Each Monday junior Johnna Ward will write a blog about the team and its season. Each blog will be posted here. Be sure to check back each week for updates!
March 15, 2010
Gotta love March Madness!!! This past weekend was one of the most intense basketball weekends I've witnessed in a while. Close games left and right! There's nothing better than a competitive spirit and the WAC showed that in flying colors.
Along with the amazing basketball came something better, the fans and undying support to the game. While watching the championship women's game I had the opportunity to look around and admire the huge selection of people that this little sport brings together.
For the love of the game isn't just a statement - it's a lifestyle. The elderly fans show such dedication that when their team had already lost they still came to support. It's really a beautiful thing when watching 10 people run around can cause such happiness in the lives of people.
Fans befriended fans and players befriended players, when all said and done, it's all about the experience. Whether you're playing, watching, cheering, coaching or in the band, basketball really is more than a sport and that's why I love it. March 8, 2010
March 8, 2010
It's here. WAC tourney time. The week where all of our summer workouts, preseason conditioning, individual workouts, practices and games come together. The preparation for this one game has been extensive and there's nothing that is going to stop us from playing our hearts out Wednesday. It would have been nice to come into the tourney with a win, but coming in with a loss only gives us more motivation. I really hope that the city of Reno will come out and support this week's games, all the teams. It's March Madness time and that calls for some rowdy fans. I want Reno fans to be known for their energy, the tournament will never be here again, so soak it up Renoites!
On the note of soaking it up, the sun is shining like crazy today and it makes me think about the fact that no matter how bad a situation, tomorrow always brings new opportunities. I don't believe yesterday could of gotten much worse, considering we played with no heart. But the fact of the matter is today is a new day and there's nothing we can do about yesterday. No matter how miserable something is, you have to remember that tomorrow is a new day. It's the last thing you want to hear when things are on that downhill spiral, but it's so true. Dwelling just wastes energy, it's much easier to be positive and appreciate each day for what it is.
Keep on Keeping on Pack Fans!
February 22, 2010
Think Pink! This month we had the honor of wearing our graciously donated pink uniforms, but it wasn't just about looking cute. The meaning behind the pink hits a lot of people close to home. Cancer beyond breast makes me stop mid stride and try to figure out why.
Why is it that things can literally change in the blink of an eye? One day everything is peachy keen and the next day you're informed that your loved one has cancer. One day it's 60 degrees, the next it's snowing a foot. Life happens in the blink of an eye, so why not LIVE in every single moment.
I know I blog about this kind of stuff all the time, but with the month being the breast cancer awareness month it just opens my eyes even wider to the realization that life isn't perfect, it isn't a given. Everyone is dealt a different card and the ones that are successful are the ones that learn to play that hand. Deal with what you're dealt and know that everything happens for a reason.
And because no time is guaranteed and no moments are permanent, it's crucial to take it all in. A serious song suggestion for all you blogees "Dreams be Dreams" by Jack Johnson focusing on the chorus. Don't let your dreams be dreams, tomorrows not promised. Live the life you love and love the life you live.
Keep on Keepin on Pack Fans!
February 15, 2010
When the going gets tough, the tough get going! Character reveals a lot and I may be biased but I think us Pack women showed that we have pretty strong character. Saturday night's game against Utah State was a tough battle, especially coming off a loss at Boise State where we played absolutely horrible. But the main point is the fact that when we got knocked off the horse, we got right back on.
When three of the five starters are feeling extremely under the weather and we can still pull off a win, that reveals more than just talent - it reveals heart. Pnut (Amanda Johnson) was in the locker room throwing up minutes before the game on Saturday, but because she is dedicated she played through it all and pulled out a win. Character is something that is overlooked everyday and it shouldn't be.
Speaking of looking, this past Friday was the "Blue Tie Ball" and I think Nevada should be very proud of the beauty that the University of Nevada has within its athletes. Members of each team attended a very elegant ball and they all looked astonishing. The boosters deserve major props for all the donations they gave and should know that they are greatly appreciated by every single-athlete. So, thank you very much from all of us DI'ers.
