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Pennsylvania native Chelsea Gordon is looking forward to opening the Big Ten season vs. Penn State next week.
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Dec. 16, 2006
Throughout the season select Illinois women's basketball players will reveal what life is like behind the scenes in the weekly Women's BasketBlog. In the second installment of the season sophomore Chelsea Gordon makes her BasketBlog debut talking about finals, the "mini-rivalry" games coming up and living the good life over break.
Women's BasketBlog // Dec. 16, 2006 // Chelsea Gordon
Wow! I've finally made it...I have the opportunity to be in great company as one of the few Lady Illini bloggers. I must say that it is truly an honor and I am in great company to have the opportunity to succeed Lori Bjork, Danielle Gratton, and my former point guard Maggie Acuna as the finest group of "Basketball Bloggers" in the country. I must say that I have to agree with Lori and express my dismay after not seeing my teammates in the "Can't Miss" section of Sports Illustrated...ugghh such disrespect. But hey I guess we will have to move on and refocus...this year's ours!
I must first ask that you bear with me as I try and work out my first-blog jitters...clearly, I think I am putting way too much pressure on myself. I guess it must stem from probably the most intense and stressful finals week thus far in my college career. No matter how outstanding (or horrific) you anticipate your final grades will be, the fear of utter disaster undoubtedly lingers. Around campus there is a famous acronym for this time of the year...F.I.N.A.L.S. = Fudge I Never Actually Learned this Stuff. I must say that at times, myself, and many of my peers have experienced this daunting dilemma. Fortunately, this wearisome week has come to an end, as have our finals. I can't believe it... I am halfway through my sophomore year. I remember around this time last year when I was a homesick wreck. I couldn't wait to get home and see familiar faces and places. Oh how time flies and people grow up. Now look at me, I'm living on my own, feeding myself (kinda) and writing checks! Look what a year can do...I'm practically grown (ha...I wish).
As far as basketball goes I couldn't be happier. The team has shown a lot promise bouncing back strong after a couple bumps in the road. We got a much needed win in the battle of the orange and blue's after beating the Florida Gators last week. Then, we rammed the Rhode Island Ram's up at the legendary United Center in the Lexus December to Remember Classic.
Now, after being dormant for a week, the games finally begin again. Personally, I am pumped for the next few games. After we play IPFW on Sunday, we have a couple of mini-rivalry games. First is Bradley on Dec. 21. Not only are they an instate rival only an hour and fifteen minutes away, but Steph Chelleen's sister is a senior on the team. In an effort to keep the holidays happy, that is a game that must be won.
Next up, is my personal rival Penn State. As you may or may not be aware, our team has a significant number of players that reside from the great state of Pennsylvania (Danielle Gratton, Audrey Tabon, Erin Wigley, and of course myself).... thus making the PSU crucial. Not only is it the start of the Big Ten season, but it is also the university in which my high school and AAU teammate, and best friend play for...need I say more? Since I have suited up here at U of I the series is tied up 1-1 and I am looking to take the lead for good...we'll see how it goes.
Other than that, life is good and being an athlete couldn't get much better. Christmas break gives in season student-athletes the opportunity to be an athlete minus the whole student thing. I must say this next month is all about living the good life...basketball, leisure time, family, friends, and of course the holiday season. So as I bring my first-ever blog to a close, I would like to thank you for taking time to read my random thoughts (cause I know you care), and I would like to wish you and your families a Happy Holiday Season.
Go Illini!
C.G #33
