Lexi Rohrbach

Hey everyone!

My name is Lexi and I am a senior! I can't believe I am about to start my final year of basketball.  I am from good old Tiffin, Ohio.  That is where my mom and my dog (cutest thing in the entire world) still live.  I also have a brother, and he is a freshman here at BW! (AWWWWW JACKETS!!!)  I am so excited to have him here! To round out my family, I need to include my Aunt Debbie and Uncle David.  They have been a huge part of my life, especially during the last 5 years.

This summer has been a busy one! I started the summer with summer classes, Anatomy and Speech Clinic.  Clinic lasted the whole summer, and I was in charge of therapy for 9 clients! It was very intimidating, but I learned a lot! I also spent the summer lifeguarding for Hastings Waterworks. I made a ton of friends, and actually got tan for once! (Usually I am a pale freak). Lifeguarding has definitely been a life-changing experience. During my second shift, a little girl was found at the bottom of the pool, and we....saved her life.  It might have been the scariest thing I have every experienced.  The rest of my time I spent working out, shooting, and doing all those fun things that were in our summer binders.

Along with the "normal routine" things I did this summer, I also took some fun weekend trips! I went to Chicago to see Bon Jovi! (I may have a small crush on him even though he is old). My brother and I had floor seats and it was the best concert I have ever experienced. He rocked hard for a solid 4 hours! The other trip I took was to Washington DC. I went to the Spy Museum and learned everything there is to know about spies and James Bond.  I also went to the zoo (WHICH IS FREE!) and saw giant pandas!

And that about rounds out my summer! I am excited to meet everyone and to start pre-season. We are on our way to become the best team the Jackets have ever seen!

Lexi Rohrbach #45

P.S. I was going to add pictures........but I seem to be having difficulties! Sorry!

Hey everyone!

I'm Marissa and I'll be a sophomore this year. I'm the second oldest child in a family with four kids. I have an older brother who graduated from BW in 2007, a younger sister who is a freshman this year at BW and a younger brother who is a Junior at Normandy High School. I'm a dual athlete who participates in both basketball and track, while having a double major in Pre-Physical Therapy and Exercise Science. My summer was great I definitely enjoyed it and I can't believe classes start tomorrow already! I made the most of my summer between preparing for the upcoming season and having fun hanging with my friends. I'm looking forward to meeting the rest of the freshmen and I can't wait to see everyone again!

Marissa Hellisz #22               

Random Thoughts and Movie Quotes

Well hellooooo there everyone! I am Ally Dehart and will be a sophomore this year. Feel free to call me Pup if you so desire considering that’s what most people on the team call me! Doing this makes me think about how nervous I was to do this last year, and looking back on it mine was so weird because I talked about cats like the whole time… Whatever. Hopefully I’ll do better this time. 

Anyways, speaking of doing this last year, you have literally NO idea what to expect coming in as a freshmen, well at least I didn’t. Literally my only idea of what to expect came from the numerous amounts of sports movies that I’ve watched over the years. Unfortunately however, those movies lead me a stray a few times and didn’t always give the most accurate representation of what to expect. So I have decided to put together a few misconceptions that the movies left me with to start the season, so the rest of you won’t be as thrown off as I was. So here we go…

White Men Can’t Jump

Well first off, white men, and women CAN jump. More than likely you will figure this out while you’re unsuspectedly swatted by Lairson, Alissa, or Tali. Or at least we can watch them block each other, cause that tends to happen frequently which is always exciting to watch. 

Coach Carter

This was one of the ones that was most deceiving to me. Whenever I did one of my first visits at school, I remember my parents asking how the players manage their schoolwork along with all the work that comes along with playing a sport. So Coach was telling them about study tables which we do in order to have specific time set aside to ensure that we get our work done. So as she is explaining this to them I begin to zone out and imagine what my study tables will look like… which I later found out was very wrong. I imagined study tables being like the scene from Coach Carter when they are having their lockout and they have all their school desks piled into the middle of the gym and they’re all sitting there doing their homework. But, as cool as this would be, we don’t do our homework in the middle of the gym…. Very deceiving, and a bit upsetting I will say.

High School Musical

This one is pretty simple, when you stay after practice to shoot, your life doesn’t become a musical. I’ve tried. 

Okay so those are a few semi-serious things that sports movies do not prepare you for. (Not joking I really wanted to have a basketball flash-mob moment but that never happened). But for those of you who are a sports movie junky like myself, they won’t always leave you empty-handed, and in all honesty can pump you up for what to expect as a Yellow Jacket. Remember the Titans represents the bond and sisterhood we exemplify as a team, especially in the difficult times of adversity. These movies show us the feeling when life is in slow-motion when waiting for a buzzer beater shot to fall (Hoosiers), or the pain that comes after a hard loss like in Friday Night Lights or Richmond High (Rich whaa?), to the joys of a Rudy or Rocky-like celebration. The most important thing that these movies demonstrate in my opinion, is people’s unending love for the game they play, and all the highs and lows that come a long with it. THAT is what you can expect from Yellow Jacket basketball.

