tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71488073218682666912024-03-13T11:09:36.822-04:00Randolph-Macon College BasketballAn Inside Look at a National Caliber DIII Women's Basketball ProgramUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148807321868266691.post-7585408884532672952013-11-21T10:55:00.000-05:002013-11-21T10:55:17.087-05:00Dedication of the Staub Training Room<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Saturday, November 15th was a big day at Randolph-Macon. It started with the dedication of the new Woody & Emby Staub Athletic Training Room. Woody `84, a former football player and Emby `86, a former basketball player, made it possible for the training room to be renovated into a state of the art center for our student-athletes. Thanks to Heather Bauby, our Head Athletic Trainer, for the design and the motivation to get this project completed. The picture included with this blog is of some of our players who attended the dedication. Following the ceremony, was "the Game", also known as the oldest rivalry in the south, and Hampden-Sydney vs Randolph-Macon in football. This year was a little more significant as the winner was to be the ODAC Champion and move on to NCAA play. Our guys came up short. Following football was the Tip-Off Classic sponsored by Riesbeck Contracting. We had opened our season the night before with a huge victory over the pre-season ranked #3 team in the nation, Christopher-Newport. Saturday's matchup was against a very athletic team from New Jersey, Rutgers-Newark. Another total team effort resulted in a victory and a 2-0 start to the season.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGuoNMX2rmKp04V-fpRXNs9BqA3_xq1uafZviDpgAHcTHfPxZ_La8spbuSrD2cr2IfdhQ058nBB90BcDugiLlIljYiqJlntZCbDtUrtusLyYipnMcvyK7bttO6s2GT7O-qbqyicG4zXCh/s1600/RMC6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGuoNMX2rmKp04V-fpRXNs9BqA3_xq1uafZviDpgAHcTHfPxZ_La8spbuSrD2cr2IfdhQ058nBB90BcDugiLlIljYiqJlntZCbDtUrtusLyYipnMcvyK7bttO6s2GT7O-qbqyicG4zXCh/s320/RMC6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</span>Coach LaHayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14330073900050012813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148807321868266691.post-82066310890681933162013-10-19T19:58:00.000-04:002013-10-19T20:06:22.390-04:00HomecomingThis post is for one of "my former dads". I apologize very much for you having to tell me the blog is outdated. I have been quite negligent in writing. I also can't say that there is a real legitimate excuse for not taking care of this. At any rate, today was Homecoming! The weekend started on Friday with alumni meetings, a luncheon, many more activities, and topped off with the annual "gala". Last night it was referred to as the Reception. Instead of being held in the cavernous Brock Center, it was held in the newly constructed, Brock Commons, the Student Center. It was a tremendous affair. What makes it so special is I get to see so many alumni-- not just basketball players, but students I have had in class. Also there are many others that I get to see or meet. Some know me because I am the basketball coach, but I don't know them. It's a great opportunity to meet outstanding alumni. Then comes Saturday. Obviously tailgating is an important aspect of the day. It was in the tailgating area that I was chastised for not keeping up to date. I will definitely try to do better. It was also in the tailgating area that I saw many former players, athletes and more alumni. Special times and memories are relived. The basketball alumnae heard of the possible locker room renovation and were asked how to go about raising the dollars. I was told it was a done deal. They were actively moving forward to get the dollars in hand--Amazing. But how exciting, in one day with visits by many former basketball players they were all told of the idea and they all said, "I'm in." So is that something or what? Our locker room renovation has arrived after all, thanks to all those who have made a difference in this program and still want to make a difference. There is nothing more meaningful to me than to have them want to continue to be a part of this magnificent program and school. Of course, special thanks to "my former dad" for his aggressiveness and enthusiasm for the project! It is all done out of love and will continue...Coach LaHayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14330073900050012813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148807321868266691.post-52030441743315211942013-05-07T16:26:00.001-04:002013-05-09T13:46:44.779-04:00Community Outreach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkGCtVZy5BdtbltxYW7jIEMww0Mg5TCoSKmAGKZYDzmrEOMWrnM6rRLp8QxicT76sA4TDm5fbDBwvO2rdJVeiBsEE0EmFjsQGfmoz9PQQGLWO6Ly0afJ_czBK4jk4ycwUAMjH4i9GOLBU/s1600/DSCN5210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkGCtVZy5BdtbltxYW7jIEMww0Mg5TCoSKmAGKZYDzmrEOMWrnM6rRLp8QxicT76sA4TDm5fbDBwvO2rdJVeiBsEE0EmFjsQGfmoz9PQQGLWO6Ly0afJ_czBK4jk4ycwUAMjH4i9GOLBU/s200/DSCN5210.