Q:   When did you begin playing softball?

A:   I began playing in second grade.

Q:   Why did you start pitching?

A:   When you are little, you move around in positions a lot. Pitching was a position that I was good at, so I just stayed there.

Q:   What types of pitches can you throw and which is your favorite?

A:   I have seven: fast, drop, screw, rise, change-up, curve, and drop-curve. My favorite is my drop-curve because I strike out a lot of batters.

Q:   What kind of relationship does a pitcher need to have with her catcher?

A:   A pitcher needs to have a trusting relationship with her catcher because she is catching the ball and calling the signs. The pitcher and catcher are working together as a team to do their jobs correctly.

Q:   What is the most challenging aspect of softball?

A:   The hardest part of softball for me is batting.

Q:   What do you like most about softball?

A:   My favorite part of softball is when you play an intense game and you do not know what is going to happen because both teams are playing their hardest. It is exciting and a lot of fun.

Q:   How often do you practice?

A:   I have to pitch every day. For school, I practice two hours every day, and on Sundays I pitch for about thirty minutes. My select team practices last three hours.

Q:   How do you predict this year will go for the softball team?

A:   I predict the year will go great because so far we have come up close with Nolan and tied with Bishop Lynch and those are our biggest competitors. We will go very far this season.

Q:   What do you think is the biggest misconception of softball?

A:   Softball is sometimes seen as really slow-paced, but when there is an intense game, it goes by fast. Also, people do not realize how much skill there is to the game. You wouldn’t think that there are plays in softball, but there are some.

Q:   Who are your biggest influences?

A:   My parents and my coaches definitely have the biggest influence on my softball career.

Q:   Do you plan on continuing playing in college?

A:   I’m not sure at the moment. I am considering the possibility, but as of yet I have not made a decision.

Q:   Do you have any advice for aspiring athletes?

A:   For aspiring athletes, I would recommend having a good attitude and continuing to practice. As my dad told me, “Practice does not make perfect; perfect practice makes perfect.”

Shout out to Hannah C. ’12, Kara S. ’12 and Marcie P. ’12 for helping me answer these questions.

Along with the cheers and joyous singing of the Brazilian team and their supporters came the tears and groans of Manchester United’s loyal fans. Although the disappointment was evident on United’s fans faces, any observer couldn’t deny the fact that the loyal fans had not given up on their beloved team. The players, as well,  didn’t give up despite having an unbalanced number on the field.

“I had faith in the Red Devils down to the very last second. I’ve been an avid fan since the early 2000s and losing one match will not change that. You win and you lose some, ” said a fan as he left the stadium wearing his Manchester United jersey proudly and holding his head high,  ignoring the fact that they had lost.

The Super Group final wasn’t the only one played on the final day of the tournament. The  U16, U17 and U19 finals were all played then as well. The U15, U14, and U13 finals were played the day before. The winners for each group are as follows: U19-Solar Chelsea U18 (USA);  U17-Rot Weiss Essen (Germany);  U16-OBGC Rangers (USA); U15-Fullerton Rangers White (USA); U14-Sunrise Elite (USA); U13-United FC Gold (USA).

When fans awakened that Sunday morning, the weather appeared absolutely perfect for a soccer match. That is until the threatening storm clouds hovering over the stadium were noticed. Finally,  the clouds let go,  and the rain poured down. This delayed the games for about an hour, but that didn’t dampen the spectators’ spirits.  Ironically, the only thing the clouds did dampen was the field.

Spirits were high all weekend as the teams along with their supporters were anxious to call themselves winners of the Dallas Cup. One has to keep in mind that winning isn’t the most important thing here. The Dallas Cup is a respected and high-status tournament to which only the top teams from all around the world get invited.

“Even though we lost in the semi-finals to our host team (U14’s winner Sunrise Elite) we still feel incredibly lucky to have come and played at the Dallas Cup. We’re all really just here to play our favorite sport and learn from others. I hope to come back next year!” said one of the Club Universidad Nacional Mexican U14 players.

