WOMEN'S TENNIS BLOG FOR MAY 1, 2012
BY JUNIOR EGZONA MORINA
THE LONG AWAITED SELECTION SHOW
The one thing our coaches try to teach us here at FDU is that we are more than a team; we are a family. They try to teach us the immense value of having loving people around you who go through everything with you. They are people who share your dreams and fears, smiles and tears, but most importantly, they are the people who share your desire for success. Our coaches try to teach us that no matter what, in a team you are not alone, ever. Today, on May 1 around 6:30 p.m., it was one of those moments.
Both the men’s and women’s tennis teams were expected to be at the Stratis Lounge in the Rothman Center at around 4:30 p.m. for the NCAA Selection Show. Expecting a good atmosphere, some food and drinks, we were not yet aware that there was more to come. When we first entered the nicely decorated door the first thing we saw were the different flags that represented each and every one of our international backgrounds. We were all very moved by this nice detail, but most of all, we were very proud. Wearing our recently, well deserved championship shirts, we all took a seat in front of the big screen television and were told not to feel too embarrassed, we were about to find out why.
What happened next is I think the last thing any of us expected... We did not realize that when Coach had asked us for our parents’ email addresses, it was for them to send us letters and videos to firstly congratulate us but also wish us good luck for NCAAs. I don’t think I can express the emotions that went through me when I saw my parents, my aunts and uncles on that screen, all wishing me and my teammates good luck. Even though they are 5,000 miles away, I have never felt closer to them than at this very moment. It made me realize even more how much my teammates mean to me, how these people with me now, are my second family, because without them none of this would have ever been possible.
We finally got the show on the road and found out that we play University of Virginia, which is the number 14 seed. We will most likely travel by bus together with the men’s team since they are playing their men’s team. One thing that is great about our teams is that we went through this journey together. The men were there for us and we were there for them, and on May 11, it will be the same thing. We shared each other’s happiness (and at times craziness) and I believe that our teams are stronger than ever. I cannot wait to take on University of Virginia.
Here we go Knights!