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Each year we have the opportunity to give back to the community in some way or another. We recently completed two projects. One was with "Stir It Up" where we went to Deep Run HS and helped with this community health fair. Four of our players, Sarah, Kellie, Hannah and Khajae got to play "knockout" with kids who came to our station. There was a big group, which included three University of Richmond women's players and a couple of the men's players from Randolph-Macon. The announcer said it was the biggest knockout game he had seen---I guess he hasn't seen some of our camp games, then. At any rate, our players had the opportunity to meet some kids just starting out and learning the game. It was the initial year for "Stir it Up", so maybe next year will truly be the biggest knockout game. Thanks to the 4-players who gave of their time on Sunday afternoon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our second event involved helping the Girl Scouts from Beaverdam earn their Fair Play Try-it badge. Their scout leader, Brianne Adams, is an alumna, and rather than do kids games, she called upon us to teach a little basketball. Have you ever tried to teach 7-9 year old girls everything you know about basketball in 1.5 hours? There were 4-steps included in earning their badge. They had to learn a little about Title IX, fairness, and equity-include everyone. They had to learn the rules(well some of them anyway)-follow the rules. They had to play the game, learn the skills--be a part of the team. And they had to keep score. The team did a fabulous job of teaching, playing and including the girls in their quest to earn their badge. It was fun. If you ever want your player(s) to get better at a skill, make them teach it to someone who doesn't know what dribbling means. Good luck Girl Scouts in getting your badge. Thanks for letting us be the ones to help you and thanks team for your evening.</span>Coach LaHayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14330073900050012813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148807321868266691.post-44680367973041820412013-04-16T15:35:00.000-04:002013-04-16T15:35:01.802-04:00WBCA Convention & Final Four<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">New Orleans is an interesting city. Since I was last there in 2003, Katrina devastated the place. I went to a few locations that had revitalized and rebuilt themselves. Amazing. I know I didn't go to all of the city in 2003, so it would be really hard for me to compare it post-Katrina in 2013. I did see some. The people of New Orleans are a strong and hard working group of individuals. They suffered and persevered through that awful hurricane and the devastation. Yet, what gracious hosts they are to us outsiders. The Convention Center is a monstrous and gi-normous building. Not only was our, (I thought quite large) coaches convention there, but they had a car show at one end of the building and the American Chemical Society convention in another part. There were lots of people everywhere! Then, of course, walking from the convention site to the hotel, about 20-25 minutes, you see all these other people on the streets that are vacationing, touring, working, visiting, etc. The WBCA and Final Four was not the hottest ticket in town. Most people didn't even know we were there. On Bourbon Street we saw a group of young men from Notre Dame in town for a bachelor's party. We asked if they coincided it with the women's team playing in the Final Four. Unfortunately I can't publish their answer, but it was clear women's basketball was not their interest or reason for being in town. New Orleans was fun. The clinics, learning labs, seminars, and round tables were fabulous this year. I learned lots. I can't wait to implement some stuff, change some thoughts and ideas, work on a few areas and get ready for next season. For that very reason, it was the best yet! By the way, I had my first shrimp Po`boy and my first muffaletta. It was worth going to NOLA for them.