University of Pittsburgh Athletics
2009-10 Freshmen Blogs
9/14/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Follow the women's basketball freshmen and blog about their first year at Pitt. Classes, practice and the transition from home (Ashlee - Chicago, Leeza - Miami) are all discussed throughout the year.
ENTRY 20, Mar. 25 (Ashlee Anderson)
Hello and Goodbye,
I can’t believe it’s already over…WHAT A YEAR!!! I survived. Unfortunately this is my last blog. To everybody that read my blog, I want to say THANK YOU for the support. I had an awesome experience writing to you and just allowing everyone to get to know me.
As you probably know this season as a Pittsburgh Panther was not the greatest. We ended 16-15, lost to Louisville in the first round of the Big East Tournament and to Toledo in the WNIT first round, so that means we can only do greater things next year. I’m so excited to play next season, so I hope I don’t disappoint anyone. This summer is going to be crucial and huge as far as the development of my game. I know I have work to do and I’m not afraid of the challenge. However, the upsetting part of this season is that Coach Williams is leaving. He is going to be a head coach at LaSalle University...whoot whoot! I’m going to truly miss him. I can say that I have the upmost respect for him and I wish him the best of luck. Next year won’t be the same without him.
On another note, school is almost over. I have four weeks left and my freshmen year will be OVER WITH! It has come and gone so quickly. I know one thing is, I have to step my game up and come through to pull these good grades out. It felt good to make Honor Roll last semester, so I have to finish what I started. So In closing words…I will miss everybody that has supported the program this season through all our ups and downs, until next year. Lastly, everybody that read my blog, I’m going truly miss blogging every week. So stay BLESSED, REAL and TRUE to YOURSELF!!!!!!!! HAIL TO PITT.
Ashlee Anderson #23
ENTRY 19, Mar. 25 (Leeza Burdgess)
Hello all, for the last time,
Yes, unfortunately it is true; this is the last entry that I will have for this year. So, I must say that I had a great time writing to you all and I hope that you all enjoyed reading about my time here at Pitt this year.
What should I tell you guys about this week? I guess I should start with a summation of how this year has turned out. Well, this was obviously an extremely disappointing year for our team. We let down our fans and our program by not making the NCAA Tournament, which we were hosting, by allowing ourselves to be knocked out of the first round of the WNIT and by performing poorly overall. Not to make excuses, but we really had to struggle this year to overcome the obstacles that stood in our way. We have had to deal with the loss of a few people from our program, which reminds me to congratulate Coach Williams for accepting the head coach position at LaSalle University. I, personally, will miss him with all of my heart because he was the post coach and the coach that recruited me the most out of high school, but I am so proud of him and I knew that he was too great of a coach to not be somebody’s head coach. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, but we will still come together as a team and perform next year regardless of all that held us back this year.
I wanted to mention to you all a little of my experience with the NCAA Tournament this year. First of all, as I already have mentioned, we were not a part of the tournament and we were one of the sites that hosted games. Due to the fact that we were not involved in the tournament, we had to give up our locker room to Ohio State. I have nothing against Ohio State, I actually think that their players have very good manners and are really friendly, but they were assigned to our locker room while here, so we couldn’t access it, which was weird. On top of it all, I saw that my name plate was taken off of my locker and replaced with the name of an Ohio State player. Seeing that picture caused me to have an epiphany; we will never allow ourselves to in this position again-- having to give up our locker room because we didn’t make the tournament. I definitely have used this as motivation to work harder so that we will be in the tourney for all of my years playing here; hopefully we will be able to host the tournament again during my time here.
Well, in closing, I would like to personally thank all of my loyal readers especially for taking the time to listen to me rant on and on about my freshman year. ;) It truly was a wonderful experience and I am grateful for having the opportunity to share my experiences with you all. To those who have moved on: I love you, I miss you and I wish all of the best in everything that you do.
XOXO & SMOOCHES!!!...HAIL TO PITT ;)…Leeza #42
ENTRY 18, Mar. 7 (Ashlee Anderson)
Hey Everybody,
So we are on our way to the Big East Tournament in Hartford, Connecticut….so excitedJ. This is my first Big East tourney and my first time to Connecticut, so I don’t know what to expect. From past reviews it is one of the best experiences that you can have. We have won four of our last six games, so hopefully that can help us push throughout the tourney. We play Louisville and we beat them already for our Pink the Petersen game on Valentine's Day, so that should be another good game. I can’t wait to get there. I will hit you after the tourney to let you know what happens. Only Big Dreams….Trying to win the Big East tourney.
Ashlee Anderson #23
ENTRY 17, Feb. 26 (Leeza Burdgess)
Howdy Friends!!
