This past Saturday, I had the pleasure of flying with several administrators to the NCAA Woman of the Year Banquet in Indianapolis. The University jet departed Tuscaloosa just as the Crimson Tide soundly defeated Vanderbilt Commodores and everyone's spirits were high. We joined Andree Pickens and her family for the 12th Annual NCAA Woman of the Year banquet. This Banquet marked the sixth time an Alabama Gymnast has received the prestigious honor as the NCAA Woman of the Year from the State of Alabama. I am always amazed by the character and qualities of the young ladies selected across the Nation for all the different universities and sports. They are truly incredible young women.

Congratulations to Shannon Bowles from the University of Utah and Devin McCalla, from George Washington University, the only other gymnasts selected as honorees. The winner of the event was Tanisha Silas, a track and field student-athlete from University of California, Davis. It was an evening to remember and another record for the Alabama Gymnastics history book.

This week was one of the more difficult of the semester. With tests, papers, and increasing emphasis on routines, our ladies struggled a bit all week. I can honestly say this was the first week of the year where the coaches have been disappointed in the overall effort and production of our ladies. Hopefully, with a little rest this weekend and the excitement of the Medalist Club "Meet the Team" Barbecue, our ladies will bounce back and begin taking their training to the next level. As a coach, I do understand that there will be hills and valleys over the course of the year ....but as you can imagine, I like being on the top of the hill best!

Until next week...

          Roll Tide,