Okay but now I’m rambling and my blog is already late (sorry Coach!) But I’m really excited to reunite with everybody and meet the other freshmen! See you all soon!

“At the end of the game, in my book, we're gonna be winners.”

-Hoosiers

Ally (Pup)

             #34

                                      

Hello everyone!

My name is Gabrielle Vitez and I am an incoming freshman. I am beyond excited to attend Baldwin Wallace University but at the same time I am very nervous! I met some of the teammates when I attended an open gym in July. I was extremely scared coming in not only as a freshman, but also not being able to play due to recent surgeries I recently had. I felt so welcomed by all the girls, and really enjoyed everyone's fun loving attitudes. Well, a little about me now... I am 1 of 3 children. I have an older sister named Emilee who graduated from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. I also have an older brother named Nate, who is 20 years old. I am the youngest of the family. My creators, Rachel and Joe Vitez, are my rock. They are so supportive and loving. In 2008 I suffered a traumatic brain injury in basketball that still affects me today. Without their constant love and support I don't know how I would have gotten through that time in my life. Even though it has been 5 years since my injury, there are still good and bad days. I try my best to always have a positive attitude and outlook on life now. Due to my injury it really gave me a different look on what life and basketball really means. Hope everyone has been enjoying their summers! I am really looking forward to getting to know everyone better and growing as a person! I am really looking forward to getting to know everyone better and growing as a person! I am really looking forward to getting to know everyone better and growing as a person!

Gabrielle Vitez :)

Hiii everyone! 

My name is Laurel Thomas and I will be a junior this year. So hard for me to believe how fast time has flown - but I have met many new people and made great friends and even better memories! That being said I can't wait to meet and spend countless hours with all the new freshman!!
A little about myself, I am from Canton.  I have two sisters - 1 older, 1 younger (we look absolutely nothing alike). I am a Human Resource Management and Healthcare Management double major. I had an amazing HR internship this summer and am looking forward to what's to come! I hope you all are having a fabulous summer! Can't wait to see everyone in a couple of weeks!

Laurel 

Summer Fun

Hello hello!

I'm Audrey and I will be a Junior this year. Just an FYI, when people tell you that time flies as you get older, they aren't kidding. It's a bitter sweet feeling. But I hope everyone is having a great summer :) Mine has been one of the best ones so far. I got to go on an amazing vacation  to Virginia with the family that I work for. I babysit 2 girls, Megan and Taylor. Love them to death. I also have had the privilege to be an assistant coach to a SMAC team. SMAC is an aau organization for those of you who don't know what it is. Our team name is SMAC ICE (Intensity Chemistry Energy). Shoutout to the girls and Jocelyn (the head coach)! It has been a challenge being on the the "other side", that is being a coach not a player. I never realized how hard it is, so props to all the coaches out there. You truly have a hard job. Especially coaching us girls. 

I am so looking forward to going back to school and getting ready with the team for the season. I can't wait to meet all the Freshman so they can see what a bunch of goof balls we are all :) But also can be very, very serious.....sometimes. Random fact....SHARI MANGAS is my best friend. I am also a Middle Childhood Education major with Math and History minors. I'm obsessed with dolphins. I have an older sister and younger brother. My parents come to all the games...even when I tell them not to because there is 5 feet of snow on the ground. Least to say they're very supportive :) Welp, that's all I got. Be safe and enjoy the rest of your summer!

Colossians 3:23 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart".

Audrey #24

Hello everyone, my name is Janaya and I am an upcoming sophomore. I hope everyone's summer is going great. I can't wait for school to start so I can see all my friends again and meet the incoming freshmen. I met a couple of them at open and they seem really nice but they have a lot to live up too because last years freshmen was the best class of all time. See you all soon. #2

Hey BW family! My names is Megan McKean and I'm an incoming freshmen this fall, and in all honesty I have never been more excited for a school year to start! I've been to both open gyms so far & have worked a few camps, so I have gotten to meet most of the team. They are all so welcoming and great athletes that they will help make my transition easy!

Now, a little bit about myself. I am from a small country school called Northwestern between the cities of Wooster and Ashland. I am apart of a family of 5, with two older brothers. My oldest brother Lucas just graduated from Wittenberg University last spring, and Brennan will be a junior basketball player for Marietta. I spend most of my time working out or giving kids basketball lessons at my house which is fortunately my job. But, I also love to hang out with friends, go swimming, and going to places like cedar point, concerts, and movies. So all of that is basically what my summer has consisted of! Growing up with two older brothers who loved basketball as well has taught me to be very competitive so I cannot wait to for season to start & to make some new experiences! I'm very happy I made the decision to be a yellow jacket :)

--Megan

ONE MORE MONTH

Hola mis amigos! Me llamo Alissa. …..the team calls me Mex, as in Mexican, thanks to Janaya and She’kiera so I’ve decided to own it.

