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! :)

Banquet UPDATE

Our end-of-season banquet will be held in the HS Forum Room on Wednesday, June 8 at 6 PM.

Freshmen, please bring drinks to pass for both teams/families.

Sophomores/Juniors, please bring desserts to pass for both teams/families.

Banquet

Our end-of-season, program-wide soccer banquet will take place on Wednesday, June 8 at 6 P.M. at a location yet to be determined. Hope to see you all there!

More details to come....

Final Game Thoughts...and more

Ladies, our 1-1 tie vs. Zeeland West was fitting, I thought: two evenly-matched teams battling it out all afternoon. You guys really responded to a poor first half with a strong all-around second half...job well down with that.

If you check the "game recap" link, you'll see this:

**Final overall record: 11-4-2 (5-3-2 OK Green)
**Goals For: 48
**Goals Against: 9

That's a pretty successful season right there, girls! Be proud of your work this season!

We'll talk a bit more at our end-of-season team meeting tomorrow (Friday) right after school in my room. PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING ALL (CLEAN) UNIFORM ITEMS: FULL WARM-UPS, TWO SETS OF TOPS, AND SHORTS.

See you all soon! Enjoy your first weekday off in a while....

2-0 Loss to Unity...and more.

Girls, you took another small, positive step last night in a tightly-contested match at Unity. The score perhaps doesn't reflect it, but you aptly hung with that team for much of the game. Job well done! Now we've got one final practice and one final game left...let's match the overall JV wins record (12) tomorrow, PERFORM, and end with a bang!

Details:

**Home game vs. Zeeland West tomorrow (Wednesday) at 4 PM...meet in my room directly after school before dressing...be fully dressed and ready to go on the game field by 315 PM...we need ball girl volunteers as well!

6-0 Win Over West Catholic...and more

Girls, I thought we did a great job all over the field last night in the dominating win over West Catholic...a number of good PERFORMANCES up and down our roster. Nice job! On Monday, we've got a whole different beast to match up against: Unity. We'll certainly have to have the level of PERFORMING that day like we did last night in the win. We can do it though! Remember the solid way in which we played vs. Unity earlier in the season, and remain confident!

Schedule for next week:

**Monday: game at Unity (5 PM)...bus leaves at 3:45...wear warmups/black tops to school...we'll vote on a team captain before the game regarding PERFORMANCE.

**Tuesday: practice...our last one!

**Wednesday: last game...time/location yet to be determined.

**Thursday: OFF

**Friday: short team meeting in Robinson's classroom after school (no later than 4 PM)...bring all uniform items!

Enjoy this last week of soccer, girls! No regrets...PERFORM!

0-0 Byron Center Tie

Ladies, simply put: we need to do a better job of finishing quality offensive chances. I'm sure you guys would agree that today's game should have been a win. We dominated possession, had numerous quality offensive chances, and were solid defensively for the most part (despite two late breakaways for B.C.). Our remaining THEME on the season is PERFORM...and we need to do a better job of focusing and PERFORMING all over the field and especially on offense.

Keep this in mind for our next game vs. West Catholic!

See you for practice tomorrow...our second-to-last practice for the season.

Random

Please pass this along to anyone who might be interested in a soccer goalkeeping camp this summer that I plan to run myself!

http://elitegoalkeepingcamp.blogspot.com/

1-0 Win vs. Wayland

Girls, you did a nice job of battling through some adversity today (injuries, heat, etc.) and staying MENTALLY TOUGH in pulling out the win. We now sit at 10-3 overall on the year...and that's something to be PROUD of...but NOT complacent about! With 4 remaining games in the season, we've got to win at least 3 of them in order to reach our "new" goal of surpassing all other Hamilton JV girls soccer teams in terms of overall number of wins in a season (12).

Our theme for the last two weeks of the season is simply this: PERFORM. Think back to one of our first conversations as a team in my classroom. I stated how every team goes through a typical cycle during a season: forming, storming/norming, and PERFORMING. Luckily, we've had little to no drama on the team thus far, so the "storming" has taken care of itself. "Norming", if you recall, refers to players knowing their roles on the team and being comfortable with them...and I think we've been there for a while now. NOW it's simply PERFORM! In other words, it's time to just buckle down and come through with winning plays during "money time"...stepping up in the clutch...delivering under pressure...however you want to phrase it. So how can you, yourself, do this?! And who has been portraying this idea on a consistent basis? We'll vote on Tuesday for our next interim captain....

