March 2, 2004
I have been sitting in front of the blank computer screen for a good while now; staring at the flashing black line that just urges you to start typing. At this point, I have no idea how to express the happenings of this past week. And to be honest, I am not so sure I can. It was a week of tears, some happy, some sad, others just out of pure frustration and exhaustion. Three words explain one big week: emotional roller coaster.
Back in beautiful Colorado country there is this great roller coaster in Denver called the Twister. Now I am a huge fan of roller coasters, to me there is nothing better than a few screams, hair in knots, and a goofy picture to show for it. But this coaster is a bit different, a bit older, a little bit creakier and a sure-fire way to guarantee a back readjustment. This week epitomizes that ride on an emotional level.
As you approach the line to the Twister, a train of cars will fly by, leaving you with no hearing and butterflies in the stomach. (Mostly the excited ones if you are like me!) Knowing that Texas was the top team in the country just a week before we played them can add a few butterflies to the already jumpy nerves. We did it once and we were confident we could tackle the Longhorns on their home floor. We were strapped in and there was no getting out of the roller coaster now.
Sometimes the roller coaster climb seems to be the hardest part, the anticipation of what is going to come after you hit the peak. During the game we climbed back from a deficit and fought foul trouble once again. After we hit the peak of half time we knew we had to hang on and play with fury. Two overtimes and 50 minutes later we walked off the floor, losing by just one point. This ride hurt. My body screamed sit down, my heart just screamed and the tears couldn't help but come. But then again, we made a statement. We had three chances to pull off the win on the home court of one of the teams touted the best in the country. How about that for a ride?
And it didn't end there. It was back in that coaster car one more time, the final time in a familiar place...
It is hard to believe that part of the ride has ended for me. The final time I would run out of the smoke and wear that brilliant white uniform. And what a ride it has been. I have had the chance to experience some amazing times in the Ferrell Center, huge wins, sold out crowds, and heartbreaking defeats. And yes, I will remember those times, but it is the people that will stick with me. I pray that in some way I was able to show you a piece of who I am and a glimpse as to why I play. I know that each time I lace up my tennis shoes the Lord delights in it. I know that each time I hit floor diving after a loose ball, He loves it. And I know that when the game is over, all statistics and scores aside, it pleases Him that I play.
The ride in the Ferrell Center is finished both for the team and ultimately for me. But it couldn't have concluded on a better note. A decisive win over A&M made the night so sweet. So tears aside, wins and loses aside, this week was a pretty great ride. (But I could use a minor back readjustment!) And just think, the ride of our lives is just about to begin...but first it is off to Stillwater, Oklahoma.
-Jessika
