University of Wisconsin Green Bay Athletics

JOY OF THE JOURNEY:

Editor's Note: Joy of the Journey has taken you along for the ride as the Green Bay women's basketball team has claimed a 12th NCAA Tournament appearance, 13th consecutive regular season Horizon League championship and a Horizon League tournament title. Assistant Director of Athletics Communications Jill Wunrow will continue to provide blog updates throughout the NCAA Tournament with special commentary from head coach Matt Bollant. Joy of the Journey was chosen as the title because of its meaning to the program. Bollant and his players tell themselves to enjoy every practice and every moment and never let anyone steal their "joy".

A Memorable Season - Senior class weighs in on an unforgettable experience
March 31, 2011 - 9:51 a.m.

Game Day! - NCAA Tournament, Sweet 16
March 27, 2011 - 11:15 a.m.

The day is finally here! History in the making is in full swing with the Green Bay women's basketball team as it is set to face top-seeded Baylor in tonight's Regional Semifinal at American Airlines Center. Tip off is set for approximately 6 p.m. Right now the team is doing its usual game day shoot around. 

I just asked team physician Dr. Hinckley what his thoughts are on tonight's game, "it's going to be a war." We both agree that Green Bay will need to use its outside game if it plans to knock off Baylor. With Griner's 6'8'' body inside, the Phoenix will have to rely on its outside game. In the first two games of the tournament, Green Bay is shooting 50 percent from beyond the arc with Adrian Ritchie pacing the Phoenix with 85 percent.

If Green Bay shoots the ball like it did when we were in practice yesterday, we will be fine. Green Bay deserves to win, but as Doc Hinckley said, it won't be easy.

Bottom line...if Green Bay plays Green Bay basketball, we will be 35-1 by the end of the night.

Practice day at American Airlines Center - NCAA Tournament, Regional Semifinal
March 26, 2011 - 4:15 p.m.

The team is just over half way done with its 90 minute practice session after a day of relaxing and watching film on its opponent, Baylor. After its arrival at American Airlines Center, the team attended a brief meeting followed by press conferences with local and national media outlets.

The most compelling comment/question of the day came from the meeting Kayla Tetschlag, Celeste Hoewisch and Julie Wojta had with the ESPN producers and talent (pictured above). The ESPN producer's final question was, "are you guys ready to shock the world?". Without hesitation, all three shook their heads yes and exited the interview room. ESPN will be at the hotel Sunday as the team leaves to capture the excitement.

The evening will be spent as a team dinner followed by some final media requests.

From an outsider looking in, this team is ready to battle the highly-talked-about Baylor Bears and most of all, ready to win.

Game time is set for approximately 6 p.m. on ESPN2.

Final practice at the Kress before heading to Dallas - NCAA Tournament, Sweet 16
March 25, 2011 - 4:00 p.m.

Well this has been an exciting week in Green Bay women's basketball! What day is it again?! It doesn't matter, all that matters is that the Phoenix is still dancing!!! I'm at the team's final practice in the confines of the Kress Events Center before packing up and heading to Dallas, TX for the Sweet 16.

Anyone that's been following Green Bay women's basketball this season knows that this year's goal was to get to the Sweet 16, done! But the coaches and players have been reminding one another this week at practice that this team is capable of so much more. One of the coaches stated it best at the conclusion of Thursday's practice, "if you don't plan on working hard and giving your best effort, don't bother getting on the plane."

Speaking with Kayla Tetschlag in my office later in the afternoon, she agrees with the coaches and believes this team is not done winning yet. "If we come out in the game on Sunday and play as tough as we can and lose, then Baylor's the better team," Tetschlag said. "But if we don't play well and lose, that will be disappointing."

I remember when I was playing basketball in high school and was skeptical about an upcoming opponent, my grandma would always remind me, "they put their shoes on the same way, one at a time, just like you do." Eveything and anything grandma said always seemed to make everything seem so much better.

Baylor is just another team to Green Bay women's basketball, just another hurdle to jump over en route to the final destination. The Phoenix has done it 34 times before and there's no reason it can't do it again.

Let's go make history in Dallas! See you all on GreenBayPhoenix.com. Don't forget, Tournament Talk Saturday night at 7 p.m.

Shoot Around, Game Day - NCAA Tournament Second Round
March 22, 2011 - 12:15 p.m.

