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Sports TwitterFantanarosa basks in the glow of tourney bid
Miami coach trying to make sure her players savor postseason 'wow' moments.
Friday, March 21, 2008
OXFORD — Teams that have clinched NCAA tournament berths often get so caught up in the pressure and travel planning and game preparation that the players and coaches don't take the time to cherish the experience.
Miami University women's basketball coach Maria Fantanarosa said she was forced to spend much of her time "doing laundry and Easter shopping because I'd been so focused (on basketball)" after arriving home from last weekend's Mid-American Conference tournament.
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But with the RedHawks' first NCAA appearance coming up Sunday, March 23, when they tackle Louisville in the first round in Bridgeport, Conn., Fantanarosa has found a way to make sure her players savor what she calls "wow! moments."
She called a pre-practice meeting for her players on Wednesday, March 19, at Millett Hall.
"I had everyone sit around in a circle," Fantanarosa said. "Then I had everyone talk about moments they remember, from the time we arrived in Cleveland to today. moments. I did that because I want them to enjoy the journey. I wanted them to remember things that affect them."
Such as?
"The cheerleaders throwing me up into the air after the Ohio game," Fantanarosa said. "A.J. (senior guard Amanda Jackson) dribbling the ball down court with her finger raised in the air in a 'We're No. 1' sign as time was about to expire. Little, fun stories like that make it real."
One of the early "wow! moments" came immediately after Miami wrapped up its 65-60 victory over Western Michigan in the second round of the MAC tournament.
"Our men's team formed a tunnel so they could high-five us as we ran off the court," Fantanarosa recalled.
She was unprepared for what happened after Miami clinched its NCAA spot with the 67-56 win over Ohio on Saturday, March 15.
"Two of the male cheerleaders hoist me up," Fantanarosa said. "They were throwing me like I was a little ball. I was giggling, I couldn't help it, and I was glad this wasn't one of those games I was wearing a skirt. It was a fun, giggly, emotional moment.
"I can't say I've ever been in a mosh pit," she added, "so I have to say this was definitely a first for me."
There have been other, more quiet moments, thanks to an outpouring of support.
"I walk into my office and find candy and flowers on my desk," Fantanarosa said. "It's been unbelievable. Since the Ohio game, if you could count the number of text messages and e-mails we've received, you'd be shocked.
"We've heard from 50-75 basketball alumni alone," she said. "It's been very humbling."
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or pconrad@coxohio.com.
