Feb. 14, 2006

For the next four weeks, www.gofrogs.com will follow rising sophomore setter Nirelle Hampton as the TCU volleyball team prepares for the 2006 season. A product of Gainesville, Fla., Hampton completed her freshmen season first on the team in assists with 1,225, fourth in kills with 192 and fourth in digs with 212. On Oct. 7, in TCU's 3-1 triumph over Air Force, Hampton joined exclusive company, becoming only the second player in TCU history to record a triple-double (41 assists, 15 digs and 11 kills).

February 7, 2006

Today, during my individual practice, I did a lot of technical footwork with my setting. It gets extremely frustrating at times trying to perfect such little details, but I know that it will make a great deal of improvement for me in the future. I have noticed that it is a lot easier to focus during shorter individual practices as opposed to longer team practices. The spring is dedicated to perfecting individual skills in volleyball instead of more team challenges in the fall. It is also dedicated to improving individual strength and fitness. That is where conditioning comes in. We worked a lot on foot speed today which I can always improve upon. Even though we have only been in the spring season for a couple of weeks, I do feel that I am making an improvement on my physical abilities. As a freshman, I do feel at times that I am not up to par on what the team's capabilities are, but that is part of being a freshmen. I know that the spring season is for me to learn and grow as an athlete and volleyball player, and that is exactly what I plan to do.

February 9, 2006

During individual practice today, I feel that I made a small improvement. Today, I worked a lot on my blocking skills. Blocking is not my strongest skill, so working on it can get very frustrating. There is so much technique involved with all aspects of volleyball, and trying to master each technique takes a lot of practice and repetition. I know that it is important for me to learn to have patience with myself as I make progression in each skill. Today in the weight room, Matt Parker (our strength coach) pushed us hard, as usual. In the weight room, it is very encouraging because I can feel the results pretty rapidly as I grow stronger. For example, my weakness in the weight room is pull ups. Even thought I dread doing pull-ups, I can feel myself making an improvement each time by being able to do a few more than the previous time. I am excited to see how my strength continues to grow throughout the spring season.