This year’s Dallas Cup was filled with fun, shouts, laughter, tears, surprises, and of course the infamous shout of “GOOOOOOOAL!” The  hope is that next year when Dallas is once again host to this wonderful and prestigious  tournament expectations will once again be exceeded with even more teams from across the globe,  and of course more opportunities to see the world’s most popular  sport in action.

Some of the teams however, had already arrived and were lounging around the hotel talking to other players, and of course, checking out the competition.

That is where I, along with several other Ursuline girls, come in. Our intent was to keep the players engaged  and excited by asking a couple of them to do a short interview with us. The questions asked and answers given varied a lot, from “Which soccer player do you admire the most?” to “Who would win a fight- a pirate or a ninja?” The most common answer I heard in response to the question about their favorite soccer player was Lionel Messi, an Argentine forward who plays in La Liga for FC Barcelona and captains the Argentina National Team,

“His technique and humble personality are what makes him one of the greatest players to ever play a game, “said one of the Mineros de Guayana Venezuelan U15 players.

Certainly, there was no question as to why teams and coaches from across the globe have gathered here in Dallas this week to compete in the prestigious tournament that is the Dallas Cup.

“We are here to give it our best and show the world that no matter how different the color of our uniforms are or our style of play is, we are all united by the sport that we love- Soccer,” said one of the Costa Rican Liga Deportiva Alajuelense U14 players.

This year marks the 33^rd year since the start of the Dallas Cup which has become even bigger and better since its beginning in 1980. In the past years, over 180 teams have played in each Cup,coming from  as far away as Zimbabwe and as close by as our local FC Dallas teams.

Sunday was the opening day for the Dallas Cup, with three games from the Super Group being played in the FC Dallas stadium while the youth teams started their games in the outer fields. Teams in the prestigious Super Group include:  Everton FC (England), Eintracht Frankfurt (Germany), Club Bolivar (Bolivia), Manchester United (England), Paris Saint-Germain (France), Tigres (Mexico), Seleccion Nacional de Mexico Sub 20 (Mexico) along with Brazilian clubs Coritiba FC, EC Bahia and the  Japanese club, Kashiwa Reysol along with U.S. clubs FC Dallas and Dallas Texans

The atmosphere of the opening ceremonies, also on Sunday,  in and around the FC Dallas Stadium  was filled with anticipation and enthusiasm as spectators from across the globe gathered to witness the start of the competitive tournament. All players walked onto the field represented by their country’s flag. Fireworks, cheers from the crowd, and inspirational words also made the night one to remember.  Following this, renowned teams such as the Manchester United FC and the Mexican Sub-20 National team played their first games of the tournament Sunday evening.

The elimination rounds started on Monday and will be played all week for all age groups. Saturday and Sunday are the finals for the youth and Super Group teams, along with the closing ceremony on Sunday night.

There is one thing you can count on, even if your team doesn’t advance to the next round, and that is that no matter where you come from or who you are cheering for, we are all there for something in particular. What is that something, you might say?

A classic game of the universal sport.   Soccer.

     This meet will include field events, steeplechasers, hurdlers, sprinters, and distance runners.  Look for Maggie V.’13 to dominate field events, trying to challenge her current pole vault record of 8’0.00.  Freshman Courtney W. is another athlete to watch in pole vault and discus,  while Belle M. ’12 and Dominique H. ’13 are looking to bring success to the team with their jumping events.

     Caroline and Catherine C. ’13 say they are looking to better their personal records of 12:25 and 12:27 in the 3200 meter run.  “Let’s also give a shout out to everyone in the relays including 4×800, 4×200, and 4×100 meter relays as well as freshman Shannon B. Burton in her 800 meter run as she goes for a new personal record!, “ said Tuesday W. ’15. 

     She also noted that Belle M., Dominique H. and  freshman Hannah Miller  would be  fighting hard for place first  in 300 meter and 100 meter hurdles.