Make this week the week that your character is revealed and if something goes south, hop back on that horse and ride on!
Keep on Keepin on Pack fans!
February 8, 2010
Busy, busy, busy! What a week and what a weekend to come. Traveling everywhere, Super Bowl, and Valentine's Day!!! There really are 100,000 things I could write about this week especially with the Girls and Women in Sports Day being such a success at Saturday's game but instead of that I want to focus on the importance of love, considering V-day is a week away (lovers get on the ball!)
I know that Valentine's Day is a day dedicated to making a point to those that you love, that indeed you love them. But what about those of us that are single? Everyone dreads it! As a matter of fact, we boycott the holiday.
So, instead of being a negative Nancy this time around, I decided that V-day is going to represent all the things I love. Beyond people, it's going to be a day that I dedicate to myself, because even though I have no significant other, there are many loves in my life - basketball, coffee, family, friends and much more, but the main thought I have is to make a point to realize what it is that you love.
What makes you love something? What's the emotion, feeling and the desire behind it all? Valentine's Day this year is going to be the deepest holiday yet and I encourage you to figure out just exactly what you love and why.
Since I have a couple flights to write things out, I plan on telling my closest friends just exactly what makes me love them. It never hurts to actually let people know how you feel, especially when time isn't guaranteed. Don't let love pass you by.
Keep on keepin on Pack fans!
February 1, 2010
Las Cruces...not the most exciting place in the world. BUT leave it to us to make it exciting. Of course coach, being her adventurous self, decided it would be amazing to plan yet another trip to Bob O's for laser tag. Needless to say, the results aren't 100% necessary; just know that no matter what the staff says, the player's score clearly combined to more than theirs (even though the players were on two teams). They are just sore little losers and can't accept that we redeemed ourselves this year!
Game day:
Early morning shoot around, a stop at a Milagro Coffee, a place that coach read about in one of her 100,000,000 books, and of course the game. So what could come of this day? A lot.
The motto for the week is not taking advantage of what we have.
Why though? At Milagro, I had the pleasure of sitting next to a man who wasn't all there. At first I just thought he was drunk, but then I realized this man was legitimately "crazy". So it got me thinking, he didn't choose to be this way, it was just the card he was dealt. We should be so thankful for what we have, be thankful that we can speak a sentence and have it make an inkling of sense. Don't ever forget that we are blessed beyond and that anything can happen.
Speaking of anything happening, another example of this not taking advantage of things; a 21-point lead. I'm not talking crap, but New Mexico didn't come out as strong in the second half, they took advantage of the 21-point lead, and our persistency chipped it away and ultimately lead to our victory.
So in all reality this week is a double whammy motto week.
Never take advantage of the dailies and be extra persistent with the things you desire.
Keep on keepin on Pack fans!
January 25, 2010
One week down, too many to go! School started and the only thing I could think of during the little orientations of each class was "oh boy, what have I gotten myself into this time, this is way over my head". But then after reading my first week's assignments I came to the conclusion that I tend to sell myself short.
After all, these books we are required to have were written by someone who just had an idea. I really have the power to understand everything I read. Even if it takes me ten times longer to read a section, I still have the ability to understand it. Selling myself short is a cop out and a slap in the face to God who gave us such a powerful thing as the brain.
I have a tattoo of a key and its meaning is finally coming into play - I have the power and so do you to control everything. Lock out what you want, and open the doors to where you want to go. It may sound cheesy but really, each and every one of us has the power to direct our lives.
No matter the situation, how you respond to it determines who you are. Having a bad day? Turn it around. It's much easier to be happy and stress free. Concentrate on making the best out of things, use your key to open and close the doors you want to discover. Make every day, the day.
ALSO DON'T FORGET WE PLAY LA TECH AND IT'S ON ESPNU, so if you want your 30 seconds of fame, Tuesday night is the perfect opportunity. Don't let us down, show the viewers that Reno supports their only university's athletics.
Keep on keepin on Pack fans!
