Floorball - Finito
Yesterday, Tempest played their last game for league 2009. It was not the toughest game of all, but it was the one that we wanted (very badly) to play well in, and to end this season with pride and smile. Yesterday, was also the most emotional game. I had promised myself never to break down in court ever again, but yesterday I did. I teared not because I, or for the matter the team played badly, but because, it was the last game that many of the senior girls will ever don a Tempest jersey again. The seniors whom I have grown to love, cherish, respect are retiring
Cheering before the start of the game, and me with the towel cuz I got emotional again.
The seniors with Coach
While a couple of them are adamant about leaving on a high note, some are still deliberating. In any case, I have prepared myself for this day. Like An mentioned in her blog, the chemistry/friendship we share in and out of court is akin to a relationship. We have had our highs and lows. Sometimes, like in a long-drawn relationship, you cannot help but wonder, "Why am I still doing this?" "Should I be distracted and try something else?" "Why do I still get affected by it?" I am not saying that these questions don't exist now. In fact, I would say we don't feel as passionate about the game as we did 5 or 8 years back, but we still fight on, with the comfort knowing what we can expect, and simply just enjoying the game with people you love to be around.
Looking back, I found my reason for starting to play very, well, immature. I thought the fball players all looked very cool with their headbands, and when they sprinted across the courts, jostling for the ball, I thought it was very "sey". Moreover, my ex was in the guys' team, so I was always down for his games, and that sparked my interest in the game. The initial phase was very difficult. I had played Volleyball for a good part of my life, and the dynamics of the game as compared to fball was very different. For one, I was very uncomfortable with the high intensity, and the rough contact. I also entered the team at a time where they only had 1 or 2 new players, and everyone was very experienced. It was pressurising when you make a lousy pass or commit a foul (and at that time, I wasn't even sure of the rules), and the seniors will show their typical black face. As time passed, I realised they are not as unfriendly as I thought, and if you asked, they are always willing to share tips and advice.
Multiple IVPs and fball leagues later, we have all matured and transited from a "siao on" fball player to a much confident, take-it-easy player. And here is my tribute to them.
Sue - I learnt a lot during your captaincy. You played a key role during trainings and games, and it never fails to motivate me to become a better player, and a better centre. You are one of the two (Karen being the other one, hee hee) whom I am somewhat afraid of initially cuz you always put on this super black face. Knowing you better, I know you are one who can balance seriousness/commitment with the occasional lapses into laughing fits
Karen - "Chao" bin is literally in your name. Haha... you were SCARY when you were the captain, but love mellowed you down!! Like Sue, I never dared to joke with you cuz you were that scary! Anyway, just want to say that you took pride in your role, anchored and led the team very well. Under your captaincy, the physical trainings were the worst, but I think we were also at the peak of our fitness then. Thank you for being the disciplinarian.
Ser - I will forever remember the day you scolded me "DO YOU WANT TO PLAY OR NOT?" While this will no doubt remain one the most lasting memories I have of you on court, this is not the only one. Being ultra ultra focused when you want to, you have no problem making incredible runs, shots and rebounds. This is on top of scoring all the As in school. Hats off to you, smart lass!
Geri - One of the few girls whom I can speak to and look directly into the eyes (almost the same height mah). Extremely encouraging during trainings/games, especially the initial phase when I was as blur as a headless sotong (that is worse than a normal sotong). When I was a defender, I always TRY to emulate the way you use your body (and ass) to effectively shield the ball, and bring the ball up. Till now, I think I still suck la.
Andrea - Eddie always name the goalies the most valuable player for the games, and I think it is only right. The goalies are the ones who are our final line of defence, and for our team, you have made so many brilliant saves that puts the rest of us to shame. One might ask, "Why did we let the opponents take so many shots in the first place?" You may speak very little, but your action speaks a lot, thanks for being the guardian of the goalpost.
Xius - The most friendly and chatty senior. You were always ready to offer advice, chit-chat or lend a listening ear. You have the weirdest antics - like how you cannot multi-task or how you only eat apples and grapes, but you are a very endearing person and have the magical power to make someone's day much brighter just by seeing or talking to you. I am sure everyone will agree, you are the chiong-est player on court and this is no mean feat considering how small you are. BTW - you still owe us a stripping session for scoring. Honour your bet!
Soakie - I know you are not retiring (you are not right??!), but just want to say that you are, and will always be our number one forward. Super skinny and fair-skinned you may be, you run like a horse, and has a stamina of a bull. I don't know how your parents can tahan seeing all those bruises on your knees. For us, we will feel damn heart ache also la, but those are BATTLE WOUNDS baby. When you complete your doctorate in a year's time, we will present the longest service award to you for your dedication and awesome performance. Till then, Dr Lai.
