.

**Wednesday: practice 3-5....TEAM DINNER AT ROBINSON'S HOUSE AT 7 PM.

**Thursday: game @ Middleville (5 PM)...dress at school to be determined.

**Friday: practice 3-5 PM.

Lookin' forward to seeing you all! Let me know if you have any questions, concerns, comments at all at this point...i'm here for ya.

Happy Spring Break!!

Ladies,

Enjoy the R(est) and R(elaxation) with friends and family for the next week and some change. I'm sure it's all much needed in your current lives.

PLEASE be sure to stay conditioned/fit over this next week as well, so that we can hit the ground running come Monday, April 9 for practice.

As requested, here is a recommended workout schedule for the upcoming days off:

**Friday (today) through Sunday: cross-train...in other words, do something non-soccer-related, fun, and active for an hour or so...basketball, tennis, volleyball, biking, roller-blading, etc.

**Monday (April 1): long distance running...at least 2 miles/20-30 mins.

**Tuesday: sprints of some sort (suicides, cutting, straight ahead sprints, etc.) for 20-30 mins.

**Wednesday: cross-train...see above

**Thursday: long distance running...see above

**Friday: sprints...see above

**Saturday: cross-train...see above

**Sunday: OFF

Hope that helps?! Check back later next week for the "back to school" schedule. We have a game on the first Thursday back...fyi. Also, I'm thinking about that team dinner for the return week as well. Tuesday? Wednesday? We'll see...

Game Thoughts...1-0 win vs. Kenowa Hills

Ladies,

First, overall job well done today in notching our first win of the season. Our season "goals" are right on target thus far, and you all should be commended for that. That said, we can still play much better as the season winds on and as we play much better competition. In all, we've got to finish our offensive chances and stay disciplined on defense!

Have a great, safe Spring Break, girls. I'll chime in later regarding conditioning ideas, per request, as well as the schedule for the week we get back. Feel free to contact me if you need anything at all!

Take care.

PS. Once again, feel free to check out the "game recaps" link to the lower left.

Game Thoughts...1-1 Tie @ Coopersville

Well, girls, it was a mostly positive effort last night at Coopersville. It has to at least be mildly disappointing though to give up a late goal like we did after having dominating most of the play for the match. Oh, well...we can chalk that up to the beauty of soccer: anyone can win (or tie...or lose) on any given day no matter the circumstances (i.e. dominating most of the possession, etc.). File that in your memory banks when we, ourselves, go up against the more skilled teams later this season!

Check out the "game recaps" link to the left for some game highlights/thoughts.

Lookin' forward to continuing our team/personal improvements, girls!

Schedule for NEXT WEEK (March 26-30)

**Monday: wear warmups and black jerseys to school...bus leaves at 245 PM...bring healthy snacks/beverages for the bus...be dressed and ready to go by the time we arrive in Coopersville for our 4 PM game...have written or face-to-face consent if you are NOT riding the bus home.

**Tuesday: practice 3-5 PM

**Wednesday: home game vs. Kenowa Hills at 4 PM...scheduled ball girls, be ready...we'll meet on the game field by 315 PM dressed and ready to go for warmups.

**Thursday/Friday: no practice...enjoy your Spring Break, girls!

I'm looking forward to seeing how we start the season, ladies. Review our team goals, "what we stand for" values, and team rules...and then let's get this party started in a positive, successful way!

PS. Congrats again to Ambre Couturier and Amelia Ruiz for their permanent captaincy elections today...as well as Veronica Overbeek for her alternating captaincy based on "communication"!

PPS. Check out the newly updated "2012 JV Girls Roster" link to the left as well!

Schedule Update

We will play at Allegan at a time to be determined on Wednesday, May 2 instead of our originally scheduled Rogers game.

First Full Week SCHEDULE (March 19-23)

**Monday: Team meeting in Coach Robinson's room (room 111...junior hallway) at 3 PM...practice after.

**Tuesday: practice 3-5 PM

**Wednesday: practice 3-5 PM

**Thursday: practice 3-5 PM...Parent Meeting 5 PM...Team Pictures 615 PM

**Friday: practice 3-5 PM

Lookin' forward to a great season, ladies! Be on time and ready on Monday in my room to discuss, brainstorm about, listen to, and watch anything/everything to do with soccer and this upcoming season.

Have a great weekend...and Go, State! :)