Nov. 18, 2002
Senior Cally Plummer has become a household name among Gamecock volleyball fans. A three-time all-SEC selection and a two-time all-region selection, Cally has helped Carolina volleyball rise to the level it is today. This week, follow Cally as she shares with Gamecocks fans her thoughts and feelings as she the the team prepare for the 2002 SEC and NCAA Tournaments.
Mon., Nov. 18th
I can’t believe the regular season is over…but it is now time to start a new season. It is the week of the SEC Tournament and we are just coming off a good win against Georgia. I’m very excitied about this upcoming weekend. It is nice to have today off from practice, to give my body some rest, and get my mind ready for a great week. We have a team meeting at 11:30 to make sure we are all aware of the upcoming week and to go over all the necessary things that need to be taken care of before we head for Arkansas.
Tues., Nov. 19th
Yesterday was a somewhat relaxing and restful day but today we went back at it. I lifted weights at 8:30 a.m. and then practiced from 9:30-11:00 a.m. Kim (Christopher) was really happy with practice which makes me happy. (smile) We did some good things and got some quality reps in attacking and blocking, two key areas of the game that we need to be good inorder to be successful this weekend. No classes today, just rehab in the training room Now I’m off to the mall to find something to wear for the SEC Banquet on Thursday.
Wed., Nov. 20th
Well, we got to sleep in a little today, practice didnt start till 9:30. We did not lift and practice was only 45 minsutes. The coaches want to make sure we are fresh and somewhat rested going into the weekend. We just did some serving and passing and then watched some game film of us against Alabama. Kim then told us that our day was done, however, it is far from over. Last minute preperations need to take place before we leave tomorrow. Including; going to class, study hall, and packing. I still can’t believe this is my last SEC tournament, but what a better way to go out than having the goal of winning it all!
Thurs., Nov. 21
We finally made it to wonderful Arkansas! We were slightly delayed in Atlanta and it forced us to change our practice plan. Instead of a full practice we just did an arm warm up, some ball handling, and got a good stretch in. After we left the gym we went straight to the hotel, had a brief team meeting and then it was time to get ready for the banquet. The banquet was a nice time and a great opportunity for some pictures, pictures, and more pictures. Both my parents and grandparents made the trip and I’m looking forward to spending this weekend with them. Tomorrow is the first step in accomplishing our goal of becoming SEC tournament champs. We need to play hard, consistent, and serve/pass. If we do those things, the end will take care of itself.
Fri., Nov. 22
It wasn’t suppose to happen like this, but on this day the better team won. It is hard to express in words my current feeling; dissapointment, embarrasment, frustration….Once again we were not able to get past the first round of the SEC Tournament. Alabma out played us today and deserved the win. As a team we did not follow our scouting report and did not make plays when they were needed to be made. Personally, I take responsibility for not doing my part and not being the leader I needed to be today. I guess somtimes you want something so bad you loose sight of want you need to do to accomplish it. However, that being said this team, and especially the senior class, is not ready to end our year/careers in Arkansas. We are lucky enough to be going to the NCAA tournament and still have the chance to accomplish the goal of reaching the Sweet 16. We know that we have to take it one practice and one match at a time. I feel blessed that I will have the opportunity to put on my South Carolina jersey at least one more time and give it all I have. So stay tuned, because this team and this group of seniors are not ready to walk away yet…..we still have big plans ahead!
