Sideline Views

As try-outs are now half over, with only two remaining, I wanted to highlight a few things about the upcoming 2010 season.

• There are going to be some new faces
Some you all know, some you do not. With this there is baggage. It has been this way on every team before Sodium, it will be this way on every team after Sodium. It is how you deal with it that will separate you from the average team and elevate you to greatness. It is how you mold yourselves from individuals, with individual attitudes and agenda's, to a team. That is the most important of all things to remember. Put everything else aside, and put the team first.


• Not all of last years team will be this years team
Sad but true. The warrior you fought with for the last 12 months may not join you in this years journey into battle. This is the cold truth. Doesn't mean you can't keep in touch. The important thing here is the right attitude. You have to remember that decisions are made that affect the team. Nothing personal. The team will grow and evolve many times before it is over. I hate to be this blunt, but get over it. You can still have friends, just now they may play for another team and be making new ones, that's all.


• ODP is not the answer to everything
We have an entire team of quality athletes. Many of them play ODP. But, just because you are an ODP player does not give you the right not to give 100% at practice or games. You need to work just as hard as everyone else to be the best you can be. As a matter of fact, you should be working harder so you can lead by example. There will be no slackers or slouches on the 2010 Sodium squad. Tom & Nikki will guarantee that.


• The target has been lifted
Now that the target has been placed squarely on Lake Oswego's back, Sodium can kick back and see how they like it. [just for this year] Sodium can now concentrate on getting down to business. Finding the right player combinations, fitting players into positions where they can best contribute to the team and best utilize their talents.


• Preparations begins now!
We have 12 short months to get back to the top. That means we need to pay attention to what Coach Tom said at State Cup about proper sleep, nutrition, health and putting in time away from the field. Combine those things with practice schedules and the tons of tournaments we are slated to play this year and Sodium will be unstoppable.


• Attitude begins now!
I know you all go to school with players from other teams. Whether it's FC or Sherwood, Lake Oswego or SSC, do not EVER let them think they will have it easy with Sodium. If they start giving you attitude, you give it right back! None of these teams have won as many State Championships as Sodium has and this is just the start! None have been to Regionals. FC has had two second places!? You hold your head high and you represent the BLACK of Sodium with pride. Let the record speak for itself and you'll do the talking on the field.

Best of luck at try-outs lady warriors.

"Trample the weak, hurdle the dead!"

GO SODIUM!