Cori the Cougar and the 2026 Edition - Flat Cori!

As we begin this season I would like to draw attention to our program mascot, Cori the Cougar. I introduced Cori five years ago. Despite the many successes the program had, I wanted a symbolic and tangible daily reminder to the players and coaches of the importance of teamwork and commitment to one another. I wanted the players to play for Cori, not just themselves, and on a daily basis, we award Cori to our "Teammate" or "Player" of the Day.

There are so many ways to measure the success of a season. Last year we won both our conference and state championships. However I was even more proud of the perseverance, purpose, togetherness and love for one another that the girls demonstrated. The night before the final, the girls gathered at Cameron’s house for a team dinner, and I witnessed all 25 of the players on the playoff roster in a very tight space, literally lounging on top of each other, playing games, laughing and enjoying each other‘s company. I had a confidence that we would win the next day, but I also had a satisfaction, knowing that, win or loss, those girls had gotten the season right and were making awesome memories.

This year, more than ever, with our low player numbers and “one large roster” structure, my main goal is for this program to interact and bond, be a cohesive, supportive and committed TEAM, a group that embodies our mascot. I have no doubt that we will meet this challenge and have another successful and enjoyable season. 

The girls will be asked to shoulder many responsibilities this year- extra games, playing up, playing down, doing the hard work at practices so as to improve, going to lunches, dinners, and team building events. Thank you in advance for being a part of this team! You will get so much out of leaning into everything it means to be a "Cougar of the Day" teammate.

Earlier this year, the girls made “Flat Cory’s” (as in Flat Stanleys). I have three excellent versions in my classroom.

​I invite the players and families to take them along with them on various travels - to games, on vacations and college visits, and to even send them to grandparents or siblings for pictures wherever they are supporting us this season. I want to do this to remind our players of something:

We may have small numbers, but I believe we have a massive, strong, vibrant community that is ready to roar in support of our program as we pursue our on field objectives: getting better every day, and doing our utmost to defend our conference and state championships. 

Please take me up on that offer and take a Flat Cori on your next trip!

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