How’s everyone been? Good, I hope, just as I have been. Before I go onto the thrilling occurrences of my past few weeks, I absolutely must tell you all about my sister. SHE IS ABSOLUTELY THE BESTEST SIS IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD!!! She has been seriously looking out for me even though we are light-years away from each other (not literally, I know this because I have been paying attention in Astronomy lol). She definitely just bought me some gift cards and a BEAUTIFUL Coach wristlet, which came at the perfect time since I lost my school identification card two days ago on the bus; luckily a nice person recovered it and returned it yesterday. But not to digress, I really felt like you all should know that I love my sister with all my heart and soul; I have always looked up to her (even though I have always been taller) and I am grateful to have such a loving, caring and selfless person in my life because people like her don’t come around often.
Alrighty then, on to what has been going on during my life here at Pitt. Well, I know that our season had a lot of ups and downs, including the devastating loss we suffered to DePaul on Tuesday, but I know that we will finish the season strong. Today we are traveling to Cincinnati and I am anticipating a victory over a worthy Big East opponent due to the fact that we have been working hard, working together, and have learned from the mistakes that we made at DePaul. There isn’t much to mention outside of basketball, except that I have finally gotten my hair done!! OMG
Before I bring my blog to a close, I cannot forget to mention how my Lady Vikings have yet again made it to the State championship game. I am so proud of my girls for continuing Miami Norland’s tradition of excellence and for having the opportunity to do something that no Lady Viking has ever been able to accomplish, which is win back-to-back state championships. I was lucky enough to have been a part of the team last year when we won the first ever championship on the girl’s side in the school’s history, and we were the first sport in our school’s history to go undefeated; but this year’s team is obviously a special group after having achieved so much in their time at the wonderful Miami Norland Senior High School. Having a terrific head coach, Carla Harris-Curry, and coaching staff with Donneal Ford, Kent Forbes and Yalonda McCormick, no wonder they have made it to the championship four out of the last five years and captured their tenth district championship in a row. I love you ladies and I am so very proud of you. ;)
Well, that’s all folks, and remember….HAIL TO PITT…Leeza #42
ENTRY 16, Feb. 14 (Ashlee Anderson)
Hey Everybody!
Ok I know you just got a blog from me last week, but this week’s blog is special to me. On Valentine’s Day or February 14th, we play Louisville for Pink the Petersen. Why is it called Pink the Petersen? That’s because we get to wear pink shirts, jersey’s, shoes, socks, and this year pink mouth guards J for the cause and fight for Breast Cancer and the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund. And on top of that all the fans wear pink to help support the cause. However, the main reason is that we are fighting for all the families who have lost: a mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, Godmother, or even male figure in their life to this disease.
One thing that a lot of girls, young women, or even some women don’t know is that 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer and that might seem like a small probability, but once you have the disease and the further along you are in the stages the lesser chance you have of surviving. Now I know you’re wondering how I know these little facts and that’s because my mother, Cynthia Anderson, was one of those women. When I was seven or eight years old my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She went through the battle and struggle of chemotherapy, radiation, fevers, illness, and lost all her hair, yet she continued to fight. She however happened to catch it in an early stage and is an 11 year survivor of this disease and one of the strongest women I know, if not the strongest. I think the hardest part for me when my mother was going through her fight and struggle was not being able to see her. They wouldn’t let us see her at the hospital so my sister, brother, and I were stuck with my dad for a week or two. Nothing against my dad but my mother cooking was WWAAAYYYY better, and he liked his food extremely well done (burnt) lol. He did a great job when my mother was not at home and I don’t know what I would do if my mother had not made it. She is truly one of my biggest supports and somebody I know I can always count on. Nonetheless if it not had been for different organizations and foundations to help the prevention and get people aware and involved about breast cancer, how many people could stay this same thing about their loved one?
Yet everybody is not fortunate to survive. I don’t know anybody personally who has died, but Coach B, a strong advocate for Breast Cancer and the Kay Yow Fund, lost her mother to breast cancer and my teammate Shayla Scott’s Godmother died from it also. So I tell individuals even if you don’t know anybody that has it, you can still be affected by breast cancer. I can truly say for the longest time besides my mother I didn’t know anybody who had it or was in some way affected by it, yet I started to become aware when more of my friends loved ones past away or was a survivor like my mom.
Ashlee Anderson #23
ENTRY 16, Feb. 6 (Ashlee Anderson)
Hey Everybody,
So, back at you again. I really don’t know what to say, because nothing new is happening in my life at this point in time. School is going is still going fine. If I didn’t think I read a lot before, I know I read a lot now. I actually have some pretty cool classes these days. They truly keep me busy either reading or writing. I can now say I don’t hate Seminar in Composition as I thought I would. My teacher is pretty cool…she has a lot of SPUNK (lol). I take Introduction into Criminal Law, and I have never met a professor so dedicated to their work. He is a real judge, so he has one up on the other professors. Other than that you can say my courses are pretty simple. From Introduction to Psychology to Algebra.
