Impressions by Julie Wicher, Sirens Half Back Perspectives Editorial Volume 1, Issue 10 November 5, 2002 The saying "You never have a second chance to make a first impression" has always troubled me. I for one have been told several times that initially I come off as a mean or standoffish person. I'm pretty certain that those that know me would say this is definitely not the case. There is more that comes into play when making a first impression than just what you do or do not say. How you look, the way you act, the circumstances you are in; these all must be placed in the mix. Even with this, first impressions can be deceiving. I tend to be an introvert when I don't know people or surroundings. This is because I like to survey the situation and get a feel for it before I make a judgement. Once I get comfortable with an individual person or a group, I am very outgoing and social. There are two very opposite reactions I receive when I tell people that I play tackle football. There are those people that think it is the coolest thing they've ever heard. They are very excited about the idea and extremely supportive. There are also those that look at me like I'm crazy. They don't believe it's full contact football. They think that all the women out there must be big and masculine. They tend to make judgements and have preconceived notions without even giving it a chance. This is nothing new to me however; since I was little I have always been athletic and assume that people have judged me without ever getting to know "the real" me. I have never been one to let this bother me however; I have my friends and family that know me and that is all that is important. I think one of my stronger points out on the field is my level of intensity. Whether it is at practice or a game, I become very focused on the task at hand. It always amuses me when another player will approach me and ask if I am angry with them because I gave them a bad look or had a scowl on my face. I have to explain to them that my looks are not aimed towards anyone in particular, I'm just "in a zone." Because we have spent so much time together these past few months it seems as if we've known one another forever. I forget sometimes that my teammates are still getting to know me. I will admit that I am guilty of preconceived notions and judgements with regards to this team as well. I had no idea of what a diverse group of people there would be out on the field. To glance over our roster of players, I see lawyers, doctors, stay at home mothers, students, etc. So many different people and yet a common goal; to bring home a championship. The coaching staff is extremely diverse as well. I would never have imagined that there could be so many different ways to teach something and yet achieve the same result. They coach through teaching and constructive criticism rather than scolding and punishment. Although this is a sport, women are sensitive and emotional. I can imagine it's not easy to take a group of 50-60 women and teach them the game of football. The first time I really got a chance to work with each coach was at the Spring training camp. They had us split up into individual stations according to positions on the field. After only one day of this I never wanted to see Coach Butler (the defensive coordinator) again. He would find a nerve and dig at it. Initially I felt like he was picking on me and yet he did this to everyone there. Now I know he is just full of energy and emotion and will never let his players give up. He is constantly looking for the best out of us and in turn my initial sore feelings have turned to a great respect. Switching from a defensive station to an offensive station in training camp was like night and day. Not only because of the purpose of the positions but because of the coaches. Coach Brown (the offensive coordinator) seemed to be a complete 180 degrees from Coach Butler. Butler was loud and aggressive, Brown was quiet, conserved and all business. You could think of Coach Brown as Mr. Football; he pays strict attention to detail and form, always focused and always prepared. Because of this quiet demeanor I found Coach Brown very intimidating at training camp. Initial intimidation has now turned into an understanding of what it really means to love a sport and to do whatever it takes to succeed. There really are no words to describe Coach Gray, the head coach of the team. Goofy, off the wall, spontaneous, motivating, inspiring; these few barely scratch the surface. To try and explain what it is like to sit back and listen to his words of wisdom, whether it be a pre-game speech or a road trip conversation, just wouldn't do it justice. The bottom line is this; every player on the team knows how lucky we are to have Coach Gray lead us. Throughout my athletic career I have never been on a team in which the coach is held with such high regard and respect. Throughout the past few months I have been able to get to know the coaches and players as people rather than team mates. In turn I have been able to let down my guard and allowed them to get to know me. Fortunately in many circumstances first impressions can be placed aside. I can laugh at the idea that several players thought I was mean; they know me now and know better than that.     Back