Elena Delle Donne was one of the top high school girls basketball recruits in the country last year. The Wilmington, DE native had planned to go to UCONN to help the Lady Huskies continue to win championships.
However, the sport that had given Delle Donne so much failed to make her happy. She turned down Connecticut and decided to quit basketball all together. She believed she was burned out, but in reality, she just wanted to be closer to home and to her family. She especially wanted to be with her older sister who is both blind and deaf.
Once she realized that what made her happy was being closer to home, she returned to the sport she loved. She is now a Freshman Forward/Guard on the University of Delaware Women's Basketball Team. She has already made a huge impact for the Lady Blue Hens. They won their season opener against St. Francis University. Even though Delaware lost to Princeton, Delle Donne poured in 35 points on the night and was named the CAA Rookie of the Week.
Delle Donne may never experience cutting down the nets after winning a national championship, but in many ways, she is already a champion. She has the heart of a champion. Elena Delle Donne has put her family first, especially her severely handicapped sister. In this blogger's mind, she has won the biggest championship of all: the championship of life itself.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Lambert is a Disgrace to the Beautiful Game
The University of New Mexico Womens' Soccer Team has gotten national attention, but unlike programs like North Carolina, Florida and the University of Portland, the Lady Lobos have gotten the wrong kind of attention thanks to one of their players, Elizabeth Lambert.
Lambert gained national attention for her dirty play against Brigham Young when she yanked down a player from behind by the player's pony tail. A video of the incident was sent to several new outlets including the New York Times. As a result of her flagrant behavior, Lambert has been suspended indefinitely from the New Mexico Womens' team. "I still deeply regret it and will always regret it and will carry it through the rest of my life not to retaliate,” said Lambert.
The pony tail yanking incident wasn't the only thing Lambert was guilty of during the BYU match in which the Lady Lobos lost 2-1. She elbowed a player in the back and received a yellow card for tripping. She also appeared to throw a punch at an opponent's head. When she saw the video, she said that she couldn't believe that it was really her. "I look at it and I’m like, ‘That is not me,’ ” said Lambert, a defender and an all-conference academic player. “I have so much regret. I can’t believe I did that.”
Really, Elizabeth? That's not you? I agree with one writer when he said that if it was just an isolated incident, that statement may be true. However, there were several incidents of foul play on the part of Lambert. Yes, Elizabeth, it is you, and you need to own up to it and admit it. However, that's not the worst of what she said. In an interview with the New York Times, she said that because she is a female, the media is making a bigger deal out of it. "I definitely feel because I am a female it did bring about a lot more attention than if a male were to do it,” Lambert said. “It’s more expected for men to go out there and be rough. The female, we’re still looked at as, Oh, we kick the ball around and score a goal. But it’s not. We train very hard to reach the highest level we can get to. The physical aspect has maybe increased over the years. I’m not saying it’s for the bad or it’s been too overly aggressive. It’s a game. Sports are physical.”
Yes, Elizabeth, sports are physical, but there is a fine line between good, physical play and dirty, unsportsman like play. To say that the media is making more of this because you're a girl is a cop out. Men do not play like that. That's why they don't get the attention you are getting right now. It's a disgrace. It's rare that the mainstream media talks about soccer, let alone Womens' College Soccer. Elizabeth, you have embarrassed the UNM Womens' program and the University, not the national attention they wanted. You are a Junior, an upper classman, yet you have lots of growing up to do.
Lambert gained national attention for her dirty play against Brigham Young when she yanked down a player from behind by the player's pony tail. A video of the incident was sent to several new outlets including the New York Times. As a result of her flagrant behavior, Lambert has been suspended indefinitely from the New Mexico Womens' team. "I still deeply regret it and will always regret it and will carry it through the rest of my life not to retaliate,” said Lambert.