January 18, 2010
There's nothing like being "stuck" on an island to bring this team a little closer. This past weekend, very well could have been the best experience the University of Nevada women's basketball team has ever had. Free time, playtime, game time, all of the above were accomplished in just three days.
Night one in Hawaii we went to this amazing beachside restaurant, the Shorebird, where we received our food raw and then headed to the grills to be our own cooks. I must confess I'm a pretty good burger griller. Most of the team could stand the heat of making our own food, but after all that hard work we were hungry for.... some fun. So what do you do in Hawaii when the local music is over? Of course you karaoke!
Half the team represented the University of Nevada very well with their rendition of "Yeah" by Usher. Thanks to Marianne Lombardi's dancing skills I do believe the restaurant got more than they paid for. Yet again, this team showed that we are more than just basketball players.
Friday coach got us up bright and early to venture eastbound and snorkel our little hearts out. Seeing tropical fish and swimming with turtles is not overrated. Diving deep into the unknown reefs to discover more species was even more of a rush. It's hard to explain, but to me, snorkeling is one of the most amazing things out there.
Dinner at Bubba Gumps followed by the whole team shopping couldn't have made the day better. Now, I don't know if we are all liars, or we just happen to all look amazing in what we try on but the whole squad tore up the store Forever 21 and all I heard the in Pack-filled dressing room was compliments from one another about outfits being tried on. We practically played dress up for an hour and bonded like there was no tomorrow.
Then we road the trolley back to the hotel and walked around the busy streets of Waikiki beach. Of course like any downtown there were street entertainers, and boy oh boy, could these two little girls sing! We stood there and listened for at least 20 minutes, they were beyond amazing.
The last day of Hawaii coach gave up free time, considering we didn't play until 7 p.m. So what does a group of college girls do? HIT THE BEACH. A few hours of baking in the sun and playing in the waves and we were ready for the game - another win and another amazing experience.
There are a million more stories to tell, so if you ever want to know the full extent of our street walking, shopping and hanging out in paradise experiences.... Just ask!
Keep on keepin on Pack fans!
January 11, 2010
Talk about some synergy. We were one heck of a unit against Boise State, and I hate to say it, but if you didn't go you really missed out. Close games bring out the intense competitive spirit in people and that is exactly what happened Saturday night. Starting off 2-0 is an excellent feeling, but the greater feeling was the unity and teamwork we displayed. Everyone came together to win as one.
The perfect way to go on the road! Speaking of which, we leave Tuesday for Utah and then have the DREADED trip to Hawaii. That's a total joke, what a perfect way to end the winter break by having a short little business trip to the lovely islands. That's one of the largest perks of playing in the WAC, the yearly trip to Hawaii. Thank goodness we have a coach that spoils us, hello snorkeling and nighttime dinners on the beach!
I'm almost certain, thanks to Jane Albright, that Hawaii will be my destination after college. Why not live in one of the most beautiful places in the world? Why not love where you are? I'm thinking that life needs to be about more than just work. Of course we go over there to play and do our jobs, but why not enjoy the down time and experience life. Coach always makes our trips about more than basketball, and I think that's what makes us grow as players. We encounter it all. So your mission is to experience it all.
Keep on Keepin' on Pack Fans!
January 3, 2010
Faith: Complete trust or confidence in someone or something.
2010 is here and that means a brand new year with brand new resolutions.
This blog is going to be a little different than most because I have ONE new year's resolution for you.
Faith. Have faith in this team that we can win, we will win and that we will make it to the big dance. Even though we don't pack the stands, we still feed off the energy of the crowd. Basketball is a simple game after all, whether you know it or not, the fans are half of the equation to winning. Home games should represent the city's faith in the University's teams. No matter the situation, die-hard fans are needed. They should stick with a team through the ups and downs, wins and most importantly through the losses.
I'm not begging, I'm just asking one thing of the fans. Faith. Don't lose it; preseason is preseason for a reason. We play all those months to prepare for March. The only games that matter are in the WAC tournament, we could go in with two wins throughout season and still win the whole thing. So fans, be a real fan and stick with us through it all. One resolution, one world. Faith, don't forget it.