     Tuesday continued, “And we can’t forget the 400 and 200 meter run along with the 4×400 meter relay as Natalie W. Belle M. are set for success.  And good luck to Kennedi H. ’13 in her 1600 meter run!”

     “Come on and cheer your friends on at the meet as the team works its way up to the state meet where they will compete with the best in the state to earn the state title,” said Melissa Carpenter of the athletic department.

The Academy won its 22^nd consecutive state title Feb. 18^, by defeating Houston St. Agnes 2-0 in the Division I girl’s final at the TAPPS Winter Soccer Championships at Benson Stadium in San Antonio.

After a scoreless first half, the Soccer Bears scored twice in eight minutes by a strong showing of the defense.

 Ursuline coach Jaime Cantrell didn’t let the slow start cause doubt concerning her team’s ability to win. “It’s always a matter of patience in a highly emotional situation. We’ve been through that a lot this year, so it’s not unfamiliar to us,” she said. 

 Natalie B.‘12 (MF) fired a bullet from around 30 yards hitting the tip of the goalie’s hand before it went in the goal within the beginning  seven minutes of the second half.

 Then Kellie S. ’12 (F) sealed the deal with a flipping ball past the goalie in the fifteenth  minute of the second half of the game.

With the Bear’s tenacity and drive, they were able to win. “Despite the setbacks of the state tournament,” said Marissa R. ’12, who will not be coming back next year, “the team came together to play one of the best games of the season.”  This quote not only describes how the Bears won their 22^nd consecutive title, but it also describes a great team. 

Another great championship team in the news is the Ursuline Swimming Bears. The Bears won the TAPPS Division I swimming championship for the second year in a row, edging out Houston Duchesne Academy at the Josh Davis Natatorium in San Antonio.

Ursuline scored in all of the events, lead by Tiffany F. ’15 who placed second in the 200 individual medley and 500 freestyle.  A similar spectacular performance helped Ursuline take second in the 200 medley and 400 free relays.

“So many people stepped up and scored points for our team. We couldn’t have done it without every single person giving her  best effort,” said  Erin F.’13.

With many seniors leaving this year, and a strong showing from the underclassmen the swimming team has a bright future ahead of them with many championships to come.

Q: How long have you been swimming?

A: I have been swimming since I was four years old.

Q: What made you take up swimming?

A: My two older sisters and older brother swam and I wanted to do it because it looked fun!

Q: What’s your favorite stroke? Most hated stroke?

A: My favorite stroke is butterfly and my most hated stroke is breaststroke.

Q: What is your favorite event?

A: My favorite event is the 200 butterfly.

Q: What makes a good swim coach?

A: A good swim coach always motivates their swimmers and tells them specifically what they need to work on to improve.

Q: How often and how long do you train?

A: I train every day, normally eight practices a week. Morning practices are an hour and a half and afternoon practices are two and a half hours. I spend quite a bit of time in the pool.

Q: How do you manage swimming, school, and extracurricular activities?

A: Managing sports and school and extracurricular activities can be tough, but I just plan my time very wisely.

Q: What motivates you to keep swimming?

A: My family, friends, and coaches keep me motivated to swim.

Q: What are the most challenging things about swimming?

A: The workouts are hard and it’s a huge effort and time commitment, but it really does pay off.

Q: What is your biggest accomplishment in swimming?

A: I placed in the top three in the 100 and 200 butterfly events at TAGS (Texas Age Group Swimming).

Q: Do people often tell you that you smell like chlorine?

     In this tournament, girls’ soccer teams from California, Florida and Texas meet in the Fort Worth area where the Bear’s first match is Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012 against American Heritage – Delray, Florida. HSPNHS will report the scores as the matches finish throughout the weekend  

  ESPN Ride has released its 2011-1012 Powerade Fab 50 Girls Winter Soccer Rankings and the Bears earned an impressive top ten spot with a number 4 ranking.  Along with #18 American Heritage, they will face #19 Kingwood and #31 Flower Mound Marcus as well as Arlington Martin. 

