Tuesday’s Practice

Shockers Nation: Last nights practice was one of those times that makes being a coach extra fun and interesting. It was like a family reunion. The girls had not been together en masse for almost two weeks. And, they were clearly delighted to be together. There was a great deal of laughter, and catching up. The [...]

2009 ASA Cup Summary: Proving our fortitude and demonstrating our nerve

Much of this story, of course, began last Fall. Christy, Haley Anne, and Hannah E. were coming off an undefeated U12 season at ASA. Christy and Haley Anne were invited to play-up for the struggling U14 Blast in the ASA Cup. This gave Christy and Haley Anne an opportunity to rejoin Shockers alum AC with [...]

2009 U16 League Champions

The U16 Fusion Shockers are 2009 League Champions. Coach Brian

2009 Fall Kohls Cup

Shockers Nation: I’ll consider this past weekends Kohls Cup tournament naught less than a worthy success. The U16 Shockers pulled through, demonstrating a lot of character, while up against some very mature and tough teams. We had our own destiny in our collective hands each and every match.  And, we were an odd ball bounce [...]

being pleased or being satisfied

Wednesday night at practice, with some ill-advised shenanigans afoot, I found myself relating a story to our Shockers about “being pleased or being satisfied”. I think most of them will remember the moment. If not the words, well, perhaps the catch in my voice – hopefully my heart, certainly. We have a lot of soccer [...]

Leadership by Example

Shockers Nation: No practice tonight. I realize this is obvious. But, I’ll not take a chance of having an eager Shocker standing in the rain forlornly awaiting her coach. Some thoughts… We’re having another terrific season. With a total of nine matches played between the U14 and U16 Shockers, we have a combined and undefeated [...]

to shocker Parents

Consider ourselves Shocker Nation. Some say this is not Georgia’s finest team. Bernards, each and every one, I say! They, yes, our Shockers, I tell you truly, put forward one or another pathetic rival.  I confound them with my praise!  Yes, let me go further!  Let me say that this is not only the best [...]

not just words… or deeds

Emma, One of our players, hurt her arm during practice over a week ago. I think about her each day and look forward to when she can rejoin the team. I exchanged emails with her mother this afternoon and wrapped that up with something I believe we, as Shocker Nation, understand in terms of what [...]

the season Afoot

We had our first practice of the Fall season Monday. Both the U14 and U16 Shockers squads appear to be comprised of a mighty and ferocious crew. Mighty tigers all, with nary a silly kitten (at least that day). All twenty seven players got through their laps and sprints, too many to count to be [...]

Savannah

Today Shocker Nation descends on Savannah for the Shamrock Celtic Cup. We appear to have a very good draw for our match schedule. We need to rally to our Keeper more than ever. Let’s show everyone we Want The Ball! Coach Brian

Shocker Nation Notes

Shocker Nation: Please consider showing the video below to your daughters. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6MhAwQ64c0 I know the people at GrassHopper. They tell me that much of the video was inspired by many elements of my own background. I honestly think the future of this nation will be in the hands of entrepreneurs. This is how I want [...]

2009 District Cup

My mind whirls with thoughts and emotions around this past weekend and the 2009 District Cup. I’ll not detail each match because they have combined to make for a powerful and dramatic total experience for our Shockers. Every moment was, in itself, a highlight. I believe we emerged with vital lessons learned about establishing goals [...]

Indeed, we are Shockers

Surely, given our collective experiences, we recognize that change and growth can come unexpectedly. We believe we are faced with a bad situation. Then suddenly, sequential events create a positive, if not dramatic, result. We saw that very scenario unfold over the past three weeks with our Shockers. Beginning with our first match with Storm, we [...]

Match #10: Finishing Well

It always feels good to win. However, last night match against Fusion Storm may have been one of our most balanced efforts to date. The difference in our play from this past weekend was simply that of night-and-day. Our defense lived up to its vaunted reputation, but this time was actually led by our Keeper [...]

Match #9: Lessons Learned

I can begin this post regarding yesterday’s match against NSA Magic with some highlights… Our defensive unit was solid. AC Anderson had a brilliant fast break the entire length of the pitch – and, darn near scored. Ironically our Strykers were off-sides and diffused the play. But, that was a ‘shocking’ reminder of AC’s blistering [...]

Underdogs

So… If Facebook exchanges, texting and parent telephone calls are an indication, our Shockers have realized their own pain, and are quickly rallying themselves. Can this signal and set the stage for their best days of the season – and, perhaps their finest hours as citizens? We have a winning season behind us. No one [...]

Match #8: The psychology of victory

It struck me around the 30th minute in the first half of today’s match against Fusion Fury that the psychology of “the beautiful game” is as important as training and preparation. Possibly the difference between coaching and a careful hand on a shoulder. Perhaps it’s all the same. But, each player is different – and, [...]

Shocker Nation

Shocker Families: Our 2009 Spring campaign is drawing to a close with our final matches of the regular season this coming weekend. Saturday we play a surging Fusion Fury, and then Sunday we play, what may be our most pivotal match of the season, against NSA Magic at Pickneyville Field. Count on that being a [...]

Match #7: A Return to Form

After Saturday’s match against Fusion Storm it was greatly evident that our Shockers were keen on returning to form and ready to play NSA Revolution. The majority of the team was at the pitch early and eager to warm up. I reminded them that we still control our destiny and need to keep points to [...]

Match #6: Hard Lessons

This past weekend was tough for the Shockers, albeit fortuitous, because it presented a wake-up call. We met the undefeated Fusion Storm on Saturday. Storm scored early taking advantage of confusion amongst our vaunted defense. The whole match saw a decidedly flat Shockers playing against themselves, and getting beat to the ball.  We were constantly [...]

Match #5: Determination

Our fifth match of the season, played on a breezy Saturday evening, brought us back into the sites of  a Fusion Lightning squad that had naught to lose but an opportunity to take us out of the running to lead our flight. Spoilers can be dangerous. The entire first half represented a titanic defensive struggle [...]

Double Header

This past blustery Saturday our mighty Shockers played a double-header against NSA Magic and Revolution. That is a lot to ask of any team. However, they conducted themselves brilliantly both in terms of character, as well as play, at naught but the highest of levels. The first match against NSA Magic saw the Shockers a [...]

Match #2: Bench Strength

Updated version. Blue skies; a gentle cooling breeze; and, late afternoon brought sister Fusion team Fury to our mighty and fearless Shockers. From the kickoff it was Shocker ball. Majority team Captain Mars Twitchell had Girls Leadership Club duties.  So, Stryker Christy Tovar stepped up for a hat-trick (three goals) in the first half including a [...]

Match #1: Shocker Ball

It feels as though it’s as simple as wanting the ball – and, then force of will.

Transitions

Our girls added new meaning to “wanting the ball”. Not one Shocker, I tell you, failed to fight with all their might for every single ball.