The team appears relaxed and excited to play in the second round for the second-consecutive year. Alot of smiles on the court right now while business is being taken care of. To close practice, Jenny Gilbertson drained a half-court shot...nothing but net. Heather Golden followed up with a baseball throw from the stands and drained it. So, in the event Green Bay needs a half court shot against Michigan State, I think the Phoenix will have several options to choose from as to who would take the shot.

Game time is set for 8:40 p.m. on ESPN2 so today will be a day of taking naps and watching any last minute clips on Michigan State. I just spoke with color analyst Abi Waner (former Duke star), who is looking forward to an exciting game tonight. She told me it will be a great matchup.

Second round here we come! - NCAA Tournament
March 21, 2011 - 4:30 p.m.

Hey Phoenix Fans!

Game Day! - Shoot Around
March 20, 2011 - 10:20 a.m.

The day is finally here...game day! The team got a good night's sleep and woke up to a message from the Green Bay Packers on their doors, "Small Town Team. Big Time Heart. We Get That. Bring it home, lady Phoenix." You can check out the special message in today's Green Bay Press-Gazette.

The team is currently going through its game day routine of shooting and running through its opponents' plays before heading back to the hotel for its pregame meal. At approximately 2:30 the team will load the buses and head to INTRUST Bank Arena for its 12th appearance in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

The game will be shown in its entirety in the Green Bay area on ESPN2 at 4:20 p.m. CT wtih Dan MacLaughlin and former Duke star Abby Waner with the call.

First Practice in Wichita, Kansas - NCAA Tournament
March 18, 2011 - 10:00 p.m.

Hey Phoenix Fans!

Final Practice at Home Before Heading to Kansas
March 17, 2011 - 4:00 p.m.

Today the team held its last practice before heading down the yellow brick road to Kansas early Friday morning. Intensity levels were high as everyone was challenged to step up their game in anticipation for playing an unfamiliar opponent in the NCAA Tournament. 

Following practice, the team got a special visit from their newest and most inspirational fan when Amelia Gorton stopped by to wish the team luck on its journey. Amelia is the seven-year-old cancer survivor who gave the players and staff bravery beads to wear throughout postseason play. Today Amelia presented each player and coach with "Amelia's Survival Kit for the Team" It included the following: PUZZLE PIECE - because you are an important piece of the team, RUBBERBAND - to be flexible, STICK OF GUM - stick with it, HAPPY FACE STICKER - to smile, MINT - keep cool under pressure, PENNY - give you the sense to pick your battles, PAPER CLIP - to keep it together, ERASER - we all make mistakes, LOLLIPOP - because you're so sweet, STARBURST - to give you a burst of energy, HUGS & KISSES - Love, Amelia

We will feature more on Amelia and her impact on the team throughout its trip in the NCAA Tournament.

And last but not least, in case you have not yet read ESPN.com writer Graham Hays' final entry on his journey through the week of the Horizon League Tournament click here. It's a must read! What a great writer and great coverage for our program.

Practice Day - New Shoes
March 16, 2011 - 11:30 a.m.

Today the team practiced together for the first time since the Horizon League Tournament and began its game plan for UALR. Before the start of practice, coach Bollant gave the players a brief overview of UALR's players including standout Chastity Reed. After that, practice was all about Green Bay basketball and getting better. The Phoenix spent the first half of practice working on defense and the closing portion, offense.

At the conclusion of practice, assistant coach Amanda Leonhard handed out the player's new shoes they will be donning during the NCAA Tournament. You can make your own judgement, but my opinion...flashy. The first evaluation received from Kayla Tetschlag is, "comfortable." Regardless of what is being worn on their feet, the players will be ready to go.

Day 1 Preps for the NCAA Tournament
March 15, 2011 - 12:30 p.m.

This morning has been very uplifting in the athletics department with phones ringing from fans interested in making the trip to Wichita to see the Phoenix play. Travel arrangements are being made and press releases going out with all the information you need to track the Phoenix in its 12th appearance in the NCAA Tournament. 

The team shot around for half an hour and then had a weight-lifting session. Full practice for UALR will tip off late Wednesday morning. Today head coach Matt Bollant gave the Phoenix a brief overview of UALR's weapons in addition to other announcements for this week. Assistant coach Amanda Leonhard reminded the team, "don't worry about what they do, just play our kind of basketball." Bollant agreed with Leonhard, "if we play Green Bay basketball we'll be fine."