The pony tail yanking incident wasn't the only thing Lambert was guilty of during the BYU match in which the Lady Lobos lost 2-1. She elbowed a player in the back and received a yellow card for tripping. She also appeared to throw a punch at an opponent's head. When she saw the video, she said that she couldn't believe that it was really her. "I look at it and I’m like, ‘That is not me,’ ” said Lambert, a defender and an all-conference academic player. “I have so much regret. I can’t believe I did that.”
Really, Elizabeth? That's not you? I agree with one writer when he said that if it was just an isolated incident, that statement may be true. However, there were several incidents of foul play on the part of Lambert. Yes, Elizabeth, it is you, and you need to own up to it and admit it. However, that's not the worst of what she said. In an interview with the New York Times, she said that because she is a female, the media is making a bigger deal out of it. "I definitely feel because I am a female it did bring about a lot more attention than if a male were to do it,” Lambert said. “It’s more expected for men to go out there and be rough. The female, we’re still looked at as, Oh, we kick the ball around and score a goal. But it’s not. We train very hard to reach the highest level we can get to. The physical aspect has maybe increased over the years. I’m not saying it’s for the bad or it’s been too overly aggressive. It’s a game. Sports are physical.”
Yes, Elizabeth, sports are physical, but there is a fine line between good, physical play and dirty, unsportsman like play. To say that the media is making more of this because you're a girl is a cop out. Men do not play like that. That's why they don't get the attention you are getting right now. It's a disgrace. It's rare that the mainstream media talks about soccer, let alone Womens' College Soccer. Elizabeth, you have embarrassed the UNM Womens' program and the University, not the national attention they wanted. You are a Junior, an upper classman, yet you have lots of growing up to do.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Local Product Earns Starting Role for Clemson
Tanner Smith came out of the Wesleyan School in Norcross, Ga as one of the top players in the state. He had a solid season as a Freshman coming off Coach Oliver Pernell's bench a year ago. This year, he is now a starter for the #23 ranked Clemson Tigers Basketball Team.
So far, Smith has been putting up good numbers for the orange and blue kitties. In the Tigers first two games, Smith is shooting 10-18 from the field and has a total of 3 assists on the season. Even though both of those games, Presbyterian and Liberty, were blowouts, Smith has gotten off to a good start.
Tanner Smith has also made a huge impact off the court as well. Several years ago, Smith, with the help of his parents, started a foundation to provide gift bags for teenagers fighting cancer. Since then, "Tanner's Totes" has taken off big time. We here at College Sports will continue to monitor the success of this young man's college career both on and off the court. More will be expected of him this season, but I'm sure he is up to the task of meeting those expectations.
So far, Smith has been putting up good numbers for the orange and blue kitties. In the Tigers first two games, Smith is shooting 10-18 from the field and has a total of 3 assists on the season. Even though both of those games, Presbyterian and Liberty, were blowouts, Smith has gotten off to a good start.
Tanner Smith has also made a huge impact off the court as well. Several years ago, Smith, with the help of his parents, started a foundation to provide gift bags for teenagers fighting cancer. Since then, "Tanner's Totes" has taken off big time. We here at College Sports will continue to monitor the success of this young man's college career both on and off the court. More will be expected of him this season, but I'm sure he is up to the task of meeting those expectations.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Kuhn Sets Record For Lady Mocs Volleyball
UTC Sophomore Middle Blocker Ellie Kuhn set a new single season school record for block assists with 101. She reached that mile stone by registering 5 block assists against fellow Southern Conference opponent Appalachian St. this past Sunday. The Mocs dropped the match against the Lady Mountaineers 3-1 (25-22, 11-25, 22-25, 20-25), but nevertheless, it was a tremendous performance by the San Antonio, TX and Alamo Heights HS product.
Kuhn passed the previous leader Heather Gibson, who had 100 block assists during the 1991 season. She also moved up the ranks in the single season total blocks category to eighth all-time by totaling 114 blocks in Sunday's match against the Mountaineers. With that performance, she passed former Mocs Carmen Walker and Rachel Evan, and current teammate Leslie Ball.
