From the Coach... 09/23/06

Diva Nation:

What else can be said that hasn’t been said in regards to the 2006 NWFA Championship Game? The team, organization, and coaching staff want to thank all of you that made the pilgrimage to Pittsburgh with us. Your presence was certainly felt and appreciated before, during, and after the game.

Early success in the game went how we had hoped, but no one could have predicted the spectacular individual performances from the OKC lightning players. We were very concerned about Calderon. And going in we understood that she would get yardage. She ran hard and did her city and team proud. The X factor in my mind was Kim Mitchell #4 OKC QB. We knew that she was an exceptional leader from watching film. What we found out during the game is that no one has more heart or plays with more passion than the starting QB for the OKC lightning. Mitchell took plenty of big hits from MLB #9 Ivy Tillman. Each time she got up, and came back harder the next time. When watching film I found myself gaining more and more respect for her and her abilities. The Coaching Staff was truly impressed with Coaches Bullock and Harris. In addition to having their players extremely well prepared, they are also ambassadors of women’s football. In conversation you can tell that they believe in their organization, and love their players. They have earned my personal respect and would feel privileged if I ever got to see them across the field in battle again.

I am so proud of our defense, and the outstanding job the Defensive coaches have done this season. There is no doubt in my mind that they achieved one of the best Defensive efforts in Women’s Football history. The players kept their focus and relied on their veteran leadership to lead the way. They kept Calderon in check, and eventually came up with stops in the 4th quarter to put the game away. Although, Rachelle Pecovsky was the games Offensive MVP, Allyson Hamlin sealed the win with a late TD run. All season Hamlin has done everything we have asked of her. When we needed her leadership it was there. When we needed her skill and expertise she gave it. And in that moment, when we needed her to transcend Diva memories, successes, and near misses of the past six years, she looked larger than life crossing that goal line. As I get older and hopefully wiser, I realize that there are moments in time that will live forever. For me one of those moments is watching Hamlin cross that goal line with her fist held high - knocking the monkey off of our backs in triumph.

There were some who said this day would never come. That we didn’t have enough experience as coaches to lead. Or that our players weren’t willing to sacrifice. Normally I just dismiss negative people from my life and thoughts, but I have to admit it amuses me to think of those comments now. When a team is playing TOGETHER there isn’t anything they can’t accomplish. I hope those people see that now. What a moment! Redemption in the eyes of some, a coming of age moment to others, but to me I realized that the love I share with this team and this organization can not be replaced with a salary. It can’t be substituted with victories, and it can’t be controlled by the short sighted vision of others. To realize all in one moment that you are happier for an entire team, coaching staff, and organization than you are for yourself, is to experience a different type of true love. The team has affectionately called it Diva Love. And, I must admit, I am head over heels.

Sincerely,

Ezra M. Cooper Jr., Head Coach