</span>Coach LaHayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14330073900050012813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148807321868266691.post-16078428410101825262013-03-12T15:11:00.001-04:002013-03-12T15:11:47.841-04:00End of the Year<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The season ended, much to our dismay, abruptly on February 21st when we went up against the reigning and eventual ODAC champs in our quarterfinal game at the Salem Civic Center. As was custom for most of the season, we ended up getting a lot too late into the game. In many ways it was an exact duplicate of many of the games we played this season. Once we got over the fact that we could compete with our opponent, we did. However in the ODAC, you must compete for the entire 40 minutes. Although that was a new concept for most of the team, it is also a tough lesson to learn. I trust we believe it now. Next season is already on all of our minds. After a couple weeks off, everyone will be anxious to right what we flipped this year. </span>Coach LaHayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14330073900050012813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148807321868266691.post-89386121004574399132013-02-18T13:11:00.000-05:002013-02-18T13:11:51.136-05:00Special Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxN40Xd-OeHtPEAVSkz1btiM7x-E4eHqXAHmU7Y2pKw9ljZ85tdNPF56ZvFLFLjEPhI5ElIfhEJ3rTZwbaCi3GbCKUo9A7lJ31-F_jIhINJcZSEiyihYnzEDlFSpngTDMJ_FTlx4epjmpV/s1600/S+O+picBBALL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxN40Xd-OeHtPEAVSkz1btiM7x-E4eHqXAHmU7Y2pKw9ljZ85tdNPF56ZvFLFLjEPhI5ElIfhEJ3rTZwbaCi3GbCKUo9A7lJ31-F_jIhINJcZSEiyihYnzEDlFSpngTDMJ_FTlx4epjmpV/s320/S+O+picBBALL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sunday our team had the chance to work the Special Olympics Basketball event. We were responsible for the skills competition just like last year. In a two hour time span, it is so easy to get attracted, engrossed, and involved with each of the athletes that come to the 3-different stations of competition, target passing, spot shooting, and dribbling. Many we remembered from last year, but there were a few new athletes along with a couple new organizations (or Areas as they call them). We had the chance to jump for joy when someone made a basket, cheer loud when someone hit the target, or high-five someone who made the trip down and back dribbling the ball--skills we do well with relative ease and take for granted. Yet, we all got excited when one of these athletes completed the task, perhaps only one time. And, of course, the sheer excitement, cheering, or noise each of them elicited indicated they were proud of themselves too. They practice their skills in order to compete in this event. The challenge for us was using the language that they know to edge them on to accomplish the skill. Our team did a great job. I get all of the compliments for the team and definitely memories were made for a lifetime for each of them. </span>Coach LaHayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14330073900050012813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148807321868266691.post-52126921675382077452013-01-31T15:15:00.000-05:002013-01-31T15:15:38.140-05:00Where's the Time Gone?<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of my new year's resolutions was to update my blog on a more regular basis. With my twitter account (@rmcwbb), I am not doing as well as I should. It has been more than a month. Florida has come and gone; Christmas has definitely gone; the weather has fluctuated back and forth; the season has had its highs and lows; the team has fought through a number of injuries and sicknesses; and here we are--still living. Everything could be worse and everything could certainly be better. Tomorrow is Feb. 1, only one more month of basketball--it goes by way too fast! It seems like we were just trying shoes on the other day. It seems like we just distributed uniforms the other day. It seems like we played our first game the other day. Well we didn't. That was 3-months ago. As we come up on the end of the season with just 6-games left, we must grab on to them, hold them for a bit with no regrets, make the most of them or soon they will flitter away as the others have too. Time waits for none.</span>Coach LaHayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14330073900050012813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148807321868266691.post-37297998509486011352012-12-14T16:05:00.000-05:002012-12-14T16:05:33.894-05:00Finals Week Turns to Warm Weather Soon<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We have had a hectic and intense week of finals. Our players have had exams every day and the final group of five had the last time slot of 2-5 pm on Friday afternoon. I can't remember having any of our players in the last slot for awhile. We have tried to stay active throughout the week during our study breaks. We haven't done much team basketball, but we have been cognizant of our conditioning and done some cross training. For a few, they said they would just stay with basketball--the cross training activities were intense and harder than they thought. Each day they talked more about the sore muscles. Then they talked about being in shape for our trip to Florida. We play two tough opponents while there so their bodies have to be in shape. We are looking forward to the semester break, re-focusing, trying to turn our situation into a more positive outlook, and relaxing in the warm weather a bit before we join our families for the holidays.