Like most years, players on the Michigan field hockey team had a lot to learn about themselves heading into the season.
Who thought the coaches would, too?
Michigan coach Marcia Pankratz entered the season with no previous head coaching experience, having only served as an assistant coach at North Carolina from 1988-91. Assistants Tracey Fuchs and Peggy Storrar came into the season with no prior coaching experience at all.
However, the collective lack of coaching experience was countered by the threesome's tremendous experience as players. All had previously competed at an international level, including Olympic appearances for Pankratz and Fuchs this past summer.
Nevertheless, all the playing experience in the world couldn't have completely prepared the coaches for their first season in the Big Ten.
"I learned that in the transition from player to coach, a lot of things are out of your control," Pankratz said.
And being on the sidelines definitely impairs one's ability to influence the outcome of a contest, as Pankratz found out quickly.
"Even though you might outplay a team, or on paper you are supposed to be better - sometimes it doesn't work out that way."
Throughout Michigan's up-and-down season, a lot of things didn't work out Pankratz's way.
The Wolverines ended their most recent campaign last in the Big Ten with a 2-8 conference record and an overall 7-10 clip. Michigan then bowed out of the Big Ten tournament in the first round, dropping a 4-1 contest to Penn State.
It was a disappointing season for many, but for the Wolverines, it was a stage in the learning process. With a new coaching staff, a young team and a difficult Big Ten schedule, Michigan was bound to be in for a long season.
But it wasn't all bad times for the Wolverines, as Pankratz is quick to point out.
"We had lots of really great high points," she said. "We had some really exciting games that ended in the last couple of minutes."
The Wolverines had their share of losses, but they were competitive in the majority of their games. Michigan's record didn't reflect its competitiveness in one-goal defeats at the hands of Michigan State, Ohio State and Northwestern, to name a few.
But for a team with few senior leaders, Michigan circled the wagons like a group of seasoned veterans. Following a number of difficult losses, the Wolverines were able to pull off a 3-2 upset of Ohio State, vaulting the squad to a No. 18 national ranking.
"(Our) game against Ohio State was a real culminating moment, when we scored in the last 40 seconds against the No. 9 team in the country," Pankratz said.
Michigan's will in that game was a testament to the dedication of Pankratz's seniors, in her eyes. The four Michigan seniors, Michelle Smulders, Bree Derr, Selina Harris and Meredith Franden, all had spectacular seasons and spearheaded Michigan's efforts throughout the season.
"Our seniors have been unbelievable," she said. "They are really terrific girls - a mature, responsible, hardworking, dedicated group.
"The team really played off the character of the seniors."
But with the departure of the core of her squad, Pankratz realizes the importance of the next few months - for a couple reasons.
"We are in the middle of recruiting," she said. "So it is important to try and fill those seniors' shoes with some excellent players."
In addition to recruiting, Fuchs will be working with players individually during the offseason. Training with one of the world's best players is what Pankratz hopes will drive next season's improvements.
"She is going to really improve our fundamentals, and hopefully we will learn to compete at a higher level."
JOE WESTRATE/Daily
This season was a learning experience for Michigan field hockey players and coaches alike. Despite struggling in the win-loss department, the Wolverines stayed competitive in most of their matches.