Team Cookout 2006

A few pictures from this weekend's team cookout. This is always a great time for all of us and something we look forward to. Coach Porter's husband, Mike, is a great cook and it's always fun for all of us to relax and eat lots! Top left is freshman guard Davida Dodson, sophomore post player Chelsea Clark, and sophomore point guard Johnette Walker. Top right is senior post player, Sarah Stephens. Bottom picture is post players, Corrie Fertitta and Charron Leeper. If you weren't here, you missed out on good times and even some chocolate covered strawberries!

Congrats Coach T!

Cooper Mitchell Thomaston was born today at 1:03pm. He weighs 6 lbs 10 1/2 oz and is 18 3/4 inches long. Congrats to Coach T and Bevin!

Mark your calendar

Get your calendars ready everyone. Yes, that's right. We have officially announced the 2006-2007 Lady Highlander Hoops schedule. Now it's time to work out your off days and sick days and vacation time so that you see as many games as possible. Get your priorities in order and make sure this year's team has a true home court advantage! You can find our schedule on www.ruhighlanders.com. We would love to have support at any games you are able to attend at home or on the road.

Today is the first day of classes and as a few of the players trickle back into the office, it makes me even more excited and anxious to get started with workouts and get onto the court. We will be starting one week from today and it can't get here soon enough. You will read the girls' thoughts on this subject later.

Also, for those of you who didn't know already, Coach T and his wife are expecting a baby very soon. More specifically, their son could possibly be born tonight! We'll keep you updated on when we all can start calling Coach T and his wife Mom and Dad!!

Vandy P back in Radford

It was a pleasant suprise today when Vandy Pullen walked into our office. Vandy has been home all summer and made it back to Radford today to move into her new apartment. We are very excited to finally have Vandy able to put on a uniform for the Lady Highlanders this year after what seemed like a very long red shirt year for her in 05-06. She took a few minutes to let you guys know what's been going on in her life since last semester.

This summer I have been playing in the Powers summer league. I was in Radford the first part of the summer but got to spend a little time at home. I worked at Footlocker not making that much money but, I got a big discount on shoes. I worked out and improved my game this summer. I'm very excited about the upcoming season. I was a transfer from the Unversity of Maine so I had to red shirt last year. It was hard last year having to sit out and watch so I'm glad I finally get to play and help my team out. This year I am looking forward to traveling with the team and getting to know my teammates a little better. What I am not looking forward to is pre-season workouts. I predict myself passing out a few times. Overall, I am very excited, have alot of nerves, and overwhelmed about this upcoming year.

Countdown to Day One

There are a few different firsts approaching the Lady Highlanders over the next two weeks. Next Monday, the first day of classes for the Fall 2006 semester will be upon us. With that day brings a new class schedule, new professors and books, new dorms/apartments, a new daily routine, and possibly some new school clothes. :) The first week of school will be a time for returning players to catch up and reunite with those who have been away for the summer and a time for the rookies to meet their new teammates. The following Monday, another first will come around...a first that we as coaches look forward to much more than the players. The first day of preseason workouts is a day when we see just how hard the Lady Highs have been working during their break. We have been hearing about the progress of workouts on the court, on the track, and in the weight room, but that first workout will prove or disprove all of the rumors. I believe that since we return our entire team from last season, the ladies have really committed themselves this summer to getting better and turning any weaknesses they had in the past into strengths. First on the itinerary for day one is the timed mile. Each player has a goal time they have been working towards since the post season, and that workout will be their time to shine. I hope to leave workouts that day very excited and very impressed. Countdown to Day One: 13 days!

July is over!

July is over! Man o' man does it feel good to sleep in my own bed. You never know how good it feels until you spend a month on the road in different cities and different hotels. I know a lot of you can relate. After all, you were the ones I was chasing around all of July.

During the month of July, I spent time in State College, Atlanta, Orlando, North Carolina, Louisville, D.C., and Maryland. It was a good month and I enjoyed watching all of the games I was able to see. Now, we are back in the office and getting everything from the month organized and also preparing for our players to return to campus.

We begin school here on August 21st and our players will all be arriving sometime during the week prior. We are all excited about this season and looking forward to working hard and bringing home a championship. I know the girls have been working hard this summer in getting ready for the season and I am excited to see the results of their work.

Well, I know everyone is getting ready to begin school. I wish you all the best and hope you make the most of this year in the classroom and on the court. Stay in touch with us and come visit us here in Radford when you get the chance. Talk to you soon...

Coach P