Tentative schedule for next week:

**Monday/Tuesday: practice 3-5 PM

**Wednesday: home game at 4 vs. ?

**Thursday: practice 3-5 PM

**Friday: game at GR West Catholic at 5 PM.

I hope you enjoyed the festivities at Amelia's house, girls! Thanks again for the offer, Amelia (and fam). See you soon, girls.

1-0 Loss to H.C.

Girls, overall it was a spirited, strong effort vs. a talented team in tough conditions last night. And for THAT alone, you should be proud. The scoreboard didn't show it, but you guys should remain confident and view the game as yet another building block for the season. Keep it up!

Now, how do we MENTALLY handle an admittedly "lesser" game vs. Wayland tomorrow? In other words, are we MENTALLY TOUGH enough to handle the inevitable emotional come-down of a big game and handle business vs. a lesser foe?! I think we are...but we have to prove it. Let's get back to our winning ways and keep striving toward our team goals posted to the left!

See you at practice.

8-0 win vs. Wyo. Rogers

Girls, another solid job today "taking care of business". Despite some sloppy play in the first half, I thought you really came out in the second half with guns a' blazin'. Way to go...again.

Now, it's time for H.C. Finally...

Our theme this week is MENTAL TOUGHNESS. How can you/we stay even-keel, cool, and composed through ANY situation (i.e. inclement weather, refereeing, opponents, mistakes, etc.)? Let's shoot for that...on the field, in the classroom, and in general!

We'll meet in the HS gym tomorrow for practice from 3-5 PM...come prepared to practice like we'll play vs. H.C.!

Next Week

Ladies, here is the schedule for next week:

**Monday: game vs. Rogers...meet on the field at 3 PM...wear warm-ups to school...ball girls, be ready.

**Tuesday: practice INSIDE from 3-5 PM...dinner/get-together afterward? Let me know ASAP via email and/or text what you're thinking...or you can post on here with a message!

**Wednesday: game @ Holland Christian at 5 PM.

**Thursday: practice 3-5 PM

**Friday: game vs. Wayland...ball girls, be ready.

Remember our current THEME, girls: QUIET CONFIDENCE. Let's take care of business vs. Rogers on Monday and BELIEVE that we can win vs. H.C. on Wednesday!

Have a good, safe weekend, girls.

8-0 win vs. Wyo. Park

And we march on....

Way to give a professional, confident effort today, girls, in "taking care of business" vs. Park. I thought we played a pretty complete game; in other words, our defense was stout once again and our offense created plenty of varied scoring opportunities throughout the shortened match. Keep this up! Especially heading into another big week of soccer next week...

Remember, our THEME of this week continues to be carrying yourselves with QUIET CONFIDENCE. Do this in every aspect of your lives, girls!

See you tomorrow for practice.

2-1 Win @ B.C.

Girls, it was another solid performance yesterday, this time vs. a physical conference opponent. Way to keep the winning ways going! I mean it when I say that this team has a realistic chance to surpass any other JV soccer team here at Hamilton in terms of overall and conference record by the end of the season. BUT, like I said at last night's game, we need to take care of business vs. the lesser opponents and overachieve a bit vs. the "more skilled" opponents coming up on our schedule (i.e. Holland Christian?).

For that reason, our THEME for this week is simply CONFIDENCE...but more importantly HUMBLE CONFIDENCE. In other words it's important that we walk the walk (quietly) and believe that every game will be a win...and then go out and do the positive things you know to do in order to GET that win. Believe that this team can be special. Have that attitude every day! So, how can YOU develop/keep this mentality going personally?! In life, you ARE what you THINK you are.

Let's keep it up!

Scheduling Update

The scheduled JV game for this Thursday vs. Calvin Christian is NOW CANCELED. The varsity game will still occur that day.

4-0 Win vs. Hopkins

Girls, another strong effort today all around. Keep up the good work! I'm proud of the way you girls handle yourselves professionally...during practices, during warmups, and during games. It's a pleasure to watch and experience. I think I told you this before, but the best teams in any sport are the teams that run themselves...without a coach dictating things all the time; in other words, quality player leadership amongst mature teammates = success. We have that...and we NEED to keep that up.

