As I watched Penn State come back from sure death to defeat the Lady Longhorns of Texas in the NCAA Volleyball Championships, I couldn't help but be amazed! Texas seemed to be in command and with the momentum theirs going into intermission it was not looking favorable to see a continuation of the longest winning streak in the NCAA stay intact. Well, you know the rest, Penn State did what only two other volleyball teams had ever done, come back from an 0-2 deficit to win the National Championship.
With 12,000 plus in attendance, 20 plus players and coaches representing each team, you have to ask yourself, "where do they go?" I realize 12,000 fans is probably not the norm for attendance to a regular season game, but is it enough to tell you the interest is there? There is an excellent product being put on the court and some very interesting and lovable characters to get to know. So I ask again, "where do they go?" For the fans, do you switch your allegiance to some other sport for the winter or go home and wait for the next volleyball season? For the players, do you finish your senior year, graduate and enter the real world? Do you play in overseas leagues? Do you go into coaching? I don't know. All I know is I don't want it to end. I have been a consistent fan of NCAA volleyball for some time. I always make it a point to catch the women's U.S. National team play because this is my only opportunity to see some old faces and relive their talent. But, I'm selfish, I want to be able to see these heroines of the court more often. I know there have been a few attempts to produce a women's professional volleyball league with no positive outcome. What is it going to take? When will I get to see Destinee Hooker leap 10' in the air for a kill! How about a return to the power swing of Kim Willoughby or the concentrating eyes of Logan Tom. Is there no fix for my habit? Am I a junkie with no drug?
2012, I'm waiting.....!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Two examples of websites done right
In looking for women's licensed merchandise there are a few categories we need to establish. The collegiate market, professional market and the last one we'll categorize as Independent. This could be, but is not limited to, U.S. National (Olympic) teams, international markets and athlete created signature apparel.
There are numerous companies and individuals readily available to peddle there goods, so I've decided to spoon feed you the sites a little at a time. Some sites you may be very familiar with while others you may not have heard about. I'll give you a synopsis of it's offerings and rank them.
Who can overlook the multitude of merchandise offered by the WNBA store. They supply replica jerseys, t-shirts, tank shirts, polos, jackets, hats, bags, WNBA logo gear and trading cards. They offer a WNBA player collection which allows you to select a player from a list of 20 and view and purchase products bearing their name and number.
My personal favorite is the "custom shop" which lets you create your own custom tee, jersey or fleece. A very simple 3 step process allows you to choose a team, a color and multiple logos for the front, back or sides. In addition you can add your name and number or leave it blank. What's best is that you immediately see what your product will look like with it's rotating image system and it's instantaneous pricing. A review and purchase step finishes the process and the item is created and ships within 3-4 weeks.
The entire website is very user friendly with a variety of merchandise. Teams and players come and go providing a constant flow of new wares. It is a wonderful representation of the WNBA and truly it is One Store, Every Team!
Another very well done website in both design and ease of use, as well as products offered is Softball Outlet. Although the collegiate teams offered are limited, it does include the top softball programs in the past years.
The store is divided into categories:
USA Softball Apparel
USA Softball Collectibles
ASA Hall of Fame Gift Shop
Video Publications Software
Officially Licensed College Merchandise
Youth & Babies
Clearance Sale
Amongst these categories you can find visors, caps, beanies, stocking caps, hoodies, sweatshirts, polos, sleepwear and t-shirts. Also available are mini keychains, replica jerseys, replica Olympic jerseys, magnets, pennants, banners, flags, mugs, license plates, softballs, window decals, photographs, jewelry & accessories, headbands, pins, backpacks, bumper stickers, blankets, trading cards and signature apparel from players.
It is a great site to satisfy your need to own collegiate licensed apparel and Olympic gear. I certainly rank this one among the top sites.
There are numerous companies and individuals readily available to peddle there goods, so I've decided to spoon feed you the sites a little at a time. Some sites you may be very familiar with while others you may not have heard about. I'll give you a synopsis of it's offerings and rank them.
Who can overlook the multitude of merchandise offered by the WNBA store. They supply replica jerseys, t-shirts, tank shirts, polos, jackets, hats, bags, WNBA logo gear and trading cards. They offer a WNBA player collection which allows you to select a player from a list of 20 and view and purchase products bearing their name and number.
