The Team: Behind The Scenes

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BRITTANY CARVALHIDO (12-3-09):

The managers here at LSU are a very important part to our programs success. Much of what they do goes unseen. Most people do not realize what takes place behind the scenes as a manager. Of course, their education comes first but when you sign on to be a manager here at LSU you better be willing to put in a lot of time. Our managers report an hour before practice to get things set-up and to be there for our players if they need anything. We expect the same attitude and work ethic from them like we do our team. Everyone knows being a manager is not an easy job. They put in a lot of time and energy because not only are they early for practice they are the ones that stay after to shut things down. It’s the little things that they take care of that play a big role in the success of our program. Our former managers here at LSU have become very successful in the real world. We truly enjoy having them come back to visit just like our former players do. Our Alumni weekends are not just for former players but also for our former managers. They learn a lot from working with our program that carries over into their future plans. Thank you for all that you do!

 

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Posted by Bill Martin  

Night Before Team Meeting

BOB STARKEY (12-2-09):

Ever wonder what the team does the night before a road game? One of the things we do is meet in a room to go over the game plan for our next opponent. We give our players written scouting reports that they are expected to know. Sometimes in these "night-before" meetings we will actually give our team a pop quiz to make sure they know their reports. We always watch a scouting video on our opponent that lasts about 15 minutes and then show a motivational video for our team. The evening always ends with Coach Chancellor addressing the team on key points for the upcoming game.

 

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Posted by Bill Martin  

Happy Birthday Adrienne!

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Happy

Birthday

Adrienne!

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Posted by Bill Martin  

Speaking At The Jack Andonie LSU Sports Museum

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VAN CHANCELLOR (11-28-09):
Following practice today I had the privilege of speaking at the Jack Andonie Museum. If you have not visited it is an amazing museum full of LSU athletic history with items donated by Dr. Andonie. It doesn't matter what sport at LSU you enjoy, it is well represented at the museum. As always, I great enjoyed chatting with the LSU fans that are on campus getting ready for the football game this afternoon. I always feel blessed to meet such enthusiastic fans like the ones at LSU.

 

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Posted by Bill Martin  

The Night Before The Game

BOB STARKEY (11-25-09):
Our team always enjoyed the night before a game on the road. It is an opportunity for us to bond. Playing in New Orleans makes it even more special because the city has practically adopted us since our Final Four visit and Katrina Relief Game. It's amazing the attention we get from so many when our team is in the Big Easy. On this trip, the city asked us if we would come out and be honored at a Thanksgiving festival right down the street from our hotel. It was nice to have the team recognized and get a great reception. Of course it was exciting to share the stage with Drew Brees who has our Saints 10-0 going into their Monday night game with the Patriots. We were also privileged to be joined at dinner by Brian Miller who is our former SID and now works with men's basketball at Tulane as well as Will Varnado who was a member of the "Gold Team" (our group of male scrimmage players).
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Posted by Bill Martin  

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

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The entire Lady Tiger Basketball Family would like to wish you all an extremely Happy Thanksgiving. Here are some of the things the Lady Tigers are thankful for this year:


LaSONDRA BARRETT: I am thankful for my family because they are my foundation and comfort. They will always be behind me 100% in everything I do. My health and strength, because tomorrow is not promise. Over the years, I've seen so many young people lose their lives, and it makes me just appreciate my life even more. Last but not least all my friends and other people in my life that give me advice on issues, make be a better person, and are there through thick and thin.

SWAYZE BLACK: One thing that I am thankful for would have to be my family. I can always count on my family to be there for me when I need them the most. They understand me better than anyone and I can always depend on them for whatever it is I may need. I feel like I have the best family ever and I love them dearly for everything that they have done for me. I am also thankful to be a part of the Lady Tiger Basketball organization. We have the best coaches that show great care for the players and are committed to the Lady Tiger Way. They have our best interest at heart. I have come to realize how grateful I am for this whole opportunity, and I am thankful for every single part of it.

TAYLOR BOOZE: I have so much to be thankful for, so many blessings have been placed on me and I am very grateful for each and every one of them. The one thing that I am and will always be thankful for is my family. I know it seems very cliche' but it is the truth. I have been through so many ups and downs and through it all my family has stood right by my side, never turning their back on me. My family is my rock and without them I wouldn't be anywhere close to where I am now. I give them all the credit and i am extremely thankful for everything they have done for me. I just want to continue to give them a reason to smile and make them as proud of me as I am of them.

LATEAR EASON: I am thankful for having the opportunity to receive a great education from Louisiana State University and also playing basketball for one of the top programs in the country. There are so many individuals who want the opportunity I have but are never granted that opportunity and I am thankful for my opportunity.


ALLISON HIGHTOWER: This Thanksgiving and every Thanksgiving I am always thankful for my family. By family i don't just mean my mom, dad and brother and the rest of my extended family, I am also talking about my Lady tiger family and friends. I am so thankful to have these special people in my life because they have always been their for me through thick and thin. God has given me so much and I am thankful for the people that he has put in my life. I hope everybody has a wonderful Thanksgiving! Geaux Tigers!