Keep on Keepin' on Pack Fans!
December 28, 2009
Oh Christmas time, my favorite holiday ever! There's nothing like going home for those few days to embrace in the memories and rekindle the love with all the long losts. That's pretty much what I experienced this time around, Christmas dinner was an exceptional experience. There were six generations, 93 years of life in one room. Not all family, but just the fact that one holiday can bring together 93 years of life is such an amazing thought.
The laughter that was exchanged, the gifts, the love, everything that happened was what made me not want to sleep for three days. Now I don't know who all reads this, but Elko's Cowboy Joes Coffee shop was the headquarters for the Spring Creekian reunions. The friends and I spent hours on end there, just chatting, catching up on everything that everyone is doing. And it made me realize that life goes so fast. Before you know it, last weekend turned to four years ago.
With that being said I'm beginning to think that I need to stop and enjoy the scenery. Take in every moment and savor every laugh. The random reunions in the airports with the Crnkovich sisters, the numerous coffee refills, and the fact that my niece was only interested in the dogs presents and not her own, were all events that I need to stop and actually realize, take a step back and soak every moment up. 2010, here I come. Smiles all around and every moment a memory.
Keep on Keepin' on Pack Fans!
December 21, 2009
Oh how the California sun brings out the life in everyone. Thank goodness we got the opportunity to travel and play a very talented Pepperdine. The experience of playing other universities is amazing.
Coach gave us the opportunity to hang out at the beach for a couple hours after we arrived in Burbank. Just picture it...fifteen girls in Jordan sweat suits on this California beach with all the others out in the water surfing. Clearly we weren't fitting in too well, but who needs bikinis? Everyone knows us little Nevada girls aren't ready for bikini season in the middle of winter!
It didn't faze us though; we pretended to be artists, football players and laid out in the amazing Southern California sun. I'm thinking Kaep (Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick) has his work cut out for him if Marissa Hammond tried out for the quarterback position - just saying!
But on a serious note, we didn't pull out the win, but (junior college transfer) Tahnee (Robinson) got her chance to come out and finally play. All I have to say is watch out, this girl can play! She's the strongest guard I've ever dealt with, believe me... she clearly makes me (and the others) look like rag dolls in practice.
This Tuesday night at 7 p.m. is our game against Washington State, SO don't miss this Pac-10 opportunity to watch us prove ourselves with our complete team.
I also need to do a little shout out to the best snow ball fighters and biggest little fans of the Pack; Dominic, Anthony and Allison Matteoni... you guys are amazing!
Keep on Keepin' on Pack fans!
Johnna Ward
December 14, 2009
Clearly the child never leaves anyone and this recent snowfall was pure evidence of that. Snow days in college will brighten every students life especially during finals and that's exactly what we got. Monday was the most amazing day ever.
After a team meeting Marianne and I were off to hit the slopes for some entertainment and I do believe we got more than we asked for. Thanks to the real troopers, who sled before the trails had been made, all that was left was for Mare and I to do was go hard or go home. I think our sledding experience could have been a little too hard, considering I thought I broke a rib.
The fun thing about snow is it's cold, so of course we couldn't feel all of these crashes but instead just laughed. And laughed. And laughed. I can't tell a lie, I laughed so hard that my abs were sore the next day. All I have to say is that we had the best time of our lives just having some very innocent snow day fun.
I think I'm going to petition that we have a snow day every week. It's completely necessary to bring out the sleds and get in those amazing laughs. I like to think that laughter makes us young, and boy oh boy, was Monday a day of youth.
So everyone..... do the snow dance, I'm looking forward to some more snow days!
Keep on keepin' on Pack fans!
Johnna Ward
December 7, 2009
They say that second is the first loser and being the competitive person that I am, I usually agree with this statement. But as for last night, losing to a Big East school wasn't a loss in my book. I think our team learned something that goes beyond basketball.
The season has officially kicked off. Of course many of you are probably thinking I've lost my mind considering its December and we started playing in November. But the catch is, we had our first flight trip. Most people would think that flying everywhere is such an honor and so much fun. But after awhile, the airports get a little old. Don't get me wrong I'm so appreciative that we fly everywhere!
