From the Coach... 04/02/07

Diva Nation:

The Off-season is progressing nicely. Right now we are still practicing inside at the Capitol Sportsplex. We are concentrating on agilities, offensive/defensive schemes, and improving our overall quality of fitness. At this moment we have learned more offense and defense than any previous season in the month of March. The team is really starting to comprehend the new techniques and the coaching staff is witnessing rapid progress. It is our job over the next couple of weeks to fine tune all three phases of our ball club (Offense, Defense, and Special Teams).

We feel very fortunate to have obtained the quality of athletes we have during our off-season. We are expecting great contributions from Jordyn White and Alissa Imbragulio. Jordyn is a polished veteran football player whose experience with the Philadelphia Phoenix has served her well. Alissa’s experience with the Baltimore Burn, and aggressive style of play, can only help us as a football team. We are looking for HUGE contributions from Jordyn and Alissa this season. They are both, certainly, new divas to watch.

With our new rookie off-season program, we were able to work just with the rookies for an extended period of time. What we found will prove to be the difference maker in our 2007 campaign. On Defense, Kristina Oseth and Danielle DuBois are picking up things very quickly. On Offensive Line, Brianna Wilkins, Erica Reynosa, and Rachel Stivers are looking to contribute immediately. At Running Back we have really increased our Speed and Potential with the additions of Christina Werries and Okiima Pickett. Although it will be tuff for either to break into the vaunted DC Diva running corps, I am confident that both have the ability to make BIG plays in 2007.

The Coaching staff is focused on ensuring, that as a TEAM, we are still HUNGRY. It is all too easy to win a championship and then feel like there isn’t much work left to do. This is a GRAVE concern of mine. Practice attendance could be MUCH better. When we aren’t together we still need to push ourselves by studying on our own and personal workouts. For an overwhelming majority - this isn’t happening. I am starting to believe that our veterans think its August 6th 2006 - the day after the NWFA Championship.

No one is more proud of our accomplishments than I am, but 2006 is OVER. Again, in 2007, we have set our sights high. I will do everything in my power to meet them. As a team and organization we need to feel good about 2006 but turn our focus to 2007. I have seen it happen all too often. Teams become successful, and start to dream and relive Championship moments over and over again – only to wake up to a nightmare. I am hoping that will not be the DC Divas in 2007. Time will tell.

Sincerely,

Ezra M. Cooper Jr., Head Coach