Before opening night, the Fever staff must make final adjustments prior to the game. With so much going on, I will try my best to document highlights from the night and point out some interesting tidbits.
The Fever staff began to arrive four hours prior to game time. When I get there, Alli Hawkins the equipment manager is sewing on Allie Quigley’s name onto her home jersey.
It is my job then to prepare the visitors and officials locker rooms. This includes stocking the fridge, putting out towels and game tickets.
At 3:30pm, on-court staff practiced raising the newly added “Eastern Conference Champions” banner and had Tevin Studdard sing his new “Fever Believer” song for a sound check. His version is now the third Fever theme song in franchise history.
At this point, Fever players have arrived and begun treatment with trainer Craig Stull. Some get taped while others have Stull treat lagging injuries. Rookie Jene Morris was getting worked on when veteran Tully Bevilaqua laid down, preparing for treatment. Bevilaqua asked Morris, “How are you feeling matey?” Morris replied with a sigh, “nervous.” It’s not surprising for a rookie to be a bit nervous, anxiously awaiting her first professional regular season game. 2nd-year guard January jumped in and noted that she was a bit nervous as well.
In between one of the officials coming in to get her legs stretched, Allie Quigley was full of questions in the training room. She asked 9th year guard Katie Douglas about what goes on prior to the game. Each game night, many players attend chapel an hour before the game. It is a time they like to join together, be thankful to be doing what they love and always hope for nothing serious to happen that night. Douglas also spent time informing Quigley of pre-game rituals and when it is okay to warm-up on your own. Every player does their own thing and usually on a consistent basis.
Despite a season-opening loss, players were glad the entire team was finally together for the first time. A few of the players have been practicing since day one of training camp, while the top four starters first practiced Friday. This team is very close so luckily chemistry shouldn’t be a long-term problem.
Before the game, every player of both teams put a hold on team warm-ups, as they celebrated the career of former Fever guard Tamecka Dixon. Her career was celebrated by both teams alike. After warm-ups, the Fever players from last year proudly raised the first Fever banner into the rafters together…With intention of another one to follow next year.
One down, many more to go. A banner raised and the full team finally reunited.