The kids saw where the hard work could take them. They've seen the success. It was a great experience going to state and they realize that. They are starting to take it more seriously.

Beth's progressed every week and her hard work has paid off. As a goalie you need to stay focused all the time, as opposed to playing in shifts, and I'm just very impressed with how she maintains that focus. She's really growing into her own, and I'm looking forward to what she can provide the team down the stretch, and next year when she is a senior.

Matt is one of the hardest working kids I have ever coached. This hard work has led directly to success on the mat.

Every team is a work in progress. But yes, it's been a big change. To lose as many seniors as we did — players who were as good as they were — it leaves a big gap.

What's happening is the coaching staff is bonding and the kids are starting to believe. All the hard work is really starting to pay off.

Focused, hard work is the real key to success. Keep your eyes on the goal, and just keep taking the next step towards completing it. If you aren't sure which way to do something, do it both ways and see which works better.