Other than that, season is going alright. We still are struggling to get a win, but we’re going in the right direction to get there. We lost in OT to Syracuse the other day, a nail bitter. We travel to Notre Dame this weekend, and I’m so hype. I really feel as though we can beat them and will. I hope I don’t have to eat my words. This is going to be a new experience for me. I have been to South Bend, yet never to the actually arena. I also get to see my parents, which is always a pleasure, I miss them a lot! Hey, what can I say!!! But keep it CHILL, keep it REAL!!!
Ashlee Anderson # 23
ENTRY 15, Jan. 26 (Leeza Burdgess)
Hello everyone!
It has definitely been a long time since I have shared my experiences with you all. I surely have a few things to tell you so that you can get up to speed with what all that has been going on. Well, first and foremost, I have yet to see Denzel Washington and I feel like I should give up the search ;) Although I haven’t been able to see him in person, I will be sure to catch a glimpse of him on the big screen sometime soon because his most recent major box-office movie, The Book of Eli, premiered sometime last week.
On to more pressing issues, it took me absolutely FOREVER to finally get my class schedule in order. I ended up only getting one class from my original class schedule, keeping in mind that it isn’t even on the same days or time then originally desired, and I have changed my classes at least 5 times. The main problem I had with getting into the classes that I had chosen for myself was the fact that the university has a seniority policy when it comes to choosing classes. So, those with the most credits get to select their classes first and those with the lesser amount of credits would have to scrounge through the leftovers. On top of being amongst the last to select my courses, I also have a few restrictions as to the times that I can have classes which makes it fairly difficult to choose classes when they all are only offered at certain times during the day. Well, regardless of the hardships and near heart-attacks I’d survived when finalizing my course schedule, I was able to come up with a schedule that I enjoy.
Quick sidetrack with a relation to my academics...HIP HIP HORRAY FOR ME! I have enough credits to be considered a sophomore! I hope you are as excited about that fact as I am!
Now on to my basketball life...We are all well aware of the fact that our season took a slight turn for the worse, but I am happy to report that the team is on it way to returning to the Panthers that you all know and love. With the victory we just had over Providence College, I can assure you that we are headed in the right direction, especially since we set a record for the most free-throws made as a team in one game with 37, shooting a nice 82 percent. Attacking the basket and knocking down free-throws was the key in that game, and I am so proud of my team for breaking the unlucky cycle that we had somehow spiraled into.
Well folks, I have said my peace and hopefully you all feel successfully updated. I’ll talk to you guys soon and remember…HAIL TO PITT!!! Leeza #42
ENTRY 14, Jan. 14 (Ashlee Anderson)
Hey,
What’s up everybody? Wow has it been a long time since I have done this. First off I want to say Welcome to 2010. I hope everybody had a Happy New Year and a wonderful Christmas. I will have to say I had both. The time spent with my family was the best three days that I could have ever had. It brought back so many memories, because everybody was home. It really hit me how much I missed spending quality time with them. I was about to cry when I said goodbye to my mother before I leave for the airport. You can call me a softy, but I just really love my family. I did see them again a couple of days later when played Marquette in Wisconsin. It was weird that I didn’t go home with them after the game. For years I was so used to going home with my mom or parents after the game, yet it didn’t happen like that this time. Well, I guess you don’t really appreciate something until you don’t get the opportunity to do it as often.
So, I am back. My finger is finally better, even though it gets stiff when it gets cold. I have surely developed a high tolerance for pain from my therapy for it. Our trainer Ann has been doing a wonderful job to keep developing my motion.
We are finally in conference play…the BIG EAST!!! That’s all you can say, it just a completely different ball game. Even though we are off to a rocky start, we will bounce back. We play West Virginia again on Sunday and we definitely should get the W. These have been the most exciting games to watch as I sit out. It’s funny because I remember watching all these teams play on TV admiring them, and now I get the opportunity to watch us compete against them. All I can say is I have been enjoying the experience and truly learning from it. Well that’s all FOLKS!!! My motto for 2010 is to simply be the BEST you can be. So HAIL TO PITT!!!!
Ashlee Anderson #23
ENTRY 13, Dec. 20 (Leeza Burdgess)
Oh-Hoy-Hoy!!
