Women's Soccer | 11/10/2014 9:43:00 PM
HUNTSVILLE, AL --- On HUBison.com, we tell the stories of our student-athletes and teams from the outside looking in. As our Women's Soccer team traveled to Huntsville, Alabama to compete in the 2014 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Tournament - a tournament they eventually won - one of our student-athletes was given the opportunity to share the experience from her point of view.
Enjoy this inside look from senior goalkeeper, SWAC Goalkeeper of the Year and SWAC All-Tournament Selection
Kyra Dickinson.
NOVEMBER 5: HEADED TO HUNTSVILLEDespite not having early morning practice, we still had to wake up at the crack of dawn to get down to business. Departing campus at 8:50 am to catch an 11:20 am flight from BWI, it is no secret that the jet life isn't for the weak! Upon getting to the airport, check-in was going smooth - TOO smooth - when the clerk says "uh oh, we have a problem." This was also my cue to walk away.
Not only we were rolling 30 deep, we also have an injured coach (assistant Chris Torres; knee) and an injured "Raisin". Yes, an injured Raisin (senior Jeseca Hinds; knee). It took more than a little team work to maneuver them through the airport and carry their crutches. But on a positive note...priority boarding for the win!
We had a layover in the biggest, most complex airport in the WORLD but we were in A-Town (Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport)! As much as I despise layovers, all was well when I found my beloved Bojangles Chicken & Biscuits. It's a southern thing...Mmmmmmm!
After spending 35 minutes in the air from ATL to Huntsville, we were on our way to our walk through at Alabama A&M, then off to the hotel where we would eat dinner, the SWAC tournament coaches would have a meeting and our team would have a meeting as well.
The message: INSPIRATION. MOTIVATION. PRIDE.
Every player, coach, and staff member is ecstatic at the opportunity that we have at hand this weekend, and to say that the Lady Bison are excited for this competition would be an understatement! We are EXHILARATED to be in this position. We are here to not only represent as regular season conference champions, but to earn a conference tournament title as well!
A good night's rest, a vivid imagination, and passion for the game are the key to getting the result to one of the most important games of the season. Good night from the Lady Bison!!
STAY TUNED!!!
NOVEMBER 6: THE JOURNEY BEGINS (ALABAMA A&M)Ever been too excited to sleep? So anxious that you have butterflies and can't eat? That was me last night and this morning. The anticipation of today's game was eating me alive. But come this morning, I was ready. The coaches were ready. Everyone was PUMPED. Following the good vibes at breakfast, the silence during the car ride and in the locker room spoke volumes. We were focused. From then on I realized just HOW ready we were. We were born for this!
The final score says it all, we dominated AAMU (6-0 final score), as we have been dominating throughout the conference schedule. We came, we saw, we conquered...and then some!
In anticipation for our semifinal matchup, we made it back out to John Hunt Soccer Complex prior to dinner in seemingly North Pole temperatures to watch our next opponent (either Jackson State or Prairie View) in their run of play on a very different surface than what they hosted us on. Style of play, duly noted; advantage, Bison.
What a day. It's been good, but not good enough...yet. Our job isn't done. It's game day again tomorrow against Jackson State. As we sat in the lobby looking at the hardware that we have worked so hard to get (the Regular Season Champion trophy), I think it's safe to say, that the only thing better than that trophy, would be 2 of those trophies! My last comment to the team was "whatever you did last night, DO IT AGAIN TONIGHT!" The preparation has already begun! Good night from the Lady Bison!!!!
Thanks for everyone's continuing support & STAY TUNED!!!
NOVEMBER 7: READY TO COMPETE (JACKSON STATE)Another day, another win! After being on a high from yesterday's win, a good night's rest was well deserved. However, despite the physical rest, there was still some mental unrest, as we had to prevail against Jackson State.
We returned to the hidden gem we found for lunch (Nothing but Noodles...the BOMB!) and a good time before the game focus was instilled. So focused on the game, one even forgot their jersey in her hotel room...duhhhh, you might need that I-sis! :)
To our surprise, upon walking out of the locker room to the field, we saw Ms. Davis (Shelley Davis, our Sr. Assoc. AD/SWA)! It was a pleasant surprise to see her. She saw us win our Regular Season Conference Title, and she was here to see us try and win the Conference Tournament Championship.
So listen...We're in the south. Since WHEN does it get cold in the south?! It felt like home...Canada home!!! Not cool. Post game, after an extremely physical game but a victory over JSU nonetheless, we grabbed some grub and returned back to the field to watch our eventual opponent for Sunday, Prairie View A&M - a team we shut out 1-0 during the regular season.
With a day off tomorrow, we have a chance bask in our second victory and the fact that we have not conceded a single goal all tournament! Bruised, battered, and cold, a hot shower and a cozy bed have never felt so good.
Stay tuned for our Saturday shenanigans!!!
NOVEMBER 8: KICK BACK & RELAX (OFF DAY)Today was a day for rest and recovery, and rest and recover is what we did. It was a good time to just finally do nothing, which we were all very much looking forward to. Between homework, sleep, and spending time together, the day flew by. Next thing you know it, it's time for the focus that has consumed all weekend to kick in again.
The entire Lady Bison squad would like to extend a HUGE thank you to all of the home support from the student body and faculty. We can feel the love from miles away!!!
NOVEMBER 9: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED (PRAIRIE VIEW)We did it. Howard University Women's Soccer: SWAC Regular Season Champions AND Tournament Champions. 5 days, 4 flights, 3 games, 2 trophies, and 1 CHAMPION!
It's crazy that as a senior who has been playing this game for 15 years, that's it's over. But I am extremely proud and uplifted in the way that the seniors were sent out. We couldn't have done it without the entire team, coaching staff, and all of our supporters. So thank you, all!
This has been a year full of "lasts." Last preseason, last first game, last home game, last bus ride, last supper...It's all bittersweet. Today I said my last pregame prayer, stood for my last (American) anthem, and needless to say, it was all so overwhelmingly emotional. It has been a long road full of adversity and I am so honored to have been a part of history. I only hope that this program continues to grow as the years go on.
As serious and focused as today started, that final whistle was everyone's cue to let loose. We had everything to celebrate! Behind the tears was wholehearted happiness and PRIDE. We accepted awards, had a photo-op, and dumped a cooler of water on the man that has given us the tools to succeed - Good ol' Coach Brent (Leiba). Overjoyed and on a high from our accomplishments, it was time to head back to the District.
It's been real. The gates have been opened, and the herd is coming!
Together We Charge!KYRA