</span>Coach LaHayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14330073900050012813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148807321868266691.post-27591603027776849582012-11-21T11:03:00.000-05:002012-11-21T11:03:10.975-05:00Thankful, Still<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">`Tis the season to be thankful. And I am. As a basketball coach with an 0-3 record to start the season you may ask what is there to be thankful about? I can count the ways. I am thankful I am a coach. I am thankful to come to work every day and try to make an impact on young women. I am thankful to be able to teach and impart some knowledge on others. I am thankful for physical fitness, physical attributes, and physical talent. I am thankful for smart, young women. I am thankful for laughter. I am thankful for youth. I am thankful for this team. I am thankful for opportunities. I am thankful for desire. I am thankful for motivation. I am thankful for improvement. I am thankful for possibilities. I am thankful for my staff. I am thankful for Randolph-Macon. I am thankful for life. I am thankful for love. I am thankful for family. I am thankful...</span>Coach LaHayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14330073900050012813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148807321868266691.post-46184390793759223232012-11-13T20:48:00.000-05:002012-11-13T20:48:36.836-05:00Opening Day<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We are two practices shy of Opening Day for 2012-2013. Excitement is clearly in the air and the energy and effort the last few days seems to have turned up a notch. Sometimes that happens with young players. Nerves, fear, enthusiasm, mistakes, speed and just overall body movement appears to be everywhere. We coaches have been super excited about this team and the new look we will have. We are young. We miss the experience of our lost players--41 pts. to be exact. Surprises face us every day. Each day someone gets it and then it is contagious and they all get it. Then we can move on to the next skill or fundamental. It takes time to build youth, but when they pay attention and soak in the coaching tidbits, it is rewarding to watch them excel. The ODAC will have lots of new players this year, but some really good talent returning as well. Opening Day will set the tone. Come see us play. Our team will definitely have a different look.</span>Coach LaHayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14330073900050012813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148807321868266691.post-37420242414274010862012-10-23T21:01:00.000-04:002012-10-23T21:01:00.376-04:00Homecoming Court<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OXb-D7sYxGu8cjMVejGR9Gb4xjqrTPHG4s1-nLY7x6mb6JMnJxGxWvCSGED2f0A2WN0pevP4cn5rTsL3hCpk_gSHvdtuhb18Ubeut646lqP9Ffw10OmeA0oprF8Urt-3pLATNtLhxUCx/s1600/photo+(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OXb-D7sYxGu8cjMVejGR9Gb4xjqrTPHG4s1-nLY7x6mb6JMnJxGxWvCSGED2f0A2WN0pevP4cn5rTsL3hCpk_gSHvdtuhb18Ubeut646lqP9Ffw10OmeA0oprF8Urt-3pLATNtLhxUCx/s320/photo+(9).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last Saturday was Homecoming. On Friday night, we had the gala and that is a treat in itself. Usually out of my element, but I have a blast when I get to socialize with lots of different people that love Randolph-Macon. The campus was buzzing with alumni. There were many special events and, for some, the first time they had seen all the construction on campus such as the Werner Pavillion and the new Day Field. Homecoming is always a special time to re-connect with former students, players, and even parents. One of our former player's Dad has a tailgate and has had one the last couple of years. It is a great opportunity for the players to come and reminisce about a particular game, practice, season, etc. We saw them all from 1980 up to 2012 this year. I love to see them because chances are I get to talk with them more at the tailgate than I do at our annual <i style="font-weight: bold;">Back to the Hive </i>event. Thanks for coming and thanks for the opportunity. Here is a picture of a few of the former players who came.