“Invert, always invert,” said mathematician Carl Jacobi. When something doesn’t work, turn it around. Players ask, “Why am I not playing?” Invert it and ask, “How can I become the team's answer?”
Become the answer. Roles are not your problem, they’re the coach's. George Clooney stopped worrying about landing roles and started believing, “I’m the answer the director needs.”
Great players think the same way. They don’t wait for opportunity. They seize it. Coaches see that mindset right away.
Figure it out. Coaches see everything. Be the "it girl," the player who has the right stuff. What does that look like?
It starts with intangibles - attitude, effort, energy, grit, and mindset. Intangibles alone don’t win games, but when mixed with skill in Anson Dorrance's competitive cauldron, something special happens. That’s when a player moves from potential to problem—the kind opponents have to solve.
Stand out and separate. At summer camp, two players - both rising freshmen - stood out. One was an outside hitter, the other a defensive specialist. Neither had a reputation. Both left a mark by the end of the season.
Years ago, at fifth-grade tryouts, Coach Ralph Labella let me pick the final roster player. I chose a fluid athlete who wasn’t yet skilled. That player, Sydney Doherty, became one of our top two players and years later helped the 2012 MVB team win a championship.
Force your way into a role. Coaches don’t make the lineup, players do.
“Do what the beast do.” Cecilia Kay made her Atlantic 10 debut Tuesday: six points, eleven rebounds, two blocks, two assists, and a steal. She won’t be on the bench for long, because she’s an answer.
Provide *bility. Bill Belichick says players need ABILITY and DURABILITY. Add COACHABILITY, RELIABILITY, and ACCOUNTABILITY. These build trust and trust earns time.
Become "the guy." Coaches love consistency. We value players who bring “something something” every day. “She is who she is.” Dependable.
And lead. Cal Rugby Coach Jack Clark, who built America’s best program without scholarships, says, “Everyone can lead.” Lead with effort, energy, punctuality