April 4, 2006

Well as I sit and watch the remainder of the NCAA tournament this season, it only makes me smile to reminisce on the good times we had only a year ago. The reason I say that is because lately, in my newly found free time, I have been doing a lot of thinking back on the last four years and noticing that a good portion of it has the ability to make me smile.

People have been so supportive since our return to Waco, but I think it's funny when they say things like, "sorry about the loss" or things along those lines. Mainly, because I don't feel sorry about it at all. Of course we were heartbroken due to the loss and the fact that the seniors were officially done, but in a game like that, you have to give credit to the other team. Especially, when they (Maryland) manage to make it all the way to the championship game. And then you factor in things like considering the last time we made a Sweet 16 exit and how controversial that was, it makes the loss somewhat easier to swallow. I guess basically the idea of looking at it in perspective is what I'm getting at.

The past four years have been amazing, and through the ups and downs and the way-way ups and the super-low downs, I can walk away from the whole experience with my head held high (and my right hand held high too with that ring on it actually). Watching the program evolve and become the nationally-ranked team it is today was a ride I will never forget. The girls that have come through this program and the fans and friends made a lot of this experience as priceless as it was. I think the hardest part of the loss to Maryland was the thought of not playing with my group of girls anymore. Each year it's a tough idea to process but this one, for obvious reasons, got a few of us more choked up than usual.

Now that I have time to let it sink in and marinate a little bit, I have come to terms with moving on with the next phase of my life, which so far hasn't been a hard thing to do because I have no clue what the next phase entails. Now that I am officially unemployed and ineligible, please feel free to let me know about job opportunities or if you would just like to donate to the "Chameka in the real world fund." This just in...Jordan has requested to be a part of the fund as well, so remember every little bit helps. Just playing, but seriously, I think most of the girls have spent their free time catching up and getting back in the groove of class. There isn't much left but there is still a lot of work left to do. Most professors are really helpful in the make-up work and missed class occurrence, and usually very understanding. For me this semester, that is very important because I'm trying to do the whole graduate thing. So thank you to all my professors who are helping me through the struggle because it will be greatly appreciated.

I also want to thank Baylor and everyone associated with the women's basketball program, the big guys in the athletic offices and the guys that set up the floor for game days. To every fan that was there at the first exhibition game in 2002 to the fans in New Mexico a few weeks ago, and definitely everyone in between. This has been an unbelievable ride and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I know I speak for all the girls this year when I say thank you for every little bit of support because it really does make the tough days worth it and the great days even better.

I know some fans now have a lot of free time as well since the season is over and although there are numerous other athletic teams to be following right now, you can get another chance to hang out with the Lady Bears at the upcoming banquet. We are definitely looking forward to it and seeing everyone for at least one last time. So come on out if you can and hopefully I will see everyone soon. Unfortunately, I can't say until next time but it's been a good run doing these journals and keeping you guys updated on life off the court. Thanks for reading and keeping me in business for so long...

Chameka