How is everyone doing?? Good, I hope. I’m doing great, especially since I am done with finals. I know you all remember this time of the year; finals can drive you sort of crazy. It’s also funny how about two weeks before finals, it’s really crunch time; just about every class has a paper, some type of extra credit that you can’t afford to let pass you by, or you simply have a very detailed assignment due. Being a division 1 collegiate athlete or just a college student in general, is very stressful and pretty much guarantees that you will be busy beyond reason. Well, it’s understandable that we don’t have the time to talk on the phone to our friends or family; but I think that it is really ridiculous when you don’t have the time to TEXT anyone! LOL I mean, the point of texting, for me, is to talk to someone when I can’t actually sit down and have an oral conversation with someone because I may be busy. But GEEZE, if I didn’t have time to text someone, that’s crazy! Lol That overwhelming point of the semester has passed and all is well. ;)
Well, the BIG CHRISTMAS BREAK is coming!! My long break lasting a total of two and a half days lol. We will be departing for our first real away game on Saturday morning to Tennessee to play Austin Peay. From there we will drive over to Western Kentucky; then we will be given a few days at home with our families for Christmas. This break will be well appreciated and enjoyed because I do miss my friends, family and the weather in Miami! I could use some sunshine and warm weather, rather than these semi-snowing conditions up here.
So as I go into another holiday break, I want to wish you all a very a merry Christmas and happy New Year!...Domino’s Pizza, pickup or delivery? (Inside joke for Gloria, sorry)
HAIL TO PITT…Leeza #42
ENTRY 12, Dec. 10 (Ashlee Anderson)
What’s up everybody?
Ok back at you again. I hope everybody had a Happy Thanksgiving. I had a wonderful Thanksgiving, which was spent with some of my teammates Phro, Leeza, Shay, and Tee. I don’t know about everybody else, but I will admit I threw down on some food. I want to give special thanks to one of my friends Jimyse and her mother, and Shayla’s family that prepared the food for Thanksgiving.
On another note, over Thanksgiving break we hosted our Annual tournament. We went undefeated, but wow were there some interesting games. I was worried while sitting on the bench, but we pulled it out. So I thought I was going to be cleared to play this week, but the Doc said I had another two weeks. He said that my bone was not healed and it didn’t surprise me, but WOW do I want to play. I don’t like just sitting on the bench, but I will say I’ve learned a lot while sitting on the bench. I guess it’s just what I have to do. I continually do my rehab for my finger and it’s getting a lot better, so that is always a positive. However, I am so upset that our football team lost the Big East Championship. We were so close to the victory, you could have tasted it. I guess better luck next year, I’m still proud of them.
On a positive note, the semester is almost over with and I’m so happy. I know that if I past these final test in my classes I should pull all A’s and B’s. I need that so I can keep my GPA. So wish me luckJ. But that’s all I have for this week’s everybody. So HAIL TO PITT…Go Lady Panthers
Ashlee Anderson #23
ENTRY 11, Nov. 26 (Leeza Burdgess)
Gobble, Gobble Guys!! ;)
How’s it going everyone? Everything’s A-OKAY with my teammates and I…As you all know, we are now 3-0 and I am so proud of my team and the performances that we’ve had in our first few games. Tee (Taniesha Harrison) and Jay (Jania Sims) have had some marvelous games; Tee had 25 points and Jay had 23 in our game against Saint Francis, and Tee also contributed 25 points in our win over the University of Florida. Yes, I did say Florida. Before you all assume that I have a personal vendetta against UF because I am from Florida, I will assure you of the opposite. I wasn’t extra excited when we defeated Florida (by 23 points MOM, AUNTIE JULIE, UNCLE PRES, ETC LOL) because it was another win against a very talented team. Our next games are on Friday and Saturday for our Thanksgiving Tournament, so be there or be square.
Update on our Denzel sighting: we have yet to see Mr. Washington, however we have received knowledge that he is in Pennsylvania at the moment. So, he is slowly but surely coming closer to being united with me and Ashlee soon enough.
Well guys, I know I don’t have much to say this week because I am definitely in that holiday mode; which is why I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and I hope that you all enjoy your vacations, whether they are short or long. ;)
A tout a l’heure (see you later) and remember, HAIL TO PITT !!....Leeza #42
ENTRY 10, Nov. 20 (Ashlee Anderson)
Greetings from Pittsburgh,
Ok since the last time I blogged, a lot has happened. I know the one thing that has happened is that I can play again, yet I’m still limited and have to wear a splint for another two weeks. That’s only because I had surgery on November 11th to straighten out my pinky finger, which was only one day before my birthday. I guess that’s one date I won’t forget. Soooooo, the surgery went well, even though I couldn’t sweat for a week after it. Once again, you never really realize how important your fingers are until you can’t use one. I think the biggest thing is having to learn how to use my left hand for one handed typing, LOL.