</span>Coach LaHayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14330073900050012813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148807321868266691.post-1546797912024499432012-10-02T18:13:00.000-04:002012-10-02T18:13:57.965-04:00Control of the Weather for Golf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjO15Nt_SgA1CctXavjlaH7wrtcJcjflxnuVY9c9u6CGRMkNJQLjg78BG9SCECT72FUtkRClwqXOCke4tKG2hp2jqvBLroEJVr7HomQ2aS3md4mIVJhsbqjV7S1wYrJnxBKgN0GUmxLGP/s1600/RMC+WBB+GOLF+OUTING+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjO15Nt_SgA1CctXavjlaH7wrtcJcjflxnuVY9c9u6CGRMkNJQLjg78BG9SCECT72FUtkRClwqXOCke4tKG2hp2jqvBLroEJVr7HomQ2aS3md4mIVJhsbqjV7S1wYrJnxBKgN0GUmxLGP/s320/RMC+WBB+GOLF+OUTING+036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On Saturday we had our annual RMC Golf Open and Season Kick-Off fund-raiser. Everybody thinks I have some connections with the weather. We have always had outstanding weather for our golf events. Earlier in the day when I was loading up, it began to sprinkle. I said a little prayer to get rid of the wet in order to have a good day for golf. Thankfully, He heard me. The weather was splendid for golf. We had 18-foursomes, the largest turnout we have ever had. We had extras for lunch. The team did a great job conducting their fund-raiser! Thanks to all of our supporters for doing everything they do for women's basketball. </span>Coach LaHayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14330073900050012813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148807321868266691.post-53147001364519436022012-09-24T10:52:00.002-04:002012-09-24T10:52:48.270-04:00Leadership and Memories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavi5LCpCnPc_EdBOm2SGU2pCAgZ7TCwEHwN8pZZhIbtAqFE8awuI64sFuEn-t4dMm4qulZll8iWliij-OsASDIBIWIbOqN9JdeHuJed9VnqQG-s4zH4rQmuhDkDmrvv9maVNmibU1nII2/s1600/photo+(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavi5LCpCnPc_EdBOm2SGU2pCAgZ7TCwEHwN8pZZhIbtAqFE8awuI64sFuEn-t4dMm4qulZll8iWliij-OsASDIBIWIbOqN9JdeHuJed9VnqQG-s4zH4rQmuhDkDmrvv9maVNmibU1nII2/s320/photo+(8).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last Thursday night the Randolph-Macon campus had the opportunity to listen to Pat Williams, Senior Vice-President of the Orlando Magic, speak on "Moral Foundations for Sports, Business, and Life." He was a dynamic speaker as he sure has had a lot of experiences dealing with people from all walks of life and around the world. He has authored over 75-books. That is some serious writing! Blackwell Auditorium was filled and many of the athletes in attendance learned the 7-essential components to leadership. I am sure as the captains, the seniors, we coaches, and anyone else who believes they are a leader reflected on those 7-qualities, we could identify with each one as he defined it. I also thought about the leaders that have come through this program and how the really great ones had all those qualities or at least enough of them to make a difference with our team. My memories of them were as meaningful as the talk itself. At the conclusion of the presentation he was willing to sign any of his books that one had. The team bought some and we were able to get a picture with him as well. </span>Coach LaHayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14330073900050012813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148807321868266691.post-4356564314462955442012-09-13T15:02:00.002-04:002012-09-13T15:02:51.897-04:00Welcome Coach Litton<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As usual much has happened since my last post. Our new class has arrived and have been on a whirlwind with the returning players. They laugh a lot. They have fun together. It is a good sign to see them having fun and being together. We have also welcomed back Ana Litton as our new Assistant Coach. She was with the program from 2002-2006. During that time, we won 3-ODAC Championships, played in 3-NCAA Tournaments including a National Runner-up position and an Elite 8 finish. I don't know about history repeating itself, but we will believe in it for the time being. So as you can tell there are many exciting things going on to start the new school year. Our big event coming up soon is the RMC Golf Open. It is one of the fund-raisers we do. We could use your swing. Check it out at . <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/rmcgolfopen">https://sites.google.com/site/rmcgolfopen</a> Come join us for a great day and kick-off.</span>Coach LaHayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14330073900050012813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148807321868266691.post-4863879442185448252012-08-24T13:52:00.000-04:002012-08-24T13:52:00.708-04:00Almost Over--Ready for a New Start<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's that time of the summer where everything is bustling around campus as we finish up with construction projects, renovation projects and just getting ready for the new school year. The Fall athletes have all returned and are about to open their seasons. Everyone is excited and refreshed (I think) to begin the 2012-13 school year. I am for sure. There will be changes, fortunately or unfortunately, for some of us. I only say that because change is never easy, so it can be unfortunate for those who don't embrace it and for those who do, then the change can be fortunate. I am pumped for the 2012-13 season as 6-new players will join us. That is more than a team you put on the floor. The last time we had more than a team to add to our roster was back in 1992-93 when we brought in 7-new