Following its weight session, the team has a brief meeting with our Compliance Director and will spend the afternoon resting or studying, after all it is spring break. The team plans to begin its journey down the yellow brick road to Kansas on Friday.

National Spotlight
March 10, 2011 - 3:30 p.m.

First of all, my apologies for not updating in about two weeks. This awesome basketball team has been keeping me busy. I have promised myself and all of the "Joy of the Journey" followers that I will be more consistent than two weeks updating the blog throughout the postseason, which we hope is for a while yet. 

To kick off the postseason spirit, check this out. Good stuff!

Bollant's Bench
February 25, 2011 - 5:00 p.m.

Today was a very special day at practice when Amelia Gorton address the team after practice. Seven-year-old Amelia is a cancer survivor who went through two years of treatment. During her long battle, she collected what she calls her "bravery beads." Each time Amelia received a treatment, transfusion, chemo, etc. she added a bravery bead to her collection. Amelia and her friend Savannah will be joining head coach Matt Bollant and the players on the Phoenix bench during Saturday's game. This is the meaning of PinkZone. To view a photo album of Amelia's visit with the team, click here.

Windy City Bound
February 9, 2011 - 7:30 p.m.

Hello Phoenix fans! Your Green Bay women's basketball team is on a roll with its 11-0 record in Horizon League play, comfortably sitting in first place, three games ahead of second-place Butler. Green Bay has arrived in Chicago and ready to take on the Flames of UIC Thursday at 4:30 followed by the Loyola Ramblers at 12:30 on Saturday. 

Head coach Matt Bollant feels his team continues to step up at the right time both defensively and offensively. The Phoenix continues to move up in the national rannkings, making its biggest jump this week in the AP Top 25 Poll from No. 21 to No. 18 and up one spot in the ESPN/USA Today Coach's Poll from No. 17 to No. 16.

Green Bay's success has been noticed as I've recently been in contact with the primary regional contact of the NCAA committee. As long as the Phoenix takes care of business and continues to play Green Bay basketball, it will be rewarded. Let's continue to roll and take care of business in Chicago.

GO PHOENIX!

Ritchie Rehab Update
January 27, 2011 - 5:00 p.m.

We arrived at the Hinkle Fieldhouse shortly, anxiously awaiting tip-off against the Butler Bulldogs who are also a perfect 7-0 in Horizon League play. Unfortunately Phoenix fans will not be seeing sophomore Adrian Ritchie take the floor tonight. Ritchie told me at shoot around this afternoon that her knee feels better, she's participating in drills and just needs to mentally "accept" she's not injured anymore. Ritchie worked on defensive slides on one side of the court while the team worked on the other. She has been stepping in on some drills in practice but just isn't ready for game action at this point.

Fans can look to see Ritchie back on the court on Thursday, Feb. 3, which ironically is when Green Bay hosts Cleveland State.

Tip-off is less than two hours away. Let's buckle down and take care of business.

Go Phoenix!

Intense Practices, Ritchie Running
January 20, 2011 - 11:55 a.m.

With one Horizon League opponent to prepare for this week, the team has had probably one of its most intense weeks of practice to this point in the season. The coaching staff has been emphasising defensive stops and holding teammates accountable in doing so. Needless to say it has been fun to watch the players being pushed to their highest potential. I'm curious to see the hard work be put to use against in-state rival Milwaukee Saturday.

In other news, Adrian Ritchie did some running for the first time today. She said the knee feels good, it's just weird getting used to it after being injured and wearing a brace. Naturally, all smiles when she said it. There is no set return date for Ritchie yet but I think the coaches are hoping for next weekend. We shall see what unfolds.

Tomorrow ESPN.com writer Graham Hays will be at practice observing the Phoenix prior to covering Saturday's game. It's great coverage for Green Bay and the program. It's always a treat to have Graham in town and I think alot of people would agree how great of a writer he is.

Rest and Recovery Time

January 17, 2011 - 4:20 p.m.