Tempest 2009
Cheering before the start of the game, and me with the towel cuz I got emotional again.
The seniors with Coach
While a couple of them are adamant about leaving on a high note, some are still deliberating. In any case, I have prepared myself for this day. Like An mentioned in her blog, the chemistry/friendship we share in and out of court is akin to a relationship. We have had our highs and lows. Sometimes, like in a long-drawn relationship, you cannot help but wonder, "Why am I still doing this?" "Should I be distracted and try something else?" "Why do I still get affected by it?" I am not saying that these questions don't exist now. In fact, I would say we don't feel as passionate about the game as we did 5 or 8 years back, but we still fight on, with the comfort knowing what we can expect, and simply just enjoying the game with people you love to be around.
Looking back, I found my reason for starting to play very, well, immature. I thought the fball players all looked very cool with their headbands, and when they sprinted across the courts, jostling for the ball, I thought it was very "sey". Moreover, my ex was in the guys' team, so I was always down for his games, and that sparked my interest in the game. The initial phase was very difficult. I had played Volleyball for a good part of my life, and the dynamics of the game as compared to fball was very different. For one, I was very uncomfortable with the high intensity, and the rough contact. I also entered the team at a time where they only had 1 or 2 new players, and everyone was very experienced. It was pressurising when you make a lousy pass or commit a foul (and at that time, I wasn't even sure of the rules), and the seniors will show their typical black face. As time passed, I realised they are not as unfriendly as I thought, and if you asked, they are always willing to share tips and advice.
Multiple IVPs and fball leagues later, we have all matured and transited from a "siao on" fball player to a much confident, take-it-easy player. And here is my tribute to them.
Sue - I learnt a lot during your captaincy. You played a key role during trainings and games, and it never fails to motivate me to become a better player, and a better centre. You are one of the two (Karen being the other one, hee hee) whom I am somewhat afraid of initially cuz you always put on this super black face. Knowing you better, I know you are one who can balance seriousness/commitment with the occasional lapses into laughing fits
Karen - "Chao" bin is literally in your name. Haha... you were SCARY when you were the captain, but love mellowed you down!! Like Sue, I never dared to joke with you cuz you were that scary! Anyway, just want to say that you took pride in your role, anchored and led the team very well. Under your captaincy, the physical trainings were the worst, but I think we were also at the peak of our fitness then. Thank you for being the disciplinarian.
Ser - I will forever remember the day you scolded me "DO YOU WANT TO PLAY OR NOT?" While this will no doubt remain one the most lasting memories I have of you on court, this is not the only one. Being ultra ultra focused when you want to, you have no problem making incredible runs, shots and rebounds. This is on top of scoring all the As in school. Hats off to you, smart lass!
Geri - One of the few girls whom I can speak to and look directly into the eyes (almost the same height mah). Extremely encouraging during trainings/games, especially the initial phase when I was as blur as a headless sotong (that is worse than a normal sotong). When I was a defender, I always TRY to emulate the way you use your body (and ass) to effectively shield the ball, and bring the ball up. Till now, I think I still suck la.
Andrea - Eddie always name the goalies the most valuable player for the games, and I think it is only right. The goalies are the ones who are our final line of defence, and for our team, you have made so many brilliant saves that puts the rest of us to shame. One might ask, "Why did we let the opponents take so many shots in the first place?" You may speak very little, but your action speaks a lot, thanks for being the guardian of the goalpost.
Xius - The most friendly and chatty senior. You were always ready to offer advice, chit-chat or lend a listening ear. You have the weirdest antics - like how you cannot multi-task or how you only eat apples and grapes, but you are a very endearing person and have the magical power to make someone's day much brighter just by seeing or talking to you. I am sure everyone will agree, you are the chiong-est player on court and this is no mean feat considering how small you are. BTW - you still owe us a stripping session for scoring. Honour your bet!
Soakie - I know you are not retiring (you are not right??!), but just want to say that you are, and will always be our number one forward. Super skinny and fair-skinned you may be, you run like a horse, and has a stamina of a bull. I don't know how your parents can tahan seeing all those bruises on your knees. For us, we will feel damn heart ache also la, but those are BATTLE WOUNDS baby. When you complete your doctorate in a year's time, we will present the longest service award to you for your dedication and awesome performance. Till then, Dr Lai.
Tempest 2009