Mentor Blog 9 (0hrs), Total=25hrs

I completed my hours, but I am still going to meet up with my mentor. I did not meet with my mentor during spring break (3/29-4/7). I have not done any work involving the capstone project during spring break.

I feel pretty good about my capstone project. I have progressed since the beginning of this project. I learned a lot from my mentor about responsibility and attentiveness. These traits are some of the key characteristics of a sports manager. I know this because of my research paper I wrote about the Golden State Warriors Management. My paper expanded my knowledge about the tasks a sports manager must perform. I took in this information and will use it as I meet with my mentor sometime soon.

Mentor Blog 8 (3hrs), Total=25hrs

On March 28th, I met with my mentor at the tennis courts and attended the boys' tennis match against Hillsdale High School. My mentor gave me instructions to warm up with some of the boys. Then, I helped gather all the tennis balls before the matches began. My mentor handed me a clipboard to write down the names of the players from both teams and record their scores. Before the tennis matches start, it is required that both teams meet up in two lines to hear the coaches explain the rules. After, both teams introduced their players. I was the one that introduced our team. When the matches begun, I observed each opponent and provided beneficial information about the opponents' weaknesses and strategies to my team. I wrote down the scores after each match finished. Lastly, I helped collect all the scorecards that were hanging on each net. 

Attending their game gave me more experience as a tennis manager. I was given all the tasks that a high school tennis manager can perform. It felt really relaxing and exciting to watch their match against Hillsdale. I know that being a professional sports manager can be stressful, like what I said in my last post. Yet, being a tennis manager for high school is still a fun job. I enjoy working with my team. My communication skills are improving. I have to interact with my mentor and the players, which is always a simple task.

Mentor Blog 7 (4hrs), Total=22hrs

On Tuesday (3/12/13), I met with my mentor and the boys tennis team at the school parking lot. We traveled in one van to Hillsdale High School for the boys' tennis match against Hillsdale. I helped my mentor gather the equipment from the car and bring it to the tennis courts, such as the tennis balls and tennis raquets. When we arrived to the tennis courts, I warmed up with some of the boys to prepare for their matches. As the tennis matches were going to begin, both teams meet up and introduce the players. I was the one that introduced our players. After introductions, I watched the boys play their games. After each game was finished I recorded who each boy played and what the final score was. Lastly, I helped bring the tennis equipment back to the car. We went back to school.

It was my first time going to the boys' tennis match. It was a pretty good experience. I thought the work I've done at practice paid off because I seen how much the boys improved from Day 1. It felt great to watch them play. I really felt included in the team and their progress. I know that I am part of the team since I am the boys' tennis manager, but it feels like I don't contribute as much. I help the boys run their drills and gain skills. I am not the one playing though. That was what I felt before I attended their match. Now I believe I am contributing something to the team.