Kuhn, along with her teammate, Jr. Courtney Barnes, both registered 10 kills for the second straight match. "I am thrilled to have surpassed the record," said Kuhn. "I have two more years left to improve and add to it. I couldn't have done it without the presence of the outside and right side hitters. I am glad that I was able to accomplish the feat and there is more to look forward to in the future."
It was Senior Day at UT-Chattanooga, and it would be shameful for this blogger not to mention Sr. Cassie Conner, who was honored before the match. The Willow Springs, ILL native registered 35 assists, 13 kills and two blocks on the day.
Ellie Kuhn enjoys her role as Middle Blocker. You can tell that from her remarks: "I love contributing offensively especially as a middle because it can open up things for our outsides," said Kuhn. "I am sure it did because our outsides had a pretty good day. It is a great feeling to contribute offensively and defensively."
The amazing thing is that Kuhn is just a Sophomore and has two more years to improve on her record-breaking accomplishment. She could leave UTC as the greatest Lady Mocs Volleyball player in school history. As a Freshman a year ago, Kuhn started in 10 matches and appeared in 23 matches for the Lady Mocs. She recorded 10 service aces and 26 total blocks during the 08 campaign. Also as a Freshman, Kuhn had a season high 8 kills in matches against Alabama A&M and Georgia St.
As great as these accomplishments are, they are even more staggering considering the fact that Kuhn had never even touched a volleyball until her Freshman year in high school. An Atlanta read club coach named Bob Westbrook worked with Kuhn constantly and the her training paid off. Ellie Kuhn is one of many student-athletes whose accomplishments don't get the big time press attention, but are every bit as impressive as the accomplishments of a Tim Tebo, Tyler Hansbrough or Eric Berry.
Information in this article was obtained from the official UTC athletics website http://www.gomocs.com/.
Kuhn passed the previous leader Heather Gibson, who had 100 block assists during the 1991 season. She also moved up the ranks in the single season total blocks category to eighth all-time by totaling 114 blocks in Sunday's match against the Mountaineers. With that performance, she passed former Mocs Carmen Walker and Rachel Evan, and current teammate Leslie Ball.
Kuhn, along with her teammate, Jr. Courtney Barnes, both registered 10 kills for the second straight match. "I am thrilled to have surpassed the record," said Kuhn. "I have two more years left to improve and add to it. I couldn't have done it without the presence of the outside and right side hitters. I am glad that I was able to accomplish the feat and there is more to look forward to in the future."
It was Senior Day at UT-Chattanooga, and it would be shameful for this blogger not to mention Sr. Cassie Conner, who was honored before the match. The Willow Springs, ILL native registered 35 assists, 13 kills and two blocks on the day.
Ellie Kuhn enjoys her role as Middle Blocker. You can tell that from her remarks: "I love contributing offensively especially as a middle because it can open up things for our outsides," said Kuhn. "I am sure it did because our outsides had a pretty good day. It is a great feeling to contribute offensively and defensively."
The amazing thing is that Kuhn is just a Sophomore and has two more years to improve on her record-breaking accomplishment. She could leave UTC as the greatest Lady Mocs Volleyball player in school history. As a Freshman a year ago, Kuhn started in 10 matches and appeared in 23 matches for the Lady Mocs. She recorded 10 service aces and 26 total blocks during the 08 campaign. Also as a Freshman, Kuhn had a season high 8 kills in matches against Alabama A&M and Georgia St.
As great as these accomplishments are, they are even more staggering considering the fact that Kuhn had never even touched a volleyball until her Freshman year in high school. An Atlanta read club coach named Bob Westbrook worked with Kuhn constantly and the her training paid off. Ellie Kuhn is one of many student-athletes whose accomplishments don't get the big time press attention, but are every bit as impressive as the accomplishments of a Tim Tebo, Tyler Hansbrough or Eric Berry.