The players had Sunday and today off as Green Bay is preparing for just one game in Horizon League play this week, and its a big one. Saturday at 2 p.m. the Phoenix will host in-state rival Milwaukee (6-11, 3-3 HL) at the Kress Events Center. I don't know if it's just me but it always seems that no matter what the record of these two teams is, the game is always intense and close. The team will be back on the practice floor tomorrow morning as it begins preparing for a showdown against the Panthers.

Ritchie continues to rehab her right knee injury and taking progress one day at a time. And yes, she is still on the 3-4 week timetable. In other news, during last week Thursday's practice Jenny Gilbertson and Sam Zastrow were going after a loose ball and had a bit of collision. The aftermath left Gilbertson with a bloody head after crashing into the corner of the bleachers and Zastrow with a broken nose. Gilbertson is fine with no concussion while Zastrow has added a nose guard to her game-day equipment list.

As trainer Dusty Lang continues to remain busy, this week the Phoenix rose to No. 21 in this week's Associated Press Top 25 Poll. The ESPN/USA Today Coaches Top 25 Poll is released on Tuesday.

Ritchie Injury Update
January 13, 2011 - 5:20 p.m.

For those of you who have not already heard, the results of Adrian Ritchie's MRI on her right knee are in. Ritchie suffered an MCL sprain and will miss 3-4 weeks of play. Athletic Trainer Dusty Lang has been working hard with Ritchie to help her return to play as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, Hannah Quilling started her first game of the season Jan. 12 against Loyola. Quilling was solid for the Phoenix leading all players with four steals while shooting 4-6 from the field, finishing the game with eight points.

Saturday, Jan. 15 Green Bay hosts UIC at 2 p.m. at the Kress Events Center. Should the Phoenix win, it will be Coach Bollant's 100th career win as the leader of the Phoenix. In doing so, Bollant would be the head coach to win 100 games the fastest in Phoenix history.

Adrian Ritchie Injured in Cleveland State Win
January 8, 2011 - 10:30 p.m.

Green Bay had an exciting 63-55 win over Cleveland State to close its first league road trip of the season and improve to 4-0 in league play. Naturally after the game Phoenix fans weren't concerned about Green Bay's shooting but rather the status of Adrian Ritchie after suffering a right knee injury less than three minutes into the contest.

I spoke with Ritchie after several tests were done by team doctor James Hinckley and Athletic Trainer Dusty Lang. Ritchie said she was a little sore but is confident in her ability to come back to the floor as soon as a few weeks. However, there are still tests to be run on Monday which will include an MRI.

With that being said, Hannah Quilling will more than likely appear in the the starting line-up for Green Bay as Ritchie rehabs. In addition, the Phoenix will look to rely on its bench more in the coming weeks. No worries Phoenix fans, for those of you who didn't catch Saturday's game against Cleveland State, Lydia Bauer, Stephanie Sension and Quilling all looked strong and ready to play when called upon.

See you all at the Kress Center for Wednesday's game against Loyola. Tip off is at 7 p.m.

Touching Lives in Ohio
January 7, 2011 - 9:45 a.m.

The story I'm about to share is so amazing I don't know where to start. The team has been awake for about two hours and has already had an eye-opening experience this morning and made the day of a complete stranger.

As we were eating breakfast, Coach Bronk was stopped by a guy by the name of Kevin. He had mentioned to Coach Bronk how he noticed the team and it made him think of his daughter Devon, who on December 26 last year was in a horrible car accident. An avid high school basketball player in her senior year, Devon was left quadrapalegic as a result of the accident. During the tracheotomy on the scene of the accident there were some complications forcing Devon to have surgery every three months here in Cleveland, Ohio. The surgery is to help Devon eventually gain control of her breathing.

After Coach Bronk introduced Kevin to Kayla, Adrian and myself, she invited Devon and her family to our practice this morning. Unfortunately Devon had to leave for her surgery at 11 a.m. but was happy to come down and meet the team before they headed to practice.

The team posed for a photo and introduced themselves to Devon as she smiled sitting in her hot pink wheelchair. As Devon and her family departed out of the hotel lobby one way, the team went another, some with tear-filled eyes. Coach Bronk reminded the team to embrace every opportunity they are given, just like Heather reminded them in the lockerroom after its performance against Youngstown State.

It was hard for me to hold back tears as we all too often take life for granted and never know when it could change with the blink of an eye. Devon and her family are beautiful people and even though Kevin was given grief for wearing an Ohio State sweatshirt, he and his family are the newest Green Bay women's basketball fans.