So because this was our first trip, the energy was high, the excitement of hopping from place to place set in and with all that extra energy we had to put it to use at the hotel. During our downtime (which gets pretty abundant for 7 o'clock games) we usually just watch TV and study.
Although, since this was our first trip we needed a little something more than the usual, so a few of us decided it was necessary to learn "Cant Touch This" by MC Hammer via Youtube. Talk about a fun time. We were having a throwback session just in case the cheerleaders or dance team members ever want to call us out for a dance off during a media timeout.
Another fun little adventure we had in Tucson was the fire pit in the courtyard. Thanks to Coach Ron, we had excellent fireside stories followed by many laughs! Every trip creates a new memory and every memory makes this family stronger.
Keep on keepin' on Pack fans!
Johnna Ward
November 30, 2009
Sports represent more than just athleticism, they build courage and honor. After the game, Coach Ron mentioned the difference between fear and courage. He didn't talk about the game, instead he focused on those words. Sure they were bigger, stronger and faster but that doesn't always seal the deal, if we would have had an inkling of courage against West Virginia the result could have very well been different.
Speaking of courage, this weekend the family and I went to "The Blind Side" and the overriding theme was honor. Basketball experiences present the opportunities for courage, something that easily turns to honor. For this team to be successful, we need to accept the idea of honor. The fans showed their honor last night with such a large crowd and we let them down. Of course this isn't something that occurs over night, so all of you that doubt us. Let us grow. Let us build on the experiences of this season to improve not only our game, but our lives too. Basketball is teaching us life skills especially when the going gets tough. We will learn from last night, we will not let fear overcome our courage, and never again will we dishonor our fans with such a performance. Mark my words.
Keep on keepin' on Pack fans!
Johnna Ward
November 23, 2009
Good news, Pack fans...We accomplished our feat of revenge on Santa Barbara! After playing a game where everyone contributed, we showed the world (mostly Lawlor attendees) that this Wolf Pack team is going to be very good when we work together. Those of you that attended, thank you.
Speaking of thanks, we have a whole lot to appreciate this coming week! The Nugget Classic comes to town and we have a point to make after our loss to St. Mary's. The key to the tournament is going to be bonding. Especially considering the fact that most of us have to miss the traditional Thanksgiving dinner with the family. Thanks to John Ascuaga's Nugget we will have the opportunity to indulge in a tasty meal with the opponents. Nothing like dining with the enemy!
But on a serious note, the games are over Thanksgiving break so everyone whose family is coming to town better make a point to come watch us run our turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie and five hundred other items off. I don't know about you but it sounds like a fun time to me! Nothing better than watching people exercise when you're feeling the effects of your yearly face stuffing. Here's my mission for you readers: Over the break, take time to appreciate your loved ones and take in every moment with those that make you, you.
Keep on keepin' on Pack fans!
Johnna Ward
November 13, 2009
For those of you that were there, last Sunday's exhibition was a little ugly at first.
And by ugly I'm meaning we looked like Forrest Gump running in those braces. But like any exhibition game, we just need to wear the rust off. Thank goodness it only took 10 minutes before we became the sprint-across-the-country Fortest Gump team that we are capable of. It was fast paced and very exciting, considering we totaled 69 rebounds!
As for those of you who missed it, don't worry, you'll have your chance to watch the Pack in action tonight and on Monday. Because I know everyone is dying to know what we'll be like this year, I'll help you out with a little preview of what you can expect from us this year.
Thanks to our extensive preseason conditioning, in which we thought we had become the track team, I am pleased to let you know we can run and run and run ... and run. Coach Albright is looking at a faster-paced game this year with quicker subbing and 2-3 minute rotations between each position. Thanks to our deep roster this will work perfectly because once we lose an inkling of breath we'll have a sub with fresh legs. All I can say is "Watch out WAC," because we plan on wearing you out!
So if you want a few hours of fun come out and watch us play.
Keep on keepin' on Pack fans!
Johnna Ward