My personal favorite is the "custom shop" which lets you create your own custom tee, jersey or fleece. A very simple 3 step process allows you to choose a team, a color and multiple logos for the front, back or sides. In addition you can add your name and number or leave it blank. What's best is that you immediately see what your product will look like with it's rotating image system and it's instantaneous pricing. A review and purchase step finishes the process and the item is created and ships within 3-4 weeks.
The entire website is very user friendly with a variety of merchandise. Teams and players come and go providing a constant flow of new wares. It is a wonderful representation of the WNBA and truly it is One Store, Every Team!
Another very well done website in both design and ease of use, as well as products offered is Softball Outlet. Although the collegiate teams offered are limited, it does include the top softball programs in the past years.
The store is divided into categories:
USA Softball Apparel
USA Softball Collectibles
ASA Hall of Fame Gift Shop
Video Publications Software
Officially Licensed College Merchandise
Youth & Babies
Clearance Sale
Amongst these categories you can find visors, caps, beanies, stocking caps, hoodies, sweatshirts, polos, sleepwear and t-shirts. Also available are mini keychains, replica jerseys, replica Olympic jerseys, magnets, pennants, banners, flags, mugs, license plates, softballs, window decals, photographs, jewelry & accessories, headbands, pins, backpacks, bumper stickers, blankets, trading cards and signature apparel from players.
It is a great site to satisfy your need to own collegiate licensed apparel and Olympic gear. I certainly rank this one among the top sites.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Vision Quest
As a kid one Christmas I received a two toned Pittsburgh Steeler letterman jacket. I wore it everyday and everywhere for the next two winters. I felt great pride for my team and sporting this coat was an extension of my support and loyalty to them. Years later, many years later, my mother pulled that jacket out of storage and though it was matted, smelly and small, the feelings I had as a kid for that jacket and that team came crashing back. It was love!
I guess even though I've grown up now I still search for that piece of merchandise that brings me back to why I take pride in the team, leagues or individuals I support. Even though there are hundreds of Steeler merchandise examples readily available it doesn't reflect where my heart is now.
I've spent the better part of my life as an athlete. The remaining time I have, I will spend as a spectator and supporter of women's athletics. I am currently grooming my soon-to-be three year old daughter to enjoy, appreciate and fulfill a lifelong dream...Olympic Glory! OK, maybe I'm reaching on that one, but you get the pride I have for women's sports. I want to show the world my pride by cladding myself with sweatshirts, caps, t-shirts, beanies and maybe...someday...a letterman jacket. I have taken on a labor of love to find all the licensed and unique women's athletic merchandise available and it's my pleasure to share my findings with other people who feel the same passion for women's sports like me.
In the collegiate realm there are lots of ways to pull for the University of Georgia, but sometimes I just want to pull for the Lady Bulldogs softball team or Baylor Lady Bears basketball or the Lady Tarheel soccer squad. This selfish attitude has thrust me in a quest to find who else thinks like me. Am I alone, I don't think so?
I guess even though I've grown up now I still search for that piece of merchandise that brings me back to why I take pride in the team, leagues or individuals I support. Even though there are hundreds of Steeler merchandise examples readily available it doesn't reflect where my heart is now.
I've spent the better part of my life as an athlete. The remaining time I have, I will spend as a spectator and supporter of women's athletics. I am currently grooming my soon-to-be three year old daughter to enjoy, appreciate and fulfill a lifelong dream...Olympic Glory! OK, maybe I'm reaching on that one, but you get the pride I have for women's sports. I want to show the world my pride by cladding myself with sweatshirts, caps, t-shirts, beanies and maybe...someday...a letterman jacket. I have taken on a labor of love to find all the licensed and unique women's athletic merchandise available and it's my pleasure to share my findings with other people who feel the same passion for women's sports like me.
In the collegiate realm there are lots of ways to pull for the University of Georgia, but sometimes I just want to pull for the Lady Bulldogs softball team or Baylor Lady Bears basketball or the Lady Tarheel soccer squad. This selfish attitude has thrust me in a quest to find who else thinks like me. Am I alone, I don't think so?
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