Information in this article was obtained from the official UTC athletics website http://www.gomocs.com/.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Quitters Never Win And Winners Never Quit
Just this past week, Syracuse Wide Receiver Mike Williams walked into Head Coach Doug Marrone's office and told the coach he was quitting the team. You might expect that from a member of the Scout Team who rarely gets to play in a game if ever, but not from a semifinalist for the Bilettnikoff Award, the award going to College Football's top wide receiver.
But that is exactly what happened. With four weeks left in the season, Williams has decided to throw in the towel. Syracuse is having a bad year, but that's no excuse or reason whatsoever for any member of the team, let alone the team's best player, to quit.
Williams was suspended from school last year for violating the university's academic integrity policy, but was allowed to return to the school in January. He was also suspended for the Oct. 10 contest against West Virginia for violating team rules. Though his team is having a losing season, Williams his having an outstanding season personally. He ranks fifth in the country in receiving yards and first in the Big East Conference with 118.7 yards, 7.5 yards per catch. So far this season, Williams has caught 49 balls for 746 yards and six touchdowns. Williams would have been a sure first round pick in next year's NFL Draft. Two years ago, Williams set a Syracuse record with touchdown receptions in 9 straight games
With so much a head of him, including millions of dollars, why would he up and quit? Whats more baffling is that in an interview, he said he was looking forward to returning for his final year of eligibility in 2010. Perhaps he is tired of losing. So what! Syracuse didn't quit on you after you cheated, or broke some academic rule. Why, Mr. Williams, are you quitting on the Orange now?
There are the Mike Williamses of the world, and then there are those like Brett Favre. Yes, Favre hasn't handled the soap opera with the Packers and Vikings like he should have, but that's beside my point. I wonder how many people know that Southern Mississippi was the only Division 1 school that gave Favre a scholarship. At one point, he was ranked 7th on the USM depth chart, absolutely buried with little hope of playing time, let alone being the starting quarterback. However, Favre worked and worked and eventually won the starting job for the Golden Eagles. During his Senior year in 1989, the Brett Favre-led Southern Miss Football Team upset Florida St. in Jacksonville, FL.
He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons, then traded to the Green Bay Packers. The rest, of course, is history. He's a sure Hall of Fame QB, and is leading Minnesota to a possible play off appearance and who knows what after that. What if Favre had decided to quit while being buried so far down on the USM depth chart? He didn't do it because he is a winner and winners never quit. Mike Williams, on the other hand, is throwing away a possible lucrative career in the NFL and letting down his Orange teammates when they need him the most. As one sports broadcaster put it, he went from a sure First Round draft pick to three or even four rounds down. It's ridiculous! Shame on you Mike Williams. Quitters never win, and you are a quitter.
But that is exactly what happened. With four weeks left in the season, Williams has decided to throw in the towel. Syracuse is having a bad year, but that's no excuse or reason whatsoever for any member of the team, let alone the team's best player, to quit.
Williams was suspended from school last year for violating the university's academic integrity policy, but was allowed to return to the school in January. He was also suspended for the Oct. 10 contest against West Virginia for violating team rules. Though his team is having a losing season, Williams his having an outstanding season personally. He ranks fifth in the country in receiving yards and first in the Big East Conference with 118.7 yards, 7.5 yards per catch. So far this season, Williams has caught 49 balls for 746 yards and six touchdowns. Williams would have been a sure first round pick in next year's NFL Draft. Two years ago, Williams set a Syracuse record with touchdown receptions in 9 straight games
With so much a head of him, including millions of dollars, why would he up and quit? Whats more baffling is that in an interview, he said he was looking forward to returning for his final year of eligibility in 2010. Perhaps he is tired of losing. So what! Syracuse didn't quit on you after you cheated, or broke some academic rule. Why, Mr. Williams, are you quitting on the Orange now?
There are the Mike Williamses of the world, and then there are those like Brett Favre. Yes, Favre hasn't handled the soap opera with the Packers and Vikings like he should have, but that's beside my point. I wonder how many people know that Southern Mississippi was the only Division 1 school that gave Favre a scholarship. At one point, he was ranked 7th on the USM depth chart, absolutely buried with little hope of playing time, let alone being the starting quarterback. However, Favre worked and worked and eventually won the starting job for the Golden Eagles. During his Senior year in 1989, the Brett Favre-led Southern Miss Football Team upset Florida St. in Jacksonville, FL.