players. Through all those years since then, we have had to bring in only a couple of players to compliment the existing roster. Basically it is the same thing, as this past May we graduated 4-significant contributors to our program over the last few years. Not only did bodies need to be replaced, but some statistics will have to be as well. Talk about change. That is why I think it is fortunate. Opportunities abound everywhere and I trust they will be grasped and taken advantage of by each of our players. Can't wait! </span>Coach LaHayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14330073900050012813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148807321868266691.post-30590857909070134382012-07-28T08:02:00.001-04:002012-07-28T08:03:05.152-04:00Busy SummerIt does seem like a long time ago since I've updated my blog. It has been a very busy summer. My trip with USA Athletes to Ireland and camps have kept me occupied. Every camp has been interesting and different. The most recent venture at Randolph-Macon College was the East Coast Elite Hoops camp. We had 15-high school players on campus for skill development and play. We also had a great staff of collegiate coaches from Randolph-Macon, Franklin & Marshall, Bridgewater, Salisbury, and St. Mary's. Since it was the first year of this camp, we started small and hope to grow more in 2013 with a new group of prospective students. Check our website out at: www.eastcoastelitehoops.comCoach LaHayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14330073900050012813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148807321868266691.post-91149874697178912602012-06-20T18:05:00.000-04:002012-06-20T18:05:24.351-04:00Camp Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheh0J1LDYoRve1DhFVUbtyDRp2-FFJzCgCyRDqSI4tyl5gdac-OBxbpHy9Y88_lILiOpiT5cIwrylTG1yW9zveIgTrnOdVRam9uPSsf0UM8NZq2daCNOLDms9O8tymtkL9E-loW5-rsnO6/s1600/photo+(14).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheh0J1LDYoRve1DhFVUbtyDRp2-FFJzCgCyRDqSI4tyl5gdac-OBxbpHy9Y88_lILiOpiT5cIwrylTG1yW9zveIgTrnOdVRam9uPSsf0UM8NZq2daCNOLDms9O8tymtkL9E-loW5-rsnO6/s320/photo+(14).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Camp is something else! We have an outstanding staff this year and with all the kids we have, ages 7-12, the days are flying by. We have lots of enthusiasm. This group listens very well and tries to do exactly what we just taught, said, recommended, etc. It is quite amazing and very uplifting to see them pay attention as much as they do. It is even more satisfying to see the improvement each camper has made in just a short time. Hopefully more gratification will come to each of them if they continue to work on their skills and not just expect to be a good basketball player in a week. It does take a lot of hard work, extra work and quite a commitment to do your best and become the player you want to be. I am pleased that they chose R-MC Girls' Basketball Camps to begin their journey. Today was Wacky Wednesday. Our campers and staff fit the bill quite well.Coach LaHayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14330073900050012813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148807321868266691.post-64312436322520817732012-06-20T17:55:00.000-04:002012-06-20T17:55:36.763-04:00Upon Return<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It seems I had good intentions to write while in Ireland and I apologize it didn't happen. I had a fabulous time and I believe the team I coached did as well. They have talked about a reunion site in another year and graciously asked if I would be their coach. Now it will be up to USA Athletes to find us a destination or determine if it is a go. I obviously made it home safely. Upon return we jumped right into a weekend of Macon Hoops with The Battle at the Brock. It was a fundraiser for our team. Hopefully when all the bills are paid, we will have something to show for all the hard work of the players and their parents. Thanks very much for the great help we had from a few parents and all of our players. From Macon Hoops we went right into our Day Camp. More to follow on that in another post.</span>Coach LaHayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14330073900050012813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148807321868266691.post-76643512491400228362012-06-02T17:41:00.000-04:002012-06-02T17:41:28.836-04:00Back to My RootsI knew I was from Ireland as my great-great-great grandfather was an Irish sea captain according to our family genealogy. He came from Ireland and settled on Mt. Desert Island in Maine. Since I have the opportunity to be in Ireland coaching a team for USA Athletes, I have begun to understand some of the things my grandparents and my mother would refer to in our family discussions or get togethers. I have seen the name Carroll several different places while traveling about through Ireland--Dublin, Cork, Limerick