Intense Practice
January 4, 2011 - 10:35 a.m.

I just observed the first portion of practice after the team was given Monday off. If I had to use only one word to describe it I would use "Intense". The coaches introduced a new drill in order to improve the team's ability to defend the dribble. One of the best defenders in the league, Celeste Hoewisch was used an example for other players to watch. When it comes to defense, Celeste's footwork and toughness make her annoying to her opponents.

Offensively the team has been working on transition. The coaches reminded the players that intensity level will be at an all-time high from here on out, not that it wasn't before, but preparing for league play needs to have an intense level. With just one to two days to prepare between league opponents, Green Bay focuses on improving Green Bay one of the days and its opponent the other.

After opening Horizon League play at home for the first time under head coach Matt Bollant, the Phoenix hit the road Wednesday afternoon to take on Youngstown State Thursday at 6:05 p.m. followed by Cleveland State at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Happy New Year!
January 1, 2011 - 2:15 p.m.

Wow! What a way to end 2010 with No. 21-ranked Green Bay coming from behind to beat Detroit in its Horizon League opener. If you missed it, you missed one of thee greatest games at the Kress Event Center probably since last season's DePaul game. All 2,028 fans were on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer sounded and Green Bay had secured the 69-62 win over the Titans.

Seniors Kayla Tetschlag and Celeste Hoewisch carried Green Bay. Hoewisch grabbed nine huge defensive boards before finishing with a career and game-high 12 while leading the Phoenix in scoring with 21. It was also Hoewisch's first career double-double. Tetschlag joined Hoewisch in the 1,000-point club with 3:45 remaining when she gave Green Bay the lead for good.

Little time for rest as the Phoenix will have another tough test when it's hosts Wright State Sunday at noon. The Raiders are being led by a new coaching staff this season and off to an impressive 8-4 start. Should be another exciting game. See you there!

Back to work after holiday break
December 27, 2010 - 3:15 p.m.

The team returned to Green Bay and the practice floor Sunday night to prepare for its final non-conference opponent, South Dakota on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Kress Events Center. 

After asking Hannah Quilling how practice went over a phone conversation she responded, "it was fine but the most exciting news happened in the lockerroom..." I guessed there was an engagement ring put on one of the players' fingers. I was right but guessed the wrong person. Senior Celeste Hoewisch was proposed to Thursday, Dec. 23 at her family Christmas gathering. She said "yes". Celeste was glowing with excitement after discussing all the details with her.

Here's how it happened...Celeste's family had to celebrate Christmas on the 23rd because her sister had to work on Christmas. Celeste's boyfriend (now fiance) was reading a letter he had written ESPN.com's Graham Hays in response to his article on Celeste. After finishing reading the letter, he said all he wanted for Christmas was to always be a part of the Hoewisch family. With that, he proposed to a tearful Celeste.

Yay for Celeste! Congratulations!

Happy Holidays!
December 20, 2010 - 2:30 a.m.

Coming off a 72-48 win over Evansville Saturday, the team did some shooting Sunday and was back on the practice floor today. It appeared the team felt relieved and focused with finals being over. Not that they're not focused when they have piles of homework, it just seems like there's an extra boost of momentum and energy without school...naturally!

After a short Tuesday practice in preparation for its next opponent, South Dakota (8-5) on Dec. 28, the team will have four days off before returning to work Dec. 26. The 10-day break is the longest for the Phoenix since the 2005-06 season when it had 12 days off between games. After its final non-conference game on Tuesday, Green Bay will tip off Horizon League play against Detroit (5-5) on Dec. 31 at 7 p.m.

In case you haven't heard my horrible singing and me making a fool out of myself, check out this week's Monday Minute here. I truly do hope you all have a great, safe holiday season and have many smiles.

See you all Dec. 28!

Golden Halts Rehab
December 15, 2010 - 10:00 a.m.

After a glowing Heather Golden stepped on the floor Friday, Dec. 10 in Green Bay's 74-40 win over Southeast Missouri, the senior has decided to end her playing days at Green Bay. Though the pain in her knee was blocked out mentally when she stepped on the court to a standing ovation, the aftermath pain is just too much to bear. Golden told me that she could hardly walk Saturday morning and Sunday she "wanted to cut her leg off".

