"State Championship"

by Karen Trapnell (team captain 1998)

"We can do this, w have to do this,"
I say to myself as I wait in
Anticipation.  I start
To tense up as adrenaline rushes
Through my body.
The fans are going crazy, bright
Banners are waving, a megaphone
Is blaring, the gym lights
Are dim, the bleachers are packed,
Then silence.  I close myself
Into my own world.  The
Whistle blows, I see Camden's
Best server behind the end
Line, I shake my arms to loosen
Them.  I see the serve-A top-
Spin jump serve.  I tell myself,
"Just pass, just pass."  The ball
Comes to me, as if it is
In slow motion.  I pass the ball
As everything begins to spin.
We side out and it is our
Turn to serve.  I tell myself,
"Play harder than ever,
You didn't play five games
To lose."  Everything from
This point on is like a series
Of flashes in my mind-I see
Serves, sets, kills, digs, points
On the scoreboard, and an intimidated
Team.  Success is sweet, a victory
Is gained.  The memory of  the state
Championship is forever ingrained 
In my mind.