     The junior varsity soccer team will also encounter stiff competition in the Hebron HS JV Tournament at Hebron.

         On the indoor court, the varsity basketball Bears, with a record of Overall, 13-12; District, 2-2, are looking forward to a rematch with the Bishop Lynch Lady Friars on Feb. 3 in Ft. Worth.  The Lady Friars defeated the varsity Bears 49-47 in a close game Jan. 10 in Neuhoff. The Bears fought tough from behind to take the lead in the fourth quarter to end up with the loss in the final two minutes of play.   While the junior varsity (Overall: 9-6, District:  2-1 with six games left) was also defeated by the Friars, the freshman team (Overall: 14-5, District: 2-0, with six games left) pulled off an impressive win.  Both teams will be playing in a District Round Robin Tournament on Feb. 11. 

    From the pitch, to the court and into the water, the academy’s swimming and diving team is counting down to the regional meet Feb. 3 and to the state meet Feb. 17-18 in a record-setting way.  Freshman Tiffany Futscher broke a 12-year record in the 100 backstroke, posting a time of 1:01:02.  Other highlights include defeating Hockaday, Nolan, Duchesne and Pearce in recent meets.  The swimming and diving Bears have won the regional meet for the last five years and won the state meet last year.   “We are hoping for a repeat,” said Coach Amanda Rieff. 

      In other sports news, the UA volleyball program announced this week the new head varsity volleyball coach is Wendy Munzel.  Coach Munzel will be returning after four seasons away. She was the Ursuline Varsity Coach from 2000-2008 and has an extensive background in volleyball as a player, coach and director of the Dallas Jr’s club volleyball program.  The athletic department said that they are excited to welcome Coach Munzel back to UA!

     Looking ahead, softball tryouts start Jan. 16,  and track and field practices begin the following day on Jan. 17.  While the times and places are yet to be set, one thing is for certain:  spring sports are not far behind.

According to the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, The Oklahoma Thunder pours in 1.3 million dollars in the local economy. Due to the season starting a month later than usually, this has bad consequences for Oklahoma. This year Oklahoma will only receive half of the revenue from their team, along with San Antonio who receives 95 million dollars in revenue from the Spurs. Even in an economic recession, people still seem to come to sports and businesses still thrive, but with the lack of games, this NBA season many businesses and local cities are getting half of their profit.

Around 30 percent of employees have been laid off and forced to look for other jobs due to the NBA lockout. In New York City, a sport’s bar located three blocks away from the famous Madison Square Garden had 140 workers to keep up with the influx of people. That was last year. This coming year this same bar has fired 40 workers and struggling to keep the 100 remaining that they have.

The workers who are behind the counter to give fans sodas, popcorn or any other sort of refreshment are the ones that are affected the most. Due to the fact that the post season and the regular season didn’t start on time and have been pushed back, many concession workers have been out of a job for an average of five months.  Their paychecks, not like the NBA players whose money goes to numerous homes, jets and other forms of luxury; goes to the electricity bill, sending their kids to college, or putting food on the table.

Scott Gold, whose job is supervising the ushers who work for the New Jersey Nets at the Prudential Center said,  “When the Nets were here, they helped me pay bills with whatever money I earned, especially around the holiday season.”

With the seasons starting with five games on Christmas Day, including the rematch of the NBA finals last year; the Mavericks will be able to raise the banner for their first ever championship, the seats will be filled to full capacity, and the crowd will roar for their reigning champions. But the concession workers who get paid only 11 dollars an hour are just happy to be at work.

“I am thrilled to attend Columbia as it offers an outstanding academic curriculum, competitive golf with a fantastic coach and team, and the unrivaled experience of living in New York City,” she said.

Lilette will graduate this spring with honors, along with recognition for her community service.  She, along with her sister Lelesse ’13 have spent hours establishing relationships with families of children battling cancer, offering parents free time while entertaining the children and their siblings in a fun environment.

Lilette invited Ursuline staff and teachers to her signing reception Nov. 16.  They all congratulated her on a “remarkable achievement.”