My Championship Experience - Women's Soccer Edition

My Championship Experience is a diary blog written by Summit League student-athletes detailing their experiences at each of the 19 Championships. 

North Dakota State junior Katelyn Tallas' championship experience at the 2012 Summit League Women's Soccer Championship:

Welcome to the 2012 Summit League Women’s Soccer Championship.  To begin, a little bit about myself.  My name is Katelyn Tallas, and I’m a junior forward on the NDSU Soccer Team.  This is my third trip to The Summit League Tournament and I’m happier than ever to be here.  This is the highlight of all of our seasons, no matter what sport you hail from.  South Dakota State has done an incredible job putting together this year’s tournament, and the banquet was great! So on behalf of all the athletes, I would really like to thank everyone at SDSU for their time and hard work. 

Thursday, Nov 1:

Let the adventure begin!! The Bison hit the road today on a quick three-hour bus trip, and arrived late this afternoon in Brookings, S.D.  I chose to mention today because for so many of us, it’s the only day of the season where you will find us in something besides sweatpants!  Congratulations to all of this year’s award winners, and to those who managed to stay standing in high heels all night. 

Friday, Nov 2:

Today is going to be a lot of waiting, since we do not play until 6:00 p.m. tonight.  Good thing all of our professors chose this week to pile on the papers, at least we will be busy! Game preparations started after lunch with a jog and stretch and a tour of the field.  We leave for the game at 4:45 p.m.  It’s game time, BisoNation. 

           

Saturday, Nov 3:

I think today has been a tough day for all of us; obviously last night’s game did not go the way we had hoped.  We are heading back to NDSU this morning right after breakfast.  Since our season is over, I think it is important to reflect on everything we’ve been through this year.  I have never been more proud to be a Bison, and I am grateful to be writing this blog so that I have the chance to express how very proud I am of this team.

Sunday, Nov 4:

We’re all back at school now, stocking up on groceries again and finishing off our homework while we watch the live stats on today’s Championship game.  Good luck to Oakland, we wish you the very best at the NCAA Tournament.  Represent The Summit League with passion and pride.  Also, I’m so proud of Holly Christian and Shannon Brooks for earning all-tournament team honors for their final season!!

-Katelyn Tallas

Don’t forget to check out the next edition of My Championship Experience as it follows the Men’s Soccer Championship, Nov. 8-11 and throughout the 2012-13 season for coverage at each of The Summit League Championships.