Here's the schedule for next week:

**Monday: game at Byron Center...bus leaves right after school...wear Hamilton-related gear to school.

**Tuesday: practice

**Wednesday: game vs. Wyo. Park at home.

**Thursday: practice (C. Christian game = canceled)...help out with "Formidable Feet" at 4:30 PM before Varsity game at 5 PM.

**Friday: practice

Enjoy the weekend, ladies! Let's keep up the good, hard work!

2-0 Zeeland East Win

Girls, check out the "results" link on the left for a game recap for tonight's game.

Overall, another job well done tonight, girls. As a coach, it's great to see that an entire team plays hard, smart, and for each other each and every time out. We NEED to keep that up as we progress through the heart of the season. Remember one of our first conversations as a team? It was about the four phases in which every team in any team sport goes through during the course of a given season: forming, storming, norming, and performing. It seems to me that we're officially in the norming/performing stages, which a is a great sign. In other words, girls are understanding their roles, their positions, and their expectations as players on the team...and performing to the best of their abilities. Keep that up, girls!

Remember, DETAILS are so important. Keep in mind how YOU can pay more attention to the details of everyday life...it all leads to success!

Hopkins is next...let's go get 'em. See you all tomorrow at 3 PM on the game field dressed and ready to go!

2-0 Loss to Unity...and more.

Girls, it was another hard-fought effort today...this time vs. a talented opponent. I really thought, despite the occasional physical lulls (i.e. headers), that we hung tough throughout the game, didn't look intimidated, and made an honest, composed attempt at offensive possession until the final whistle. In other words, keep that up, girls! We've GOT to keep getting better though...NO COMPLACENCY!!

If you haven't seen the THEME for the week, check out the message below...let's pay attention to the DETAILS of life!

Heads-up: Due to inclement weather and P/T conferences, we will meet in my room tomorrow at 3 PM. Be prepared for indoor athletic work. We should be done by about 4 PM.

Take care tonight, girls!

2-0 Allegan Win...and More.

Girls, it was a nice rebound in the second half of today's game, but again, we NEED to exhibit that physical presence and possession offense for the ENTIRE course of a given game. Either way, job well done fighting through a sloppy game.

Next week's tentative schedule:

**Monday...home game vs. Unity at 4 PM...dress up for school...meet on the game field at 3 PM...ball girls, be ready.

**Tuesday/Wednesday: practice 3-5 PM

**Thursday: game AT Zeeland East at 5 PM.

**Friday...no school...home game vs. Hopkins at 4 PM.

Our theme for this next week is DETAILS. In other words, the team/individuals who pay attention to the small things (finishing every offensive run, making an honest effort on every 50/50 ball, going hard until hearing a whistle, being mentally focused at all times, finishing every sprint, even stretching and warming up properly, etc.) have the most success. It's that way in everyday life as well. So, how can YOU/WE get better with the DETAILS of the game on a daily basis? Let's make every effort to get better in this area.

Have a great weekend, girls. Look forward to a true challenge this Monday vs. Unity! Believe in yourselves!

Scheduling Update

Our canceled game vs. Calvin Christian this past Monday has been rescheduled for Thursday, May 5 at 4 P.M. (home).

Impressive 2-0 Win vs. Zeeland West

Girls, I meant what I said after the game today: it was one of the more impressive wins that i've witnessed in my history as Hamilton's JV girls soccer coach...what with the consistent physical play, teamwork, individual performances, and battling through the existing weather conditions...all against a quality opponent. Overall, a job well done, ladies!

You know (or should know) what's coming next from me though: we CANNOT become complacent all of the sudden. In other words, if we are simply satisfied with this win and start to get lazy, we're in for a letdown at Allegan on Friday and beyond. Let's prevent that from happening and keep working toward our team and individual goals!

We'll see you for practice tomorrow (Thursday) for important Allegan prep time...our next opponent.

Loss to Middleville...and more.