and all the other little places here and there. The tour is called the Irish Roots Tour. Now I think that is pretty clever as many of us could probably trace our roots back to Ireland. The team I am coaching has some of the nicest young women on it. There are seven players: 1 -grad student from the University of Mobile-she also played at Ole Miss; 1-from Columbia College in South Carolina; 2-from Clark University; 1- from Rowan University; and 1-from Montclair University; and 1-from Hollins University. This is one of the best trips I have been on in terms of the locale, the culture, the hospitality, the players and their personalities, the food, the people we meet and come into contact with, and the experience. Even our basketball has been fun and exciting. They play a very aggressive and physical game over here. Our team had to adjust some, but the officiating was fairly consistent. At any rate, I'll write more during another chance with free wi-fi.Coach LaHayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14330073900050012813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148807321868266691.post-36617971642956424502012-05-29T08:26:00.000-04:002012-05-29T08:26:33.791-04:00Graduation-Keep MovingOn May 26, four of our players graduated . That's the biggest class since 1996. As I have told them all, four years zoomed by. Now they are on their own without the comfort and security of the college life. All have plans, Jill is going to VCU to get her Masters in Social Work; Taylor twill be taking over the office managing her Dad's business; Molly is headed back to Floyd, but will be an Assistant Coach for Roanoke Catholic; and Maggie is waiting to hear from UNC-G after her recent change in plans to pursue athletics. It's hard to believe they are moving on, but that's life, right? Things keep moving whether we want them to or not. We wish the best for them and Godspeed. It was nice to see their teammates and former teammates on campus to celebrate with them on Saturday. And so now, I guess, summer begins. I am off again this year coaching a team with USA Athletes to Ireland. I will update you upon my return as I am sure the experience will be splendid.Coach LaHayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14330073900050012813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148807321868266691.post-35095292748796641352012-05-02T14:53:00.001-04:002012-05-02T14:53:47.910-04:00What's Up With the Weather<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Can anyone figure the weather? We surely have had some bizarre weather days. One day it is 82 and I need to run the AC. The next day, I am stoking up a fire to take the chill off in the house. Last week the pool guys came to open the pool while I was building a fire in the wood stove. That was a funny sight. This week the weather appears to be a little more consistent. Many of the students are out sunning, playing and soaking the rays while also fitting some studying in. Everyone seems to cheer up more when the weather is nice. We love nice weather for cheery moods! Here it is the first of May and we have not had too many consistent warm-up days. Maybe it has finally broke and we are on our way to the heat of the summer. That would be okay with me. We have just one week of classes left--wow. </span>Coach LaHayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14330073900050012813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148807321868266691.post-68650578698878606812012-04-06T15:21:00.002-04:002012-04-06T15:37:51.378-04:00Back from DenverHaving the privilege to attend our coaches convention is a professional development opportunity I look forward to every year. I get so excited learning more or different ways to do things that I have been doing for 30-years--so much so, I am ready for next season to start right now and we haven't even taken too much of a break yet. The sessions, the on-court programming, and learning labs were full of very useful and pertinent information for me. One of the best sessions was the keynote speaker, Joe Ehrmann. He was a super dynamic speaker and his 1.5 hour talk whizzed by. He challenged us coaches to "Win While Leaving a Legacy". His points were very real and I look forward to reading his book, InSide Out Coaching. Another really good session was Cathy Crosslin's, "Change Your Mind, Elevate Your Game". Now it will be my challenge to take the points from each of them and grow more as a coach. I am ready.Coach LaHayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14330073900050012813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148807321868266691.post-52021477155258239682012-03-16T14:56:00.002-04:002012-03-16T15:08:26.483-04:00Spring BreakA lot has happened since my last post. It is probably a good thing that I don't look at the date of the last one because then I will know I truly have been