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October 18, 2012

Hawthorne shows toughness in injury

Glade's Games

By Dennis Glade Washington Times Herald

WASHINGTON — Mental toughness. It is a phrase often used to describe an attitude, a way to carry yourself and most importantly a path leading to success.

In this case, mental toughness may be key to the amount of success the Washington Hatchets volleyball team achieves this postseason.

All season head coach Alicia Hand preached to her team that being focused mentally on the task at hand is the most important aspect of being successful. The Hatchets have talent, that was easy to see as they won 14 games this season.

At times the Hatchets lacked that mental toughness that Hand asks for every game on the way to 20 losses.

Despite an up and down season, the Hatchets get to start over this weekend at 0-0 just like every other team in the state.

The ability to start over brings optimism, similiar to when the season started in August, when fans, players and coaches alike believe anything is possible. Sure, anything is possible, but each team has deficiencies and the Hatchets are no different.

Hatchets’ star senior Paige Hawthorne is enduring her own battle with mental toughness.

Hawthorne, one of the vocal and emotional leaders of the Washington squad, sustained a left wrist injury during the Heritage Hills Invitational Oct. 6.

During the season finale loss at Barr-Reeve, the Hatchets senior did her best to play through the injury to her wrist, but it visibly impacted her ability to square up and hit her shots without grimacing in pain.

 At this time of the year few athletes are completely healthy. Ask any athlete and you know there is a difference between being hurt and injured.

Hawthorne is hurt, but she will tough it out.

Hand couldn’t elaborate on the severity of the injury, but said it will be tough on Hawthorne, but maintained that, she just like the rest of her teammates must stay mentally tough.

“Getting used to having it taped and not getting frustrated with yourself is important,” Hand said. “She’s had struggled, but she’s playing through the pain.”

Hawthorne will be out there with her teammates Saturday afternoon as the Hatchets try to advance past their first opponent in the Jasper sectional.

Hawthorne might not be 100 percent, but she will be there front and center for the black and gold. Mental toughness comes in many forms. Hawthorne’s is the type that can help lead a team to success.

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