On a lighter note, I’m finally 19 and it feels good. As everybody knows I consider my birthday, November 12, the second most important day after Jesus’ birthday. I know, quite entertaining. People always ask “do you feel any different?” Actually, I did. The day of my birthday, it felt different, I guess because I’m in college and I don’t have my parents to wake me up with balloons and a birthday breakfast or cake and ice-cream for my friends at school. I actually feel older and more responsible, so I guess that’s a good thing. I’ve learned a lot since not playing, which has probably made me realize a lot about life and about my love for basketball. I can’t stand not playing! I’m so thirsty to come back and play. We’ve already had two games and we play University of Florida on Friday and I’m so hyped, but I can’t play still. I’m continuously cheering for my team and like coach B always says “having a voice.” This should be one of the liveliest games of the season because we definitely have something to prove since the team lost to Florida last year. I don’t know about them, but I’m ready get it done against the Gators. So I’m leaving you on that note. I hope everybody has a safe and eventful Thanksgiving and truly enjoy your time with your friends and family… so, hasta la vista, baby! And HAIL TO PITT
Ashlee Anderson, #23
ENTRY 9, Nov. 16 (Leeza Burdgess)
Howdy Folks,
I hope things are going swimmingly with everyone, and you should know that I am always thinking of you guys the weeks that I don’t write my blog. Anyway, it’s time to get down to business. First of all, I just have to tell you guys about the fact that Pittsburgh just happens to be the place to be! After the G-20 Summit, Cirque Du Soleil, and a Tyler Perry show coming here, I was wondering how the city can top itself.
Well, it has because apparently Pittsburgh is a hotspot for filming due to the fact that Pittsburgh is one of the cheapest places to film movies. So I must share with you my experience with a great actor. I will start from the beginning. Well, Snaxs (Ashlee Anderson) and I happened to be walking by the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial when we took notice of the many trailers that crowded Bigelow Boulevard. Recalling a conversation I had previously been engaged in with the driver of a university shuttle, I answered the question Snaxs had about the mysterious trailers and why in the world they were slowing traffic up on Bigelow. I told her that Russell Crowe was filming a movie here in the beautiful University of Pittsburgh and as soon as I finished passing my knowledge onto my companion, Ashlee said, “There he is right there.” (That wasn’t quite a direct quote, but its close enough lol) So yeah, we saw him crossing the street, but we didn’t attempt to ask him for an autograph because we aren’t fanatics. This sighting allowed the conversation to continue because there had also been rumors that Denzel Washington was also going to be filming a movie here and we know that WHEN we see him, we are definitely going to get a picture. So, GUESS WHAT!! (What Leeza?) Denzel is in town, YAY!! Lol So when we get our picture with him, I’ll be sure to let him know.
Well our first official game is on Tuesday, we play North Florida and I am so hyped. We also host the University of Florida this week, on Friday night, Nov. 20.
Cheerio guys!!...and remember, There’s No Place Like Pitt!...Leeza #42
ENTRY 8, Nov. 12 (Ashlee Anderson)
Hey There Folks! Hey Everybody,
It’s been a while since I last blogged. I just was very busy with school and basketball. Just trying to stay on top of my work and grades. Speaking of grades, I’m extremely proud of myself, because I got a 96% on my first algebra exam last week. It was the highest grade in the class, so big ups to my tutor Gaby and my teammate Leeza for all the help…thanksJ. I know I’m a little behind with my blog and don’t think it’s because I’ve forgotten about you guys, I could never do that; it’s because I was SWAMPED last week with tests, quizzes, and papers!! Wow, I wasn’t even sure that I was going to get through last week, but I survived and I’m ready to take on my next challenge; that being my first exam in Calculus today (please cross your fingers for me).
I had one of the best weeks prior to this one. The weekend was the best part. I did nothing except watch TV and relax. I spent the entire weekend with one of my teammates at her house. We watched old Sex and the City episodes and just had a fun time. I promise she has some of the most comfortable couches ever, after the one at my house. Her family is so welcoming and fun to be around. I truly enjoyed myself, but I can’t believe it is the end of another week, how time flies! I have been very busy with school and basketball. I had two papers to write but I’m proud of myself, because I finished my history paper early (Yea meJ). Also, my group for my class Intro into Arts and Science won the poster contest that we had to do. For the contest, we had to go to a neighborhood in Pittsburgh and find information on it and take pictures. My group had Shadyside, which is a cool and interesting neighborhood. Now we get to represent our class in the entire poster contest throughout the entire department. I hope we win. I had one of the best weeks prior to this one. The weekend was the best part. I did nothing except watch TV and relax. I spent the entire weekend with one of my teammates at her house. We watched old Sex and the City episodes and just had a fun time. I promise she has some of the most comfortable couches ever, after the one at my house. Her family is so welcoming and fun to be around. I truly enjoyed myself, but I can’t believe it is the end of another week, how time flies! I have been very busy with school and basketball. I had two papers to write but I’m proud of myself, because I finished my history paper early (Yea meJ). Also, my group for my class Intro into Arts and Science won the poster contest that we had to do. For the contest, we had to go to a neighborhood in Pittsburgh and find information on it and take pictures. My group had Shadyside, which is a cool and interesting neighborhood. Now we get to represent our class in the entire poster contest throughout the entire department. I hope we win.