negligent in keeping up with the news about and within the program. So what has been going on since you last read? Well we ended our very quick season on a down note losing in the quarterfinal game of the ODAC tourney. Certainly not what any of us intended, but not a surprise to some who knew our inconsistencies throughout the year. The last game of the season, unless you win the National Tournament, will always end with a loss. That last game is a tough ending to all the hard work, time and energy each of us has put into the season and for four seniors--four years of their college life. These four seniors won 2-ODAC Championships (many players never win a Conference Championship), and had 2-NCAA post-season appearances. They accomplished many things during their career and they kept Randolph-Macon in the forefront of the Conference. I am going to miss their unique personalities and their contributions. I will always remember what they gave to the program.Coach LaHayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14330073900050012813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148807321868266691.post-88571852720533523792012-02-16T16:54:00.003-05:002012-02-16T17:06:49.837-05:00So Much For Granted<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5TbSkNtzN8WdZbStvu1OS_A6AYl6c1m6xu-lLREiCeYwgkstTPq6q_Ew4RI9LNkMXrPW0wn2aifIz2htyBNAzLABS1VlFhoHs3euapAIAoDoeajGr8KPgWGJbuP8iO1dAO-tvfxIyWot6/s1600/_JAM6159+%25282%2529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709858120801806114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5TbSkNtzN8WdZbStvu1OS_A6AYl6c1m6xu-lLREiCeYwgkstTPq6q_Ew4RI9LNkMXrPW0wn2aifIz2htyBNAzLABS1VlFhoHs3euapAIAoDoeajGr8KPgWGJbuP8iO1dAO-tvfxIyWot6/s320/_JAM6159+%25282%2529.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>Last weekend was extremely special for our team as we had our annual pink games and assisted with Special Olympics. This year our team raised money for ReeseStrong, which is the foundation in honor of Reese, our little pediatric brain cancer survivor that we adopted three years ago through the Friends of Jaclyn program. ReeseStrong helps other families in their fight against childhood cancer. Reese was with us all day. The team was welcomed by her at center court to start the game and we had the opportunity for hugs following the game. She and her family are such great supporters of the Yellow Jackets and we were honored to raise a little money for ReeseStrong.</div><br /><div>Then on Sunday, our team participated in the basketball skills session of the Virginia Special Olympics Basketball Tournament. We cheered on and led the Olympians in dribbling, passing, and shooting--skills we take for granted. Our team was fabulous in their efforts, their encouragement, and their overall involvement in the entire event. We finished off the special day with the dance in Alumni Gym with as many Olympians as wanted to dance.</div>Coach LaHayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14330073900050012813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7148807321868266691.post-59737596023301793042012-02-06T14:48:00.003-05:002012-02-06T15:03:35.149-05:0023rd Annual Back to the Hive<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3RiGU8j5SIxv2_4VM3ZWWlz1gCrmd_0ZL2P7g5i5vxeJy-Vjct0fUawQFnWOz0UxCn2VDwWPaTOoWwLvG-KkRlwWVv5RdfDW4KtJd_0HTkwROrq1OLs6lG5PevIIBR36wQ-4e5muPdOUK/s1600/HIVE+FEB+2012+016+%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706115456814208130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3RiGU8j5SIxv2_4VM3ZWWlz1gCrmd_0ZL2P7g5i5vxeJy-Vjct0fUawQFnWOz0UxCn2VDwWPaTOoWwLvG-KkRlwWVv5RdfDW4KtJd_0HTkwROrq1OLs6lG5PevIIBR36wQ-4e5muPdOUK/s320/HIVE+FEB+2012+016+%25282%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>This past Saturday we celebrated the 23rd Annual Back to the Hive event. It was the largest group of former team members--35-- that has come back. The day started with our odd years versus even years alumnae game. The game was pretty equal throughout the contest until the even years took control with a couple minutes left to prevail again for the 3rd straight year. Our game vs Emory & Henry followed with us taking a decisive victory. Each alumnus was recognized at half-time and given a momento. And then onto the social following the game--usually the favorite of all. It was a great opportunity to catch up with each other and some parents of former members were in attendance as well. Thanks to all for coming and sharing in the day. Thanks to each of you who contributed to the dvd with pictures, kind comments, and lots of precious memories. It was a powerful day for me. We also had several prospective students visit and experience the day. They sure did get a feel for RMC Women's Basketball. Take a look at the ones who came Back.</div>Coach LaHayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14330073900050012813noreply@blogger.com