On the Bench

Once upon a time—long before the Maples and locker room remodel—I sat on our team bench during a game. I enjoyed the experience, but cannot remember who we played against.

This September when I had an opportunity to bid on sitting on the bench during the USA game, I bid. I thought this opponent would be memorable!

Good omens when I walked into Maples early: a name tag was waiting for me, I saw the banners that acknowledged Stanford’s many basketball and volleyball successes, and I was invited into the special reception for some USA game attendees.

I left the reception quickly, however, as I didn’t want to miss the pre-game chalk talk. In the locker room I was delighted to see the mural depicting Kate Paye and many other past favorites and how the players arranged themselves on their stools during the review of keys to the game and playing style of each USA team player.

Back on the court, the basketball staff was great in making me feel welcome and in finding me a chair between Michelle and the towels (which were, of course, far more useful than I).

Were there more timeouts for this game than usual? I felt as if I popped up and down for huddles many times. Should I stay in front of the bench with the staff and injured players, or go to the back with the rest the players? I opted to run around to the back so I could hear Tara.

I had instructions from Eileen regarding my bench behavior: “Cheering is low key—just follow the lead of the staff next to you.” Michelle on the left, and other players hopped up and down briefly, but were fairly quiet. The staff to my right didn’t hop up, but were more vocal. Which to follow??? Since I was more staff than player, I stayed seated and also kept my comments at a low volume.

Morgan included me in her high-five ritual after a 3-point shot. Yeah!

I think I had more fun than the players in this particular game. This different view was well worth the price.

Fun Quiz: What did the team have for Thanksgiving dinner in the Virgin Islands?
Last week's question:What year did Pat Summitt coach the Olympic team?
Answer: 1984; I was there!