A few seasons ago, After a long season of long hours, a lot of sweat, running, push ups and hard work, we were playing in a semifinal game for a chance to play at the AT&T Center for the Championship!
As the game was coming to its conclusion with our team firmly in command, I tell the players, "The only players that can shoot are the Post", and to top it off, "Only from 3 point land".
Erin, with her trademark grin, responds quicker than a rattlesnake, "What would you do Coach if we make one?"
I'm like, "I will owe anyone who makes one 10 pushups".
As soon as I said it, all the posts were on the court, GAME ON!!!!!
Yeah Erin made one, nothing but net I might add and with her trademark grin jogged back to defense and pointed to me as I read her mind telepathically. "I got you Coach, NOW you owe me!"
How many times did I say that to all to players when running times weren't met, wrong hands being used, missed layups, turnovers, etc., "You Owe Me!"
Back track a little.
When we got started as an Organization a while back, we had two Erin's on the team. To remedy any conflicts, I gave both of them nick names.
Erin "Winner" Wimberley. It was an appropriate choice!
She has endured numerous obstacles and setbacks that would have left many other players hitting the eject button.
Every time Erin fought back, determined and committed, never quitting facing everything as casual as her personality always with her trademark smile.
Every time she got back on the court, she proved to herself and to everyone else that she was a "Winner".
Extremely bright and smart, well mannered, funny, competitive as heck, always a team player first, all essential traits for a recipe to become a "Winner" in Life!
Yeah, I am honored to have Lost to her, costing me 10 PUSH UPS at mid-court of the AT&T Center.
And yeah, all the while she enjoyed every second of it, and of course with her trademark GRIN on her face.
She is one of the original members of the team and has been an essential part of the Organization's ongoing success!
She is a strong rebounder, sets great screens, plays tough defense and her midrange shot is automatic!
Click below for some highlights.
ERIN WIMBERLEY