Golden met with her teammates after Tuesday's practice before meeting with the coaches to inform them of her decision. After breaking the news to the team and coaching staff, Golden broke the news to her family who agreed the decision is best for her long term. Speaking with Heather last night on the phone, her spirits were up but also said she doesn't feel the reality of it all has sunk in yet.

Heather will remain with the team but not in a playing role. I have to admit throughout covering Heather in her De Pere days as a member of the local media as well as her Green Bay days, she was always one of the players I looked forward to stepping on the floor. Even ask my friend Abbey who would always come to the games with me. Abbey is/was always a Hannah Quilling fan but my player was Heather Golden.

Nonetheless, Heather's role will be different the remainder of the season and I hope the players play inspired if not for themselves, but for Heather who wishes nothing more than anything that she could be on the court.

Back to Work
December 14, 2010 - 2:30 p.m.

It was back to the practice floor today after the team suffered its first loss of the season at Marquette on Sunday, Dec. 12. Green Bay is working on shooting the ball more throughout this week with only one game on the horizon before Christmas break. The coaches have installed a few new drills working against.... well, I can't reveal game preparations. There's a reason the shades are pulled during practice time (insert smiley face here).

I will tell you this though, as much as it pained me to see our team leave Milwaukee with a loss, everything is a learning experience whether it be good or bad. Though we have now fallen out of the AP Top 25 Poll, polls aren't everything and don't define the type of team Green Bay is. I think we've proven ourselves on a national level in last year's NCAA Tournament and are working towards doing the same this season, ranked or not.

So the work continues and a full week of practice is a good thing. Evansville is in town at the Kress Events Center Saturday with tip off set for 2 p.m. See you all then!

Weathering the Storm
December 12, 2010 - 10:30 a.m.

I think I speak for alot of people when I say we have the best fans in the world. Despite about 10 inches of snow, blizzard warnings, and blistering wind chills, 25 Phoenix fans loaded the fan bus and headed south on I43 to cheer on the Green Bay (9-0) women's basketball team as it faces Marquette (7-2) at 2:00. The team left Saturday afternoon to beat the storm but obviously nothing can keep diehard Phoenix fans from cheering on their team.

We're only about 10 minutes into the trip and have a confident bus driver named Rick.The winds are blowing snow across the road but we're taking our time and being safe...glad I'm not driving!

As one Phoenix fan put it when he stepped on the bus, "you all are as crazy as me!" We may be crazy but we love our Phoenix!

By the way, how awesome was it to see Heather Golden step on the floor against Southeast Missouri?! I was able to catch up with Heather and her dad after the game to talk about her long journey back. Check out my story on Golden's return here.

8-0 Being Recognized Nationally
December 7, 2010 - 11:55 a.m.

Hey Phoenix Fans! I know, I know, I've been slacking on blog updates since we returned from the shores of Mexico...my aplogies. I'd like to start by thanking all of you who showed your support either on-line or at The Bar on Holmgren Way on Tuesday nights for our weekly coaches show, Inside Phoenix Basketball. We truly have the best fans!

Second, how neat is it that we cracked the AP Top 25 Poll earlier than any other year in program history?! We've been in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll since Nov. 22 and finally reached the Associated Press Poll this week at the No. 23 spot. Well deserved! In addition, the Phoenix is number one in the nation in turnover margin through games played Dec. 5.

Finally, speaking of turnovers, Green Bay forced Eastern Michigan to turn the ball over 23 times while capitalizing with 29 points to beat the Eagles on the road 68-44 Monday night. I have to be honest, I thought the game would've been alot closer than it was. I'm glad it wasn't but for some reason I was nervous about this one.

Tonight is our third episde of Inside Phoenix Basketball starting at 6 p.m. at The Bar on Holmgren Way so be sure to come out if you can. Tonight Associate Head Coach Mike Divilbiss will be the guest. They have THEE best wings and at $0.25 you can't go wrong. Friday night we host Southeast Missouri (3-5) at 7 p.m. at the Kress Events Center before hitting the road to battle Marquette (7-1) Sunday at 2 p.m. I'm thinking that's going to be a really good game and probably one of the toughest teams we'll face this season.

See you tonight at The Bar and if not, I'll certainly see you Friday at the Kress.

