It's been a non-stop last couple days with the Lady Pilots here in Sioux City at the 21st Annual NAIA National Tourney. One this is certain the gals have soaked up all the love and attention from our wonderful corporate sponsor and host The Marina Inn here at Fourth & B Streets in South Sioux City, Nebraska. The Lady Pilots looked stunning and beautiful all "dressed up" at the Banquet of Champions on Tuesday night at the Sioux City Convention Center. I have observed one thing with this group of young ladies this trip is that they truly love each other. Most coaches in America would love to have this team's dynamic.

The Lady Pilots made their traditional Sioux City trip to nearby Covington Elementary where they were treated like rock stars. You would have thought Adele had arrived with all her Grammy awards the day the Lady Pilots showed up. Despite the fact that the Lady Pilots Practice has had its ups and down over at the Girls Inc. facility in Sioux City I think they are ready to go tomorrow.

Tonight the Lady Pilots traveled to the Tyson Events Center and the Gateway Area where they participated in the opening night ceremony called the Parade of Champions. I had a chance to talk to some of the Lady Pilots and got some feedback on the nights activities.

"This has been a very motivating experience so far and we haven't even played yet. Just knowing you are one of top 32 teams in the nation just gave me an extra push in practice this week. The dinner and events have truly have been one of the things, I will look forward to telling my kids about someday. It's a great atmosphere out here and everything is truly as blessing, but there is some business to take care of tomorrow. Junior Baysia Cox.

"This has been one of the most exciting and motivating trips of my basketball career. Not only does it give you a chance to go deeper in your relationship with my teammates and coaches but it also creates a hunger to get back here next year. I am enjoying the high level of competition and excitement of knowing we are a group of one of the top 32 teams to have made it this far. Let's see how far we can go! Junior Georgia Boisse.

" So far this experience has been awesome! It's great to be in an environment with such a high level of competition. It gets me pumped up and I can't wait to play tomorrow. Junior Chrissy Hooks.

"This experience is such a wonderful opportunity that we have worked hard for. Only 32 teams make it and it is awesome we are one of the best to compete against the best. This setting and all the activities we have done so far just makes you feel so blessed and thankful that we get to be a part of it. I am excited to play tomorrow and continue this amazing journey. Junior Katy Stuppy.

"This is by far the most fun team we have ever sponsored and we're so glad to have them back. I am looking forward to "helping coach" the Lady Pilots in the following days and hopefully kicking some butt! Go Lady Pilots! Mallory Lowe- Sales Manager, Marina Conference Center.