There is nothing quite like the moment you first step outside in March. We've had our first day of hitting – a session that was brief though productive. As the 4 final weeks of preseason wind down, these sessions will intensify and elongate. Bruises will go deeper, grass stains will grow darker, and slowly the rookies will learn that football is all about contact. To be successful you must have an earnest desire to make contact first, often, and be in proper position. Our staff takes extra precautions to ensure the safety of our players and opponents. When teaching contact, we emphasize speed, drive, finish and safety. In my view you can never take enough time to teach technique properly. At this point in the season we will be talking about it every day and getting high repetition in order for the movements, and the act of tackling/blocking, to become second nature.

We are growing in depth on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. The coaching staff is very impressed with some of our recent acquisitions. On defense we have made some position changes, hoping to increase speed and agility there. On offense we have made similar changes with an emphasis on speed and overall quickness. On offense, rookie wide-outs Courtney Robinson and Stephanie Hill are looking to gain serious playing time in April. Lauren Pruitt has also become a welcome addition to our fullback core. On defense, rookie defensive back and Gallaudet University student Katie Romano has impressed since tryouts. Also look for Nikkita Hubbard, rookie on the defensive line, to be jockeying for a starting position.

We also have been fortunate to add veterans from other teams around the country. Among them Doria Thomas, Monica Hockay, Trigger McNair, and Rachelle Pecovsky have increased our athleticism and all are fighting for starting positions in the upcoming weeks. Rachelle Pecovsky I remember fondly from epic battles with the Philadelphia Phoenix over the years. She is a fierce competitor, exceptional athlete, tremendous teammate, and hard worker in practice. Everything that defines a DC Diva is there. We are expecting some exciting play from her this year.

Quarterback Allyson Hamlin is working on the timing with her largely inexperienced receiver squad and it looks like it is paying off. Veteran Wide-outs Nikki Williams and Tara Kallal have been instrumental in bringing that core along. On defense, Ivy Tillman is leading her squad and with veteran backup from Raynette Savoy, Vickie Lucas, Allison Fischer, and Tessa Nelson. I am expecting to see great improvement soon.

Practice attendance is still high (higher now since we are outside), and morale is good. The players are certainly more focused now. Each practice we talk about how much time until the first game and what that game means to the organization, the coaches, the players, and the fans. There aren't many words to say to the veterans, as they get excited whenever they see Baltimore on the schedule. But for the rookies it's going to be hard having Baltimore as their very first game. Because the rivalry runs so deep, the game takes on a life of its own. You have to be ready to bring it! Every thing you have - physically and emotionally. I can guarantee you that Coach Mobley is going to have his team prepared to do so. I am counting on our coaching staff and veteran leadership to do the same.

Ezra Cooper, Head Coach