Back again! So we had our first scrimmage against George Washington, and it was truly an eye opener. We realized all the things that we need to work on. Despite all the things we did wrong, I think we should be ready for our first exhibition on against Seton Hill.
I was excited to play, but I’m upset I can’t. It is because on last week in practice I fractured my pinky finger. I was so afraid for the trainer to put it back in place, but after Coach B going off on me to calm down they finally did it. You never realize how important all your fingers are until you can’t use one. So I will be cheering for my teammates to victory. It is still swollen and sensitive to touch and yes I will be out for 3-4 weeks L. Let’s hope for a speedy recovery. I called my parents and my dad just told me to take it as a learning experience. I can now see the game from the bench and just learn the offense in detail more and where are openings to get my shot. He also talked about how I am fortunate I am still young, because my bone will heal faster than if I was older. I’m just going to take it day by day.
Now I get a chance to work on all my left hand moves and dribblingJ. Like ice cream, stay cool! HAIL TO PITT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ashlee Anderson #23
ENTRY 7, Oct. 30 (Leeza Burdgess)
Hola Friends!!)
Soooooo….preseason is over with and I survived my first week of practice. We had the honor and pleasure of having Jill Pizzotti, the Manager of Women’s Basketball for Nike, to kick off our first day of practice last Friday. She was very nice and cool, but she gets extra cool points, because she is from Chicago. Now, I thought I was excited for my first day of practice, no, no, no, the coaches were hyped. That was the first time I felt so much energy and enthusiasm from any coach for the first day of practice. I guess their energy rubbed off, because Coach B said that it was one the best first practices they’ve had since she has been coaching at Pitt.
After the first day of practice, I talked to my dad and he just reminded me that Pitt was where I wanted to go and why I am here, he was right. I want to be the best player, get the best education, and have the best opportunity to win a national championship. I also received a message from Shavonte Zellous, who played here last year and now for the Detroit Shock. She asked me if it is what I expected. I told her it was all that I expected. I knew and know that it is going to be hard, challenging, intense and now it is a matter of me giving it all I have. I know the coaches look to Leeza and me to make “freshmen” mistakes, but I try not to. The funny thing is, sometimes it just happens, not that many though.
Coach B asked me on Tuesday, what was the best part of my day at training table so far. I told her practice, yet I didn’t know that it was going to get way more exciting. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks held a preseason game at the Petersen Event Center. I felt so lucky, because I got to meet Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James, Mo Williams, Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Danny Green, and some other Mavericks and Cavaliers players. It would have gone crazy if I would have seen my boo Dwight Howard J. I even chatted with Mark Cuban. Now, on TV he looks so short, but he is actually tall, I would say a good 6’2, 6’3. I asked him how the season looked for the Mavs, how it feels to have his job, as the owner of the Mavericks. He simply answered, “It is the best job in the world, and these guys are just regular people.” Now I know that, but it doesn’t seem like it, I see them on TV almost every week from October to June, and now in person was the best part of my day. Also, during a timeout at the game, my teammates were honored for making it to the Sweet Sixteen for two consecutive years and the men’s team for making it to the Elite Eight. What a night! But like Bugs Bunny… “That’s All Folks.” Stay blessed and LAUGH long, yet LOVE hard. Also, THERE’S NOT PLACE LIKE PITT!!!
Ashlee Anderson #23
ENTRY 6, Oct. 14 (Leeza Burdgess)
Aloha Everyone,
Besides my weekend being jam packed with assignments, the team and I also had to take headshots and team pics for our media guide. I can’t wait to see our team photos because we had so many creative poses that there is no doubt in my mind that this year’s media guide will be hard (a.k.a. very nice). I have already seen my headshot because there were so many fans coming up to me with my picture and asking for my autograph during Fan Fest and the Maggie Dixon Heart Health Fair this past Saturday. It was a great experience because I had no idea how exciting Fan Fest was going to be. We were able to interact with the fans as the shot, dribbled, and passed to each other on the court; a Pitt men’s basketball player and I held a question and answer session with a group of fans, then eventually led them on a tour of the Baierl Basketball Center, showing them out equipment room, locker room, training room and weight room. I then concluded my day as a volunteer at the Heart Fair where I helped an actual E.M.T. (Emergency Medical Technician) inform the public about C.P.R.
You know what?? I almost forgot to tell you all about my G-20 Summit Weekend. It is no secret that the Summit was chaotic and, therefore, very interesting. There were protestors walking through the main streets of the University, busloads of police officers posted on every corner, including some officers seated on horseback. There was so much going on in those few days, but it was neat to think about what it meant to host. Leaders of the world were gathered in city – just one more thing that makes Pittsburgh so great!