Heading Home from Cancun, Mexico
November 28, 2010 - 6:45 p.m.

We are headed home after a successful Caribbean Challenge and raising a couple of eyebrows. Compliment after compliment was handed out to Green Bay and the performance it had throughout the week. In a conversation with Triple Crown Sports owner Dave King, the tournament host, he expressed his admiration for Green Bay and its competitive nature. He assured me he would be checking in on Green Bay's progress throughout the season...especially in the NCAA Tournament.

On the long bus ride from our resort to the airport, the players were entertained by a Celine Dion music video; there may have been some singing along too. Celeste was studying for an exam so I'm not sure how much singing she was contributing. As we were walking into the airport in Mexico everyone said good bye to the sun for the last time for a few months and began the long trek back to Green Bay through customs, etc.

We will arrive in Milwaukee shortly and then head back to Green Bay before getting back to business and class tomorrow. In the meantime, on behalf of the coaching staff and players, we all look forward to hearing you cheer loud Wednesday night as we host North Dakota at 7 p.m. at the Kress Events Center. Also don't forget to tune in to the weekly coaches show on GreenBayPhoenix.com Tuesday night at 6 p.m...or you can just us at The Bar on Holmgren Way.

Time to touch down in Milwaukee.

3-0 Finish at Caribbean Classic Ends with a Bollant Splash
November 27, 2010 - 9:45 p.m.

Wow! is one word a loyal fan used to describe the Green Bay women's basketball teams performance in this weekend's Caribbean Challenge. The Phoenix wrapped up the Challenge with a 60-40 win over Utah in what was an interesting first half...with the exception of the last four minutes.

Kudos to Hannah Quilling on a stellar performance off the bench! She's such a spark for this team and so intense when she plays. Following the game the players had free time in the sun to be with their families and get massages, etc.

My afternoon began with a laugh shared with head coach Matt Bollant. After we completed our post game interview (standing in the water), Matt closed by saying "Go Phoenix" COMPLETELY catching me off guard with a huge ocean splash. I laughed in disbelif as he approached me for an apologetic hug. As he was doing so I clipped his feet out from underneath him and pulled him completely under the water with me. It was priceless and a great memory for everyone there. Naturally, I wanted to share with all of you.

On that note, I have alot of packing to do. It will be an early morning as I would like to catch the sunrise with Coach Bronk before we head back north.

See you all in Green Bay for Wednesday night's game at 7 p.m. at the Kress Events Center.

Buenos Noches!

Big Win Over Big Ten Opponent
November 26, 2010 - 6:30 p.m.

Green Bay wins 79-74 over Penn State. What a great game by the Phoenix as the players held their composure throughout. Fans and staff running the tournament were very complimentary of Green Bay following its win over the Lady Lions. "Your team is so fun to watch" is one of the neatest compliments that sticks out in my mind.

I will close with probably the best compliment of the evening from a loyal Phoenix fan, "I'm speechless. Overjoyed! Happy for Green Bay. Congratulations to all of you on what has to be one of the biggest wins so far this season. You guys are fantastic! Congratulations!"

Check out the photo gallery of the team's Thanksgiving dinner, here.

Big Win Over Hartford
November 25, 2010 - 3:30 p.m.

Happy Thanksgiving Phoenix fans from Mexico!

Today we tipped off the Caribbean Challenge with a commanding 78-44 win over Hartford. The girl's jumped out to an early 18-2 run and never looked back. Kayla and Julie were back to their old selves after being shut down in the game against Wisconsin.

It's great to get the first win under our belts and now stay relaxed.Tomorrow we will face the toughest team we'll probably see all season when we play Penn State (4-0) at 1:30 p.m. Should be another great challenge for the Phoenix. Maybe that's why the name is what it is?

For all of you fans listening who lost our radio broadcast for a moment, no worries. That was the Penn State radio crew setting up and they unplugged our cord. Hopefully everything will be smooth sailing tomorrow for an exciting game so be sure and get your Black Friday shopping done ahead of time. But then again, since stores open at midnight and 3 a.m. there should be no problem.

I wish you could all see the gym we're playing in, I'll be sure to take pictures. It's high school style and quiet. You can hear EVERYTHING. The fans sit on metal bleachers and are loud as ever. The girls adjusted well to the environment...obviously.