He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons, then traded to the Green Bay Packers. The rest, of course, is history. He's a sure Hall of Fame QB, and is leading Minnesota to a possible play off appearance and who knows what after that. What if Favre had decided to quit while being buried so far down on the USM depth chart? He didn't do it because he is a winner and winners never quit. Mike Williams, on the other hand, is throwing away a possible lucrative career in the NFL and letting down his Orange teammates when they need him the most. As one sports broadcaster put it, he went from a sure First Round draft pick to three or even four rounds down. It's ridiculous! Shame on you Mike Williams. Quitters never win, and you are a quitter.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Spikes Get's Off Too Easy
Florida Head Football Coach Urban Meyer cares more about winning than doing the right thing. This belief can be proven by the fact that he gave his star linebacker, Brandon Spikes, a "slap on the wrist" for clawing at the eyes of Georgia Running back Washaun Ealey at the end of a play.
Meyer suspended Spikes for the FIRST HALF of next week's game instead of, at least, the whole game.
This is despicable! What if Spikes had damaged Ealey's eyes? He could have gone blind. There was no need or excuse for that kind of behavior. Also, if it were a second teamer who did this barbaric act, that second teamer would probably been suspended for not just one, but probably two whole games. We have a situation here where a coach feels he has to have his best linebacker playing in order for Florida to win regardless of what transgression the player has committed. Standards of propper behavior have been lowered in the name of winning. Spikes put his fingers through Ealey's facemask and grabbed at his eyes. Unnecessary and stupid! Spikes should at least be suspended for the entire game, not just the first half.
We have lost and are continuing to lose all sense of decency. Yes, football is an emotional game, but there are still things a player cannot do. Clawing at an opponent's eyes is one of those things. Am I the only one that agrees with this? I don't think so. In a yahoo.com poll, an overwhelming 91% of people said that the punishment meted out to Spikes for his actions was not enough. Consider me one of them. You can still win by doing the right thing. You don't need to cause intentional harm to your opponent in order to win. where's the sportsmanship here?
Florida Quarterback Tim Tebo told reporters after the game that guys on the other team were probably doing it too. That is a pathetic excuse. Come on, Tim. You're suppose to be above that. To sum it up, Meyer has made a poor decision. Brandon Spikes needs to sit out at least one entire game, not just the first half.
Meyer suspended Spikes for the FIRST HALF of next week's game instead of, at least, the whole game.
This is despicable! What if Spikes had damaged Ealey's eyes? He could have gone blind. There was no need or excuse for that kind of behavior. Also, if it were a second teamer who did this barbaric act, that second teamer would probably been suspended for not just one, but probably two whole games. We have a situation here where a coach feels he has to have his best linebacker playing in order for Florida to win regardless of what transgression the player has committed. Standards of propper behavior have been lowered in the name of winning. Spikes put his fingers through Ealey's facemask and grabbed at his eyes. Unnecessary and stupid! Spikes should at least be suspended for the entire game, not just the first half.
We have lost and are continuing to lose all sense of decency. Yes, football is an emotional game, but there are still things a player cannot do. Clawing at an opponent's eyes is one of those things. Am I the only one that agrees with this? I don't think so. In a yahoo.com poll, an overwhelming 91% of people said that the punishment meted out to Spikes for his actions was not enough. Consider me one of them. You can still win by doing the right thing. You don't need to cause intentional harm to your opponent in order to win. where's the sportsmanship here?
Florida Quarterback Tim Tebo told reporters after the game that guys on the other team were probably doing it too. That is a pathetic excuse. Come on, Tim. You're suppose to be above that. To sum it up, Meyer has made a poor decision. Brandon Spikes needs to sit out at least one entire game, not just the first half.
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