3 New European Recruits

http://www.portlandpilots.com/news/2012/5/17/wbb_0517122927.aspx

Sara Ines Hernandez from Italy as well as both Annika Holopainen and Ellen Nurmi from Finland. Welcome aboard!

I hope the Pilot women receivea little extra time with the time outs so Jim can sort out the language for the various players from foreign shores

upsailor wrote:I hope the Pilot women receivea little extra time with the time outs so Jim can sort out the language for the various players from foreign shores

It is my understanding the entire staff and team will be learning Finnish so they can just shout-out the strategy without fear of the other team knowing what is being said.

It took a little while for the paperwork to make it through the system, but just like on the men's side, I think the wait will be worth it. These three ladies will certainly add some skill and athleticism next year. Our graduating seniors took the team on their shoulders last year, but there are a couple of players who are in a position to step-up and take the leadership of a VERY young squad -- they'd better!

I have no idea about the Finnish, but I am willing to teach the coaching staff to say "box out" in Italian.

PurpleGeezer wrote:I have no idea about the Finnish, but I am willing to teach the coaching staff to say "box out" in Italian.

Laatikko ulos!?? I used to fly with a Finnish co-pilot, but nothing he taught me is repeatable here.

Does anyone know the story of how three seemingly talented, with good size, come to be recruited and signed by a coaching staff that has not shown an ability to land very many talented players since Kelly Graves departed. Plus the fact that they are from countries that we have probably not had players before ?

upsailor wrote:Does anyone know the story of how three seemingly talented, with good size, come to be recruited and signed by a coaching staff that has not shown an ability to land very many talented players since Kelly Graves departed. Plus the fact that they are from countries that we have probably not had players before ?

Just noticed your post, sailor, sorry to have not responded sooner.

The short answer is our top assistant coach has a contact or two overseas that recommended the young ladies. So, it is my understanding, that based upon a number of conversations and video of the players, offers were made and accepted. After the usual determining factors were made by the admissions office, the deal was done.

All three of the new players will stay close to home this summer, and will enroll beginning of the school year in late August. (Hey, many of would liked to have toured Europe between high school and our freshman year in college).

Perhaps "our top asst. coach should be our HEAD COACH" if these three foreign players can make a impact in the upcoming season. I am assuming that its a lady asst. coach?

upsailor wrote:Perhaps "our top asst. coach should be our HEAD COACH" if these three foreign players can make a impact in the upcoming season. I am assuming that its a lady asst. coach?

Nope, wrong again. It is our only male assistant.

I'm guessing one more year for our head coach, but he keeps wondering "what will I do with myself?"

I never would have expectd it from HIM !

upsailor wrote:I never would have expectd it from HIM !

Well, I guess I have a little more of a positive outlook from my association with him.

However, we really have no idea the talent/physical/emotional/maturity level of these young ladies. UP is a long way from home for them in many, many respects. We'll just have to wait and see.

well I too commend his effort AAA ,and wecan only go bytheir physical information and its a lot more positive than not.
european men seem to do ok, why not the women?

These three ladies will certainly add some skill and athleticism next year.So this ladies physical condition is very best and all of the skills so nice and positive mind in every game in all of the world.

Tahira99 wrote: These three ladies will certainly add some skill and athleticism next year.So this ladies physical condition is very best and all of the skills so nice and positive mind in every game in all of the world.

Well, OK. That's quite an endorsement; I look forward to seeing them in action.

May I ask, what is the nature of your knowledge and understanding of all three young ladies? When and where have you seen them play?

Welcome to PilotNation; we look forward to your updates!

Helsinki to Amsterdam to Portland on Delta Airlines today equals two very delightful young ladies with jet lag (both over six feet tall) who are looking forward to being Pilots starting Monday.

An even taller young lady from Italy arrives tomorrow. She's already good friends with Annika and Ellen "because of Facebook."