2009 Eastern Nationals, Sterling, Virginia

 Banshee's finish 2nd at Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida

 In our first true test, the Banshee's demonstrated exceptional defensive play and mystical offensive power while the player's dreams came true at Disney World.  The team worked as one unit while facing stiff competition to make it to the championship round of play.

The first game on Saturday was against the very tough Venice Aftershock.  Our players were a little sleepy from a great night in Disney World and did not get the offensive power going.  the Aftershock took advantage beating the Banshee's 4-0 loss.

The team had the bats working while playing perfect defense in the second game against the WB Lady Bandits.  With numerous extra base hits and exceptional base running, the Banshee's put 5 runs on the board while the defense kept the Bandits bats silent.  Banshee's won 5 - 0.

On Sunday, the Banshee's really came to play and over-powered Team New York Elite.  The Banshee's demonstrated offensive power scoring 13 runs.  On defense, the Banshee's once again showed poise and confidence only allowing 1 run to secure the win

At the end of pool play on Sunday, the Banshee's were in 3rd place with a re-match slated for Monday against the Aftershock.  The Banshee's came out swinging with 3 runs in the top of the first inning.  Both teams played exceptionally well throughout the game.  The Aftershock put 2 runs on the board in the middle innings demonstrating that they were not going to let the Banshee's walk away with the game.  The Banshee's were determined and demonstrated exceptional maturity and confidence even as the pressure mounted.  In the end, it was the Banshee's day to shine with a 3-2 win that resulted in making the championship round of play.

In the championship game, the Banshee's faced the Clearwater Sharks.  The game was a defensive battle through five innings at 0 - 0.  In the bottom of the sixth inning, the Sharks capitalized on the Banshee's and our team could not make up the differential resulting in a Sharks win. 

Both teams were recognized by Minnie Mouse with medals and a team trophy.  What a great experience for our Banshee's players to take the field in February and finish in 2nd place.  Congratulations ladies!!

In the picture to the left, the Banshee's players demonstrate their appreciation to their head coach, Coach Bob,  who was unable to be with the team due to his deployment with the US Navy working Operation Unified Response for the Haitian people so devastated by an earthquake in January 2010.

Have you downloaded the picture that Coach Roy sent you?  If not, here it is.  Remember to go through the swing in your mind and in front of a mirror practice your perfect swing.  Practice will develop good muscle memory and assist toward the goal of achieving the perfect swing!!

Bobby Simpson    January 5, 2010    Copyright Higher Ground 2010

I recently saw the phrase beyond our wildest dreams, reminding me of the importance of having dreams, the wide-awake ones of what you want to accomplish, not deep-sleep ones that are often confusing. We teach athletes and others to dream big appropriate dreams and then work hard and smart to obtain them. In Golf Is A Game Of Confidence, Dr. Bob Rotella says, “Most dreams are attainable if the dreamer is ready to devote consistent, intelligent effort to them.” Leading sport psychologist Ken Ravizza says the biggest factor in achieving success is commitment. On the Houston Astros’ website, strength and conditioning coach Gene Coleman agreed. Gloria Estefan, singing Reach at the 1996 Olympics, voiced, “Some dreams live on in time forever, those dreams you want with all your heart. And I’ll do whatever it takes, follow through with the promise I made, put it all on the line, what I hope for at last will be mine.” Dream HUGE! Commit strong!