JMU students pose for a photo in front of the ESPN College GameDay bus.
Well, it has been one heck of a semester with JMU athletics and it was definitely one to remember. It was great to get to know the athletes across town from EMU. It was a great season for all of the fall programs. First off, the football team had an outstanding year! They had seven consecutive wins, beat SMU (an FBS school), had ESPN College GameDay come to campus and competed in the NCAA tournament! I'd say that they had a pretty successful season and is looking to have another successful season next fall.
Janey Goodman celebrating after JMU receives a point against the College of Charleston.
Women's soccer won the CAA conference title this year and competed in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Field hockey placed second in the CAA conference after an amazing game against the University of Delaware. One of my favorite sports to photograph was the women's volleyball team. Their celebrations were always really intense and super fun to capture! Photographing cross country was fun too. It was great seeing the ladies run but there was one meet where it poured down raining the ENTIRE time that they were running. I was out in New Market with a super huge umbrella strapped between my back and my camera bag so that I was able to use both hands while shooting. It was miserable for me with my umbrella, I could only imagine what it felt like to be running in that pouring rain the entire time they were running.
Men's soccer was great. Those guys really know how to play some soccer. Reminds me of the days when I was young and playing soccer myself. The fellas came up short in their race to the CAA championship game as they were defending CAA champions.
Right now, we are photographing winter sports, which include men and women's basketball, and track & field. So far that has been great! Right before we went on Thanksgiving break, EMU and JMU played for the first time since 1975. EMU lost but it was definitely a great game to watch, especially when it's the first time that both teams have met in 40 years.
I will be continuing to shoot for JMU next semester as I finish up my final semester of undergrad. Can't wait for softball and baseball to roll around! This past spring, the softball team did really well and hosted the NCAA Regionals. If all goes well, they could possibly host it again, so fingers crossed!
Be on the lookout for more blog posts as I will be posting more as time goes on!