DESTINI HUGHES: I'm thankful for my salvation; for Jesus truly revealing himself to me and changing my life forever! I'm also thankful for my family and the love that they show me each and every day. Lastly, though there is so many blessings to be thankful for, I am thankful for the ability to go to school and play for LSU (especially in front of our loyal fans)! Not many people get to go to college, let alone for free, so I am very thankful and blessed to be in this program.


KATHERINE GRAHAM: During this time of the year everyone begins to reflect on all those thing they are thankful for. For me this Thanksgiving is very special, because I have a greater appreciation for EVERYTHING. I lost two family members that I were close with, and I began to realize that life is short and to take advantage of every opportunity that God grants us. So as we approach this Thanksgiving holiday and I am asked what I am thankful for my response is -- I am thankful for everything; my family, friends, health, knowledge, teammates, coaches, fans, the ability to play, and the gift of LIFE.


COURTNEY JONES: I could name a billion things I am thankful for but the one thing I am most thankful of is my family. My family Mean the world to me. There is not a single day that goes by when I'm thinking about them. They are basically responsible for molding me into the person I am today. The relationships I have with them are special and true. I couldn't asked God for a more perfect family!


ANDREA KELLY: I'm thankful for the healing of my foot. It's so easy to overlook the blessing of walking and being able to run and jump and stay active! I thank God that I will have that opportunity again because there are many people who will not. It's not fun being sick or hurt, and during this Thanksgiving holiday I am grateful for my health and strength!


JASMINE NELSON: One thing I am thankful for is life its self and everyone I have around me that support me through the thick and thin. Ive been through so much in the 20 years that I have been on this earth and god has blessed me dearly to still be here with a wonderful mother and family besides me.

TAYLOR TURNBOW: Thanksgiving is a time for family, a time to think about everything God has blessed you with. Its a time to give thanks. This Thanksgiving I am thankful to be alive, alive and living a dream. Last year to this has been extremely tough, from losing my grandmother, to a loved one battling a deadly disease. I am just Thankful for the little things. Fresh air, food to eat, and a family that will never let me fall short.


ADRIENNE WEBB: I am thankful for family and friends that are so supportive and the opportunity to get a quality education.

ERICA WILLIAMS: It is hard to say that I am thankful for just one thing. I can say that I'm thankful for a million and one things. I am truly thankful for my family and friends. They are a truly a big support system. If I don't have anyone to fall back on I know that they will always be there for me. Let's not forget that my family away from home ( my Lady Tiger Family) is also included.

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Posted by Bill Martin  

Happy Birthday Caroline!

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TRAVIS MAYS (11-24-09):

When are team went to work with the kids at PARDS in Denham Springs we had a visitor in Lady Tiger alum Delia Taylor. Like so many of alumni, she continues to support our program and has welcomed me into the Lady Tiger program. Delia wanted to do something special for her daughter's birthday which fell on the same night as our game with Nicholls State so we decided to roll out the red carper for the daughter of one of our own. Caroline had a seat on the bench, a spot in the huddle, and an insiders look in the locker room. I think it is safe to say it will be a birthday she won't soon forget.

 

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Posted by Bill Martin  

Micki and Her Staff Make A Big Difference In Our Team

LaSONDRA BARRETT (11-22-09):

On top of having one of the best athletic training facilities, we have the greatest athletic trainers in the world! I have been in the training room for many different reasons. When I first came to LSU I had surgery on my knee, and Micki (Collins) worked tirelessly to get me back in to playing form. We spent many early mornings, and late evenings in the training room, on the Cybex, HIVOMATing, icing, running on the underwater treadmill, and using the Game Ready machine. Now I am rehabbing my shoulder and she is taking the same approach. Whenever we go into the training room, Micki always has the knowledge and the patience to help us! There is never a problem to big or to small that she can not handle! Thank you Micki!

 

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The Color of Homecoming Weekend

ALLISON HIGHTOWER (11-14-09):

As I go through my senior year I am making sure I am aware of all the things that I love at LSU and one of them is certainly Homecoming Weekend. Campus has been a buzz for the entire week with all kinds of activity. Certainly there is no better view than from Sorority Row where the students artistic side come forward. Their creativity is amazing -- every year I go through and see some of the displays they've put together and it is hard to imagine all the time and effort on their part. What it really does however, it simply speak to the spirit of LSU -- and why I love being a Tiger!

 

 

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Partying with the Bengal Belles!

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VAN CHANCELLOR (11-14-09):
I know I keep repeating the same concept, but in my less than three years as LSU women's basketball coach, I continue to be overwhelmed by the intense support of the LSU fans. There is not a more enthusiastic group than the Bengal Belles -- what an amazing organization! Not only does this group of women show their support but they back it up with work -- doing so much for all of our sports. One thing I learned very quickly is that the Bengal Belles are a powerful component to the success mechanism at LSU and I've enjoyed getting to know them. Yesterday I got to be a part of a homecoming festivity where we drove around in golf carts and passed out beads. It was a lot of fun.

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Posted by Bill Martin