Darrin picked Miles up early from school on Thursday, so he could ride the bus with the team. He had to miss his first two basketball games, which he was very upset about, but we knew he would love the trip (and he did!). They spent Thursday night in the hotel, while I stayed at home another night and drove down separately. I had a work trip Monday through Wednesday, so I needed another day at home.
Darrin's parents and I left early Friday morning to get there by the 4pm game.
Their shirts say "Coach's Mom" and "Coach's Dad". I think they were a little excited too.
After being ranked preseason 10th, they finished regular season 4th, with a conference record of 12-4. Four of the girls received conference honors (more than any other team), one received Libero of the Year, and Darrin received Coach of the Year! At the start of the game, one of his players also received the Champion Scholar award which goes to the one player that had the highest GPA of all volleyball players in the conference. She's amazing on and off the court.
It's been an amazing year, definitely one we'll never forgot. I've never experienced a team where each player knew their role and did it with pride, whether that meant a lot of playing time or a little. They support each other like no other.
It was a stressful game, but in the end we won 15-12 in the 5th. This team is the first to represent Union at the Gulf South Conference tournament since going division II. They were a history making team.
I am so glad that we were able to be there for this win.
These three seniors have endured hard seasons to get to this one and they have left a legacy. They worked so hard as players and leaders to accomplish what they have. They have a special place in our hearts.
Happy girls celebrating a win.
Winning meant we would have to face the undefeated 1 seed. Also the home team and reigning champs.
Carson lived his best life at Aunt Crystal's house. He was so happy to go and she said he was great all weekend.
We've had some trouble with him and babysitters over the last couple months b/c he has gotten so upset when we left, but he's more than happy to stay with family :)
Unfortunately, our season ended yesterday. We battled hard in the first set, but came up short and then lost the next two. The ref missed a huge call in the first set that would have won it for us. Darrin is never one to blame the refs, but I think he will always wonder what could have been. The first thing he said to me after the game was, "Aren't you glad I didn't tackle that ref?"
Darrin took the girls to a nice restaurant to celebrate an awesome season. We've never been so sad for a season to end. There were tears and lots of choking them back. When you see what's possible, it's hard to let it go.
Darrin is on his way to get Carson now. I am more than ready to see him.
It will take some time for both of us to get over this season, but we are looking forward to some much needed family time.
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