Texas Tech University Athletics
The Player's Journal: Ready or Not, Here we Come
January 30, 2018 | Softball
The first of a weekly series that connects the fans directly with the 2018 Red Raider softball team.
I don't mean to alarm you, but the most wonderful time of the year is quickly approaching: softball season! With that said, season does not come without countless sacrifices. The entire Christmas break, we all worked tirelessly to prepare for not only season, but preseason camp. And let me tell you, regardless if you worked out every single day and took 2000 swings a week, nothing could prepare you for the mental, physical and emotional strength it took to not only get through camp, but to be successful as a team.Â
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We had to report back to Lubbock a week early, and the first thing we had was our conditioning test, immediately followed by a two-hour practice, back to the weight room for an hour cardio circuit, then back to the field for an additional practice, a media shoot, then dinner. Needless to say I was in bed by 7:30 and felt no shame. This daunting schedule continued for an entire week until classes started.
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Any average group would have folded under the stress and physical demands that this schedule brought, but it seemed to me that with each passing day we only grew stronger and more determined to rise above what was asked of us. The fight that each and every one of my teammates had when adversity struck was such an exciting thing to see.
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With hardship there was plenty of fun to be had. The first night we went to dinner as a team then another evening we went to main event, which was quite comical to see everyone's sore bodies attempt to bowl. I had to use bumpers and still took the L. Another day we went to altitude and practiced diving into giant foam pits, but the one I was most grateful for was the day we took a rain check on watching a movie on our video board because it was 13 degrees that night.
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Preseason camp was a mean one, but I wouldn't change it for anything. The bonds, strength and growth that this week created is unmeasurable. It proved to many of us that there is always more to give, and for me personally, showed that this team is a force to be reckoned with. I cannot wait to see the product of our efforts unfold.Â
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The countdown is on and season is rapidly approaching, and let me tell you I wouldn't want to go into battle with any other team. We are ready, how about you?
Guns Up!
#6 Kenzie Davis
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We had to report back to Lubbock a week early, and the first thing we had was our conditioning test, immediately followed by a two-hour practice, back to the weight room for an hour cardio circuit, then back to the field for an additional practice, a media shoot, then dinner. Needless to say I was in bed by 7:30 and felt no shame. This daunting schedule continued for an entire week until classes started.
Â
Any average group would have folded under the stress and physical demands that this schedule brought, but it seemed to me that with each passing day we only grew stronger and more determined to rise above what was asked of us. The fight that each and every one of my teammates had when adversity struck was such an exciting thing to see.
Â
With hardship there was plenty of fun to be had. The first night we went to dinner as a team then another evening we went to main event, which was quite comical to see everyone's sore bodies attempt to bowl. I had to use bumpers and still took the L. Another day we went to altitude and practiced diving into giant foam pits, but the one I was most grateful for was the day we took a rain check on watching a movie on our video board because it was 13 degrees that night.
Â
Preseason camp was a mean one, but I wouldn't change it for anything. The bonds, strength and growth that this week created is unmeasurable. It proved to many of us that there is always more to give, and for me personally, showed that this team is a force to be reckoned with. I cannot wait to see the product of our efforts unfold.Â
Â
The countdown is on and season is rapidly approaching, and let me tell you I wouldn't want to go into battle with any other team. We are ready, how about you?
Guns Up!
#6 Kenzie Davis
Players Mentioned
MF/INF
/ SoftballHighlights vs. UTSA
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Monday, April 13
Highlights vs. Utah
Sunday, April 12
Highlights vs. Utah
Friday, April 10