Girls, I really think the Middleville game was lost due to their physical superiority and overall toughness. Hence, our theme this coming week (and staring today) will be PHYSICAL TOUGHNESS. In other words, we need to bring that aura of aggressive assertiveness on EVERY tackle and 50/50 ball...in any context on the practice and game field...no matter how physically big we actually are. Don't get me wrong, I felt like we still played a pretty strong game last night, but we needed to step up physically and match their intensity a bit more. The great thing is, we've got a lot of time to right the ship in that regard!

Here's the lineup for next week:

**Monday: home game vs. Calvin Christian at 4 PM...wear full game warm-ups to school..meet on the game field at 3 PM.

**Tuesday: practice 3-515 PM

**Wednesday: home game vs. Zeeland West at 4 PM...meet on the game field at 3 PM.

**Thursday: practice 3-515 PM

**Friday: game at Allegan at 5 PM...bus leaves ??

Have a great weekend, girls. Keep in mind how you can individually improve thus far and how we, as a team, can keep improving!

Checking in...again.

Hi, girls! I hope you enjoyed your Spring Break. Ready to get back to work?! I bet....:)

First, check out the post below if you haven't already...and let me know what you think when you get a chance.

Second, here's the plan for this coming week:

Monday: practice (3-515 PM)...WE'LL MEET IN MY CLASSROOM AT 3 PM FOR A BRIEF TEAM MEETING. BE DRESSED AND READY TO GO FOR OUTDOOR PRACTICE AFTERWARD.

Tuesday: practice (3-515 PM)

Wednesday: practice (3-515 PM)...team dinner at my house at 715 PM.

Thursday: home game vs. Middleville....meet on the game field by 3 PM dressed and ready to go.

Friday: practice (3-515 PM)

Note: we'll still focus on COMMUNICATION as our weekly theme next week. Keep in mind how YOU can improve each and every day in this aspect!

That's it for now, girls. I'm looking forward to getting back to work and seeing you all. Go, Hawks!

Early Proposal

Hey, girls. First, I hope you're enjoying your break thus far! Can we get some sun around here, please? :)

Second, i'd like to host you girls at my house for a team dinner on Wednesday, April 13 sometime after our practice that day (probably 700-730?). I wanted to alert you ahead of time so that perhaps you could plan ahead, notify parents, etc. If we've got enough takers, we'll roll with that plan and follow the food/beverage arrangements below:

Jersey #'s 2-6 = main course
Jersey #'s 7-10 = bread/starch
Jersey #'s 11-14 = fruits/veggies
Jersey #'s 15-20 = beverages/desserts

I will provide utensils. Address and more details to come...

Take care, girls!

Kenowa Hills thoughts...

...and more.

Ladies, another job well done in our first away game of the season (and last before Spring Break). I'm proud of the way you've handled yourselves thus far...on the field and off. Let's keep this thing rollin' when we come back from break. Be sure to KEEP FIT over the next week and a half...and of course, remember to HAVE FUN AND BE SAFE!!

Check out the "recap" link to the left if you want...

Be sure to please check back in on this site since i'll post at least one more time later in the week next week.

Enjoy, girls! Let me know if you need anything at all.

First Game Thoughts...

Girls, all in all, a job well done today in our first match (5-0 win) of the season. Considering our four team goals (and the fact that we were missing a couple key girls due to illness...get better soon, Maddie and Alyssa!), it was a great way to start the season.

Now, let's not got carried away...we've still got a lot of work to do. And we'll be playing more talented teams this season, that's for sure. We need to keep developing good habits (like COMMUNICATION) in practices and in games.

Feel free to check out the newly updated "roster" and "recap" links to the left.

Let's get better tomorrow with a solid practice before our next match vs. Kenowa Hills!

PS. Our bus leaves at 315 PM on Wednesday after school for the game, and we'll have snacks and drinks in the cafeteria after school before boarding the bus.

See you all tomorrow!

Weekend Updates

Hi, girls. First, I hope you're already having a good, restful weekend! I hope you've been able to access this site with ease as well.

Multiple items:

**Check out the newly added items to the left regarding goals, rules, standards, etc. KEEP THESE TEAM-VOTED IDEAS ALWAYS IN MIND..ESPECIALLY AT THE START OF THIS SEASON! I've also added a link to our season schedule in case you lose your copy. To come in the near future, our official roster and game recaps...