It's cloudy and windy here as the sun is preparing to set. I hear though that it's nothing like the weather in Green Bay...yikes!

Time for me to sign off and post my post-game interview with Coach Bollant.

Enjoy turkey leftovers...they're the best!

Introduction to Mayan Culture
November 24, 2010 - 9:15 p.m.

After a much-needed night of rest for everyone, today began with practice followed by an hour and a half of free time to explore the Adventura Palace Resort. The team then went on a tour of the Mayan Ruins which proved to be fun, breath-taking and educational.

More families and fans arrived today to cheer on the Phoenix throughout the next three days. It was nice to see some familiar faces.

The evening was filled with a banquet for all the teams participating in the Caribbean Challenge. The buffet line of food was amazing. I was afraid I'd get to the end of the line and I'd be out of room on my plate for something I really wanted. But, sampling as I proceeded through the line helped with that concern. Shrimp kabobs, grilled fish, turkey, mashed potatoes (Happy Thanksgiving), cheese, salsa, fruit, steak salad...

During dinner we were entertained by a Mayan dance group. Ironically there was a part of the dance that entailed a Phoenix rising out of the flames...hmmmm. Good sign for Green Bay when it comes tip-off on Thanksgiving morning.

To view a photo album of today's events, click here.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

PATIENCE IS KEY
November 23, 2010 - 8:15 p.m.

Today has been a day of patience for everyone. After we arrived in Cancun and proceeded through customs we got on a bus for what seemed like a never-ending ride to our resort. Everyone was antsy and tired, wanting nothing more than to get to our final destination. The bus ride to Adventura Palace was over an hour followed by check in and the challenge of finding our rooms on a huge place where everything looks the same.

The sun was setting as our luggage finally arrived at our rooms. A few of the players were able to relax by the pool before heading to dinner at an awesome steak establishment. Once again, the players' patience was tested. With 13 girls seated at a table it took over an hour to get their filet mignon as Coach Leonhard, Coach Bronk and Coach Whitehead enjoyed tuna and steak with guilt. Nonetheless the players were patient and later found out their food was worth the wait.

Needless to say, everyone is tired from a long day of traveling and is longing for sleep. But tomorrow it's down to business as the team practices in the morning, catches a few rays for about an hour before heading on a tour of the Mayan Ruins.

With sketchy internet service, I hope to fill you in on our day tomorrow but like today, Patience is key. Until then, check out the women's basketball front page on ESPN.com. It's worth the read but be sure to have a tissue in hand. Or just click here.

Like everyone else, I'm tired but enjoying the warm air on my balcony. For now though I must say good night from Cancun, Mexico.

MEXICO BOUND
November 23, 2010 - 6:30 a.m.

Greetings from the skies. Because it's the holiday season there is FREE Wi-Fi on our flight from Milwaukee to Baltimore. That's a nice surprise and I'm happy to be able to say good Tuesday morning to you in frigid Green Bay.

We left Green Bay shortly after 2 a.m. with everyone on board and passports in hand. As we drove off I realized I forgot my sunglasses while Hannah Quilling (Eau Claire, Wis.) discovered she didn't know how to work her new ipod. Other than that, it was smooth sailing to Milwaukee where the wonderful wait of check-in and walk through security began.

At the security check point Kayla Tetschlag's (Sheboygan, Wis.) hands set off the sensors which led to an additional search. Kayla wasn't a fan of the additional search but was eventually cleared.

We are expected to arrive in the sun later this afternoon. I checked the weather and the "coldest" it's suppose to be is 80, on Wednesday.

With that being said, have a great Tuesday!

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL HEADS TO ADVENTURA PALACE, MEXICO FOR CARIBBEAN CHALLENGE
November 22, 2010 - 11:00 a.m.

It's the final day in Green Bay before heading to the Caribbean Challenge in Cancun, Mexico. Once again the Phoenix will face fierce competition in Hartford, Penn State and Utah. Though Hartford (0-3) is off to a slow start to its season, the Hawks are coming off one of its best seasons in program history after earning the program's first at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. Sounds familiar doesn't it? Meanwhile Penn State has the second best record in the Big Ten at 4-0 while Utah is 2-1 heading into the Caribbean Challenge.

Green Bay will have its final practice Monday evening before leaving early Tuesday morning.