Editor's note: Ball State's Tamara Bowie, last season's Mid-American Conference Player of the Year, will share a weekly diary with ESPN.com throughout the season.

Nov. 12, 2001

Hello again everyone! I am excited to be back with you on ESPN.com and looking forward to the season.

	Tamara Bowie averaged 18.6 points and 8.4 rebounds as a sophomore in 2000-01.

Looking back over last year, we didn't end up where we wanted to be, but it was a good year. It was another record-breaking season for us after finishing the year with the best record in Ball State history at 19-9. Our program at Ball State has made such great strides and now we feel we are ready to build on that even more. And although we didn't finish the season as we had hoped, it provided much motivation for all of us over the summer and for this year.

In the offseason, everyone worked hard to develop their game mentally and physically. I had an unusual summer. I voluntarily spent 35 days at an army boot camp in Fort Knox, Ky. My reason for enlisting was to develop my mental toughness and leadership skills. Hopefully, what I experienced and learned will transfer over into my game on the court. I know it has changed my life.

After boot camp, nine of our returning players enjoyed a two-week trip to Scandinavia. Ending with a 5-0 record, the trip helped us become closer both on and off the court. One of the most memorable games was when my teammate, Julie Just, hit a game-winning 3-pointer to beat the Norwegian national team 77-74. All of the games were competitive and it gave us a chance to develop our strengths and work on our weaknesses.

Besides basketball, sightseeing was the best part. We were able to visit many different places and experience different cultures. I think my favorite part of the trip was an overnight cruise from Norway to Denmark. I had never been on a ship like that before. I slept really good that night with all the rocking of the ship. The memories and experiences of the trip are something that we all will never forget.

With our new coaching staff, practices have been a lot different than before. We are learning a new system, which is going to take some time, but I think for the most part we are understanding it. Everyone is excited for the upcoming season, which starts this Friday with our first game at home against Wright State. We have been picked second in the Mid-American Conference West Division and fourth overall. We know that we haven't proven ourselves yet, but we are ready. This is going to be a good year for Ball State women's basketball.

Finally, with the recent national events, I think all of us -- including myself -- look at things in a different light. I understand how important family and friends are. My heart goes out to those affected by the tragedy.

One love,

Bowie