**Next week's schedule...home game on Monday at 4 PM vs. Coopersville, practice on Tuesday outside, away game at Kenowa Hills at 5 PM on Wednesday, no practice Thursday or Friday for Spring Break.

**Monday reminders...we'll wear our full warm-ups to school for the day, we'll meet fully dressed and ready to go for the game at 3 PM outside on the game field (warm-up CD, captains?), and plan on staying for at least half of the varsity game to follow. Dress warmly! Sid and Megan V., be ready to "ball girl" for the varsity game.

**Congrats to Taylor for her "rotating captain" recognition yesterday...well done, GK! Also, a delayed "congrats" to Niki and Sid for their official captain recognition...much deserved. We can all be positive leaders though...right, girls?

**Our weekly theme next week will be COMMUNICATION: in other words, how can we ALL demonstrate a level of positive verbal and non-verbal communication...on and off the field. Communication is KEY...in ALL situations! On the field, it makes the game of soccer sooooo much easier. Let's demonstrate this first starting on Monday.

I'm looking forward to starting this season off with a bang next week. Think positively...visualize success...and be there for each other no matter the circumstances, girls! See you all on Monday.

Team Meeting

We'll be meeting in my classroom at 3 PM tomorrow (Tuesday) for our first official team meeting. Bring a pencil and indoor soccer gear since we will NOT be heading outside.

Also, bring ideas about team goals, team captains, team rules, and team standards we'd like to stand for all season long.

PS. We will have official team pictures at 5 PM this Thursday on the soccer field...more news to come.

Looking forward to a good week of soccer and team-building!

Start of the Season

Girls, I'm really excited to work with the 17 of you this season. The expectation is that we'll work hard, stay positive, grow as soccer players and people....and have fun doing it!

Have a good, restful weekend. Stay tuned to updates this weekend on next week's schedule. It's looking like we'll have our first official team meeting on Tuesday or Wednesday of next week in my classroom instead of Monday due to the weather forecast.

Again, stay tuned. Lookin' forward, everyone!

Tryouts

Hi, everyone. Reiterating the announcement that Coach Malefyt just made, our first day of tryouts on Monday, March 14 will be OUTSIDE. We'll meet in my room (#111) initially at 3:15 PM (be dressed already) and then head outside for training until about 530 PM.

See you all then! Dress warmly! Looking forward....

Skill Session Sign-up

Starting on Thursday, Jan. 27 (and on each successive Thursday in the middle school balcony area), the following groups of 4 will meet with either Coach Malefyt or myself:

3:00-3:30 PM (Robinson)...Morgan Stillson, Tyler Immink, Aaron Polet, Deban Scholtehn
3:00-3:30 PM (Malefyt)...Shannon Blourne, Emily Grady, Libby Stafford, Sidney Grady
3:30-4:00 PM (Robinson)...Nicole Brigert, Jessica Holst, Cody Weber, Travis Williams
3:30-4:00 PM (Malefyt)...Ambre Couturier, Megan Dangremond, Amelia Ruiz, Hannah Krause

Mark it down on your calendars, show up early to your session to warm up and stretch on your own, wear indoor soccer/tennis shoes, and bring water!

See Coach Malefyt or myself for questions or concerns. Lookin' forward to working with you all!

OFFICIAL off-season training...

A note from Coach Malefyt...

Hello everyone!
Here is the information for this years winter training schedule. Availability in the middle school balcony is not ideal so we are making the best of what we have. There are really four different things that we have planned for you:
1. One Structured day per week for circuit training in the middle school balcony. This will happen 3-4 on Mondays. The first date for this will be January 24.
2. One structured day per week for a running program that Coach Wandel has put together. This will happen at the High School Indoor Track. This structured day will be on Tuesdays. However, the first available day will be on a Wednesday...January 19.
3. Along with the Tuesday structured day...you should do the running program one more day. However, this day is up to you. Each Tuesday you will get the workout for that week and you would do the same workout on your own time. This could even be done at home.
4. Coach Robinson and myself are offering ball workout sessions on Thursday's after school. Signup with Coach Robinson!

Click here to see all of this in scheduled form! (This will tell of day's off as well)

Hopefully when you look at the schedule and read the email it will make sense to you. Please let me know if you have any questions!

Coach Malefyt

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.