I wonder if this week will be as exciting as the past two; if so, you guys will be the first to know! Well friends, until next week….Peace Out and S.B. (To Gloria and Ashlee) LOL
Leeza #42
Also, on Tuesday we took pictures for our media guide, posters, etc. Everybody was looking fly with our hair done and new sweat suits. Even the coaches and staff were looking fly. I think everybody’s pictures should come out nice. The photographer was really good because the shoots came out nice and he was creative with the props….he brought memories of when I wanted to be a photographer. Now that’s all for this week, so I guess this is the end…….That’s All FolksJ
HAIL TO PITT
Ashlee Anderson #23
Also, on Tuesday we took pictures for our media guide, posters, etc. Everybody was looking fly with our hair done and new sweat suits. Even the coaches and staff were looking fly. I think everybody’s pictures should come out nice. The photographer was really good because the shoots came out nice and he was creative with the props….he brought memories of when I wanted to be a photographer. Now that’s all for this week, so I guess this is the end…….That’s All FolksJ
HAIL TO PITT
Ashlee Anderson #23
How has everyone been?? I’ve been just dandy! It must be because the season has officially begun and we are all just anxious to begin competing against other talented teams. I am so amazed at how quickly time is flying by because I can clearly remember this time last year; my high school teammates and I were getting prepared for an amazing season (in which we were undefeated…LETS GO LADY VIKINGS!!), but now I can definitely distinguish basketball at the high school level from basketball at the collegiate level. Back in high school, I thought I was working as hard as I could, but as soon as I got to Pitt, I realized that I could work harder and that all of my hard work will pay off.
Anyway, practice has been going great; we have been pushing each other to get better, which in turn has increased our own individual skill each practice. On Sunday we are already going to scrimmage against another team!! We play George Washington at their arena and I am so excited because that small scrimmage will start the season off in my opinion because just a few days later we will play an exhibition game against Seton Hill.
I LOVE NIKE, I LOVE NIKE, I LOVE NIKE!!!! ;) I thought that I should just mention that, I hope that wasn’t too random for you all.
Well, on to a few social life topics. First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!! In case you all didn’t know, I was born on October 31, 1990. Yes, on Halloween and I do love Halloween, it is my favorite holiday. Secondly, last week the Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks played each other in the Petersen Events Center here in Pittsburgh. I was fortunate to meet almost all of the players on each team, such as Jason Kidd, Lebron James, Dirk Nowitzki, and Shaq. How about LeBron totally winked at me during the game and gave me a Cavs shirt. Okay, okay, he didn’t throw me a shirt, but he definitely winked at me!!
Well guys, until next time…remember, HAIL TO PITT!!
Leeza Burdgess #42
ENTRY 7, Oct. 26 (
ENTRY 4, Sept. 25 (Ashlee Anderson)
Hey everybody,
Back again! So as you know we are already in the fourth week of school. I can’t believe how time has been flying. My classes have been real cool, no complaints. One thing I will say is that everybody warned me about how much reading and writing you will do in college and they were not exaggerating. I have a paper or two due every week and I have to read like four to five different books every week. Some of the readings are interesting but some aren’t. I still try to fit in my “fun” reading every night or whenever I can. If you have yet to read Twilight or New Moon by Stephenie Meyer, then you really should.
This week has been very interesting because of the G20 Summit. For those who don’t know what the G20 Summit is, it is when financial ministers and central bank representatives from 19 countries and the European Union come together and discuss issues pertaining to the economy among other things. This is a huge honor, because for one thing it’s in Pittsburgh and another thing some of the speeches will take place here on campus. Even though we can’t attend the speeches, just the presence of President Obama and the Leaders will be enough for me. I wish I could meet at least the President and First Lady because we’re both from Chicago (whoop whoop) and Mrs. Obama and I both attended Whitney Young. But I know that will never happen….maybeJ.
On another note, basketball has been going well. We’re doing our individuals and lifting still. I feel myself getting strong and in better shape. Tim our trainer is always one to push you, so that’s good for me. I do want to thank all my coaches, especially my high school coaches for preparing me for this level. The biggest adjustment for me still is getting use to the intensity and speed of the game. The drills we go over in individuals, I know the majority of them or some might have some changes, but I get lost at times trying to remember to put it all together. The coaches are always pushing us and giving lots of encouragement, but they will get on you when you don’t do things right, which is nothing new to me. But I know my biggest thing is to keep trying to work hard and push myself. So I guess this is end for this week, so until next time….HAIL TO PITT.
-Ashlee Anderson #23
ENTRY 3, Sept. 24 (Leeza Burdgess)
Hello everyone, I hope all is well because everything is going great over here! I recently had to just stop and look around at my surroundings, and I was astounded when I realized that I am in my fourth week of school. Wow, I have been in Pittsburgh for five weeks; how did the time pass so quickly without me noticing? The reason could be how incredibly busy my schedule has been so far. I knew prior to coming here that academics come first because my high school coach instilled that in her player; however, there seems to be a higher level of commitment to education at this level. Every student athlete is required to put in study hall hours, but that number depends on the coaches of each particular team. Players on the women’s basketball team have to get twelve hours a week. Yes, twelve hours, which means that most of our free time is spent in study hall doing work. We have no reason to not get our work done because we have so many resources at our disposal, including private tutors and a writing lab. Personally, I go to the writing lab at least twice a week because I have a freshman writing class, and I see a math tutor on Thursdays for an hour because of my Calculus class.
Besides all of the studying, of course we have workouts. We definitely make full use of our 8 hours of practice time the NCAA gives us every week. It is intense. There is no time to rest, and no point to go half speed if you want to get better. We just started our team individuals last week which was the first time that I’ve worked out with all of my teammates and all of my coaches. I was definitely anxious going into those workouts because I didn’t know what to expect. It all turned out ok, and I feel like I’ve gotten better after every session. The last thing I want to add on that subject is that paying close attention during team practice is very important because everyone is teaching me the style of the team and the way things are supposed to be done, so if I even gaze off for one minute, I will surely miss something.
The G-20 Summit is coming to Pittsburgh, oh my goodness. I guess this is supposed to be an honor for Pittsburgh, but it has a lot of people getting nervous, especially because of the radical protesters that are sure to voice their opinions. Some classes have been canceled, places are closing early, streets will be closed and busses may not run; it is crazy. That is why our coaches have decided that we can all go home and be with our families during this time, away from all the chaos. THANKS COACHES, AND BE SAFE EVERYONE!
Well guys, until next time….THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE PITT!! SMOOCHES ;)
Leeza Burdgess #42
ENTRY 2, Sept. 10 (Ashlee Anderson)
What’s up everybody? I hope everybody is doing fine. I am doing well. My first week at Pitt was a very interesting one. I finally moved in and settled into my dorm after the craziest possibly situation happened. Leeza, my fellow freshman and I had to do our freshmen orientation, which was fun. You wouldn’t believe Bingo night could be crowded, but it was crazy packed. There was a line out the door for people waiting to be seated. Just walking around and seeing everybody was pretty exciting. I was happy for summer school because it helped me find my classes a lot easier, but I was also happy to see more people on campus.
As far as my classes, I like them a lot and my teachers as well. The most interesting classes so far are African-American History, English Comp, and Algebra. In my African-American History class, my teacher is so lively and exciting and she makes you want to learn more. I hit it off well with my English Comp and Algebra teachers, so I think they like meJ. I know I have to just stay on top of my work and classes because I have high expectations and goals academically, as well as athletically. I mean it is pretty easy to do that because we have all the resources. We have to do study hall all but one day every week, so it makes it a lot easier to get work done and just chill out when I get back to my dorm.
I know sometimes people do not realize how fast a year can go, but when our recruit arrived this past weekend, I just thought about how that was me a year ago and now I get to tell people how great Pitt is. We showed her our room and hung out, but it really seemed like yesterday that I was in her position.
So we started individuals this week and I thought I was going to pass out in the lay-up drill. I’m going to like individuals just for the simple fact that I know I’m getting better. Like anything worth doing, it was difficult and a learning experience with each drill. Jay (Jania Sims) and Tee (Taneisha Harrison) helped me a lot with understanding certain drills just concepts that the coaches expect. Also, lifting was intense to with our strength coach Tim Beltz, but my teammates truly helped out.
But this is the end…see you next week.
Sincerely,
Ashlee Anderson #23…..There’s No Place Like PITT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ENTRY 1, Sept. 8 (Leeza Burdgess)
The first week in college went just as expected, hectic. The sidewalks were filled with confused students trying to locate their classes; a few latecomers were attempting to move into their dorms; and every OCC activity allowed students to get to know one another while enjoying themselves. Looking at all of the new students that struggled to find their way, I am thankful that I was able to go to summer school because I was able to get used to the campus while there wasn’t hundreds of students on campus.
My class schedule is one that I really enjoy because I have a variety of classes challenge and interest me. For example, I am taking African-American History and Analytical Calculus. On top of my classes, I have to make sure that I get my study hall hours in, which is actually more convenient for me because when I go back to my dorm room I usually don’t want to think about school work.
Having a recruit in on my first week of classes sort of gave me a wake-up call. I had a short flashback to last year when I was taking my visit, and back then it didn’t occur to me that the girls had to adjust their day for me. Having a recruit made me make sure that my room was clean, my work was done, and I had all my obligations completed so that I could help show her why the University of Pittsburgh’s Womens Basketball Team is unique and why Pittsburgh as a city is special.
Individual workouts began this week and so far things have been great, especially since the upperclassmen have helped make the process so much easier. Lifting is always great because Tim Beltz always thinks of new ways to make it interesting and pushes us all to be the best athlete we possibly can be.
Well, until next week…HAIL TO PITT!
Leeza Burdgess #42
