The little smiles make me happy.

They've definitly improved but more importantly they've grown up. At first they were shy, around me and around each other, but not now. Now they come screaming up to me, dance around the basketball court, and even give a little attitude. They each are truly unique but that is why I love them.

From Kate who has a puppy and loves to tell me I am wrong to Lindsey who listens to my every word and giggles quietly when the other girls are loud, or Shannon who just loves to laugh, and she laughs ALOT, or Elizabeth who tho the youngest is the biggest girl there, also the only girl football player I know, or Kiley who tries to carry the team on her back, and gets so into the game, or Rebecca who would barely talk and now babbles on about her last family vacation, or McKenzie who still won't look at my scar, or Victoria who looks tough but is the most sensitive girl on the team, or Ellery who comes into practice with belly shirts on, but then can shoot a 3 like you wouldn't believe, and even Hailey who now hangs on my arms, tries to push me around, and makes fun of my limp....

These different girls from different backrounds have come together to form a team, a group of friends. They have overcome shyness, competition for playing time, already formed friendships, and awkward hellos and goodbyes, to form friendships that will hopefully last a lifetime.

These girls every week make me smile, and every week teach me why coaches coach. I can't wait to someday have little girls of my own.