Anyways..I will be a sophomore this year and I am very much looking forward to moving back in. Living at home is so boring now and I miss the team so much. I am undecided on my major, but as of today I am leaning towards Exercise Science. It changes about every other week. My summer has been pretty normal…working and working out and such. I’m a lifeguard at two pools and I host at a Mexican restaurant (another reason they call me Mex). I’ve pretty much worked every day, except when we had 40 days and 40 nights of rain – makes it a little hard to work at a pool. I have to admit that working in the sun all time has left me with a pretty awesome tan, making me look even more Mexican.

I am definitely looking forward to this season and getting to know the freshmen. They seem like a great group of girls. They have a lot to live up to after last year’s freshmen class though – we were kind of awesome. I know everyone has been working hard this summer so you’ll be able to find us at the top of the conference.

Until next time my friends,

Alissa Munro #13

     Hi my name is Mackenzie Colombo and I will be an upcoming freshman this year.  I missed my week for the blog because I was on vacation and thought mine was this week so its a little late!  I am very excited to become a yellow jacket and play college basketball.  I went to Strasburg High School which is about an hour and a half away.  I also cheered for the football team but basketball has always been my passion.  I have a younger brother who just turned 16 and he and I have played in the driveway ever since I can remember.  My whole family is really big basketball fans.  My dad coached my brother and I when we were younger.  In high school my team played Berlin Hiland at home and my junior year we beat them to win the IVC, which is our conference.  That was probably my favorite high school memory in basketball.  This summer I have been very busy.  I went on a senior trip with my friends and then the week after I was with my family so unfortunately I missed the first open gym but I am looking forward to meeting all of you!  I have met a few of you on my overnight visit with Megan McKean who is also an upcoming freshman.  You

SENIOR RAH!!

My name is Jessica Lairson. I'm a senior. I can't believe I'm writing my last pre-season blog ever!.  You'll be a senior before you know it kiddies! I really am not a fan of writing full sentences, so here is a bullet list of everything you need to know! These are the MOST CRUCIAL pieces of information. Highly classifieds, if you will:

• I will be 22 in August, and that feels old as shit. (Sorry Coach)
• You may call me Larry, Jess, Jessica, or Lairson, or anything else you like.
• I like candy
• I was a spelling champion in middle school
• I'm a chemistry major, but don't ask me any math questions or we can't be friends.
• I have 1 sister, 3 brothers, a half brother, and a step-brother
• I went to Louisville High School. It's in Ohio, contrary to popular belief.
• I'm obsessed with cats. Like, literally obsessed. They just have the cutest little faces and little personalities. I love them.
• When I'm really tired, I don't speak very much English. Just noises that sound like words, but really aren't.
• I make really stupid faces in pictures. Sometimes they scare people.
• I've lived with Melissa Hoffbauer for what will be 3 years now, so if you see a really tan and jacked girl, that's her and you should say hi because she is awesome!

So yeah, there's no real paragraph that would really fit all that vital information in it.  But this summer I've just been lifting, shooting, playing calculus 2, and hanging out with my 4-year-old son Trevor! He is an awesome little dude and he loves that ninja turtles, which in case you've never seen them, they talk like surfers, so he talks like a little surfer dude. I'm sure you will see lots of him this year! He loves coming to practice and playing with all the girls. I'm really excited to meet all the new people this year! I am also so proud of seeing everyone do work this summer! I feel like I have seen and heard about more effort in the gym than any other summer that I have been here! That's what we have to do to win big this year- constantly get better!  You'll find out pretty quickly that I hate to lose. I hate to lose more than I even enjoy winning. Keep up the good work!! 5 weeks until we go back to school, make the most of it!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Loves Yous Alls!

@Jlair3

Hi everyone,

My name is Sydney Clark and I'm an incoming freshman. I can't believe my high school career is over already. It went by so fast, but I am so excited to start this new chapter in my life. I can't wait for basketball season to start and to experience the college life.

Here's just a little bit about me. I live in Parma, OH. It's about 10-15 minutes from BW. I went to Regina High School my freshman year, but unfortunately our school closed. After Regina closed, I went to Lake Ridge Academy for my next three years. I played softball and soccer at Lake Ridge also just to keep in shape for basketball. My dad was the boys varsity coach at Lake Ridge as well. My sister graduated from Ohio University a year ago, but while she was there, she was the girls basketball team manager. So basketball is popular in my family.

So far this summer, I have gone to graduation parties, worked out for basketball, and swam. I have orientation coming up and I'm so excited to meet all the new people. We have had an open gym already and everyone seems so nice and fun and I can't wait to meet everyone on the team.

I hope everyone has a good summer and can't wait for this season!

-Sydney