Bill Taylor Surf Report

2003-2004 UCSB Gauchos Women's Basketball

Even though it is initially interesting to see how people live in a communist society, the fact of the matter is it is always a relief to get back to into the West.   In Lindsay’s case, I’m sure west of the Rocky Mountains would work quite nicely, but in this case it was Tampa Bay, Florida.  She left the name of her hotel and asked if someone would call on Sunday after 9:00 PM EST.  Apparently, they were keeping the women busy with workouts and such.

Phone Log: Sunday, 7-27-03 @ 9:30 PM EST

I called Lindsay’s hotel room.  Talked to her roommate, Rebbekah Brunson.  Rebbekah said Lindsay was at the hotel pool, but should be back soon.

Phone Log: Sunday, 7-27-03 @ 10:00 PM EST

Getting to know Rebbekah well.   She sounds like a real sweet person.   Rebbekah plays for Georgetown University.  She is 6 foot 3 and very athletic.  I was quite impressed with her at the USA National Team try-outs in Colorado Springs.  And by the way Lindsay still has not returned to the room. 

Phone Log: Sunday, 7-27-03 @ 10:30 PM EST

Finally, got to talk to the person behind the legend.   Anyway, Lindsay sounded a little disappointed that she had not played more in Cuba.

My Interpretation:  Glad to her that.  She wanted to show the Cuban girls her left-handed hook shot.  I ‘m always happy to hear she is hungry for playing time. 

Consoled her, reaffirming what a wonderful experience it is to be playing on the National Team and traveling to exciting places, meeting new people, experiencing different cultures.

My Interpretation of myself:  What’s up with the coach?  If Lindsay’s willing and able, play the girl!!!

Once again, she stated she was enjoying her teammates, and yes she was happy to be back in the good ole USA. 

She stated that they would be in Tampa until Tuesday and then they would fly again to Dominican Republic for the beginning of the Pan American Game on Friday.   Their first game is on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. against the Cuban National Team.  Yes, the very same team they lost to three times in Cuba.  Now however, the Cuban team will not have the friendly confines of their home court, referees or fans.

My Interpretation:  The American women have to feel pretty good about their chances against Cuba.  Cuba by the way is the defending Pan American Champions.  But there is also the Brazilian National team to contend with.  And I am sure the Canadian’s will send a very representative team.  So bring them on………and get Lindsay in there, she’ll perform.

Lindsay said she would call with the name and number of her hotel in the Dominican Republic so that we could call her there.

My Interpretation:  She’s ready to get the games going, win a medal and get home……………west of the Rockies.

Lindsay's Phone Dairy

Phone Log:
Call Sunday 7-20-03 @ 5:30 EST

Lindsay called to say they were at the airport in Boston getting ready to fly to Florida for the night, and then they were to leave in the morning for Cuba.  Talked for 30 minutes on her calling card.  Would have talked longer, but she wanted also wanted to call and talk to her sister.
My interpretation:  She was in good spirits and was willing to talk.  A sign that she was satisfied with the way she had played that morning against Brazil.   Funny as a parent you learn how to ask questions and glean even more information from what was implied than from what was said.

She said the Brazilian team was really big. 
My interpretation:  The Brazilian women are big and strong.  From the pictures I saw of them, they were not only of a larger stature, they were very physically built.

She stated that her Achilles heel was sore, but no more so than what she experienced during the last basketball season. 
My interpretation:  At the try-outs at the Olympic Center in Colorado Springs her heel was grotesquely swollen, thus also causing irritation on her heel as her foot rubbed the inside of her shoe.   She could not effectively play with her heel in this condition, since it was her right-handed jumping foot.  If it gets no worse than how it was during the 2002-03 season then it sounds like she will live with it and kick some butt.  Plus we know what a killer left hand she has for shooting hooks and the like.

Lindsay mentioned that so far the food was really good, however she was not so sure about the future. 
My interpretation:  The cuisine in Cuba and the Dominican Republic may not meet with her criteria of good food.  But I am sure beefsteak being a universal cut of meat will be available in both locations.   I know it kept me alive when in exotic place.

She mentioned several times that Jenni Benningfield of Vanderbilt was playing really well.   That she was very strong and could shoot the ball really well.
My interpretation:  Obviously her and Jenni get along.

Lindsay’s roommate is Ann Strother of Connecticut. 
My interpretation:  Ann was Lindsay’s roommate in Colorado Springs.  Lindsay wanted a picture taken with Ann, so either Lindsay just really likes Ann (which I know she does) or she was Star Struck, Ann being a starter for the National Champion UConn Huskies.

She stated that she went to the movies to see “Bad Boys II” with Iciss Tillis, Barbara Turner and Rebekkah Brunson. 
My interpretation:  Lindsay has a very strong feeling of diversity.

She said it didn't bother her about not starting and laughed several times at her own jokes. 
My interpretation:  She is really ready to do something special.

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E-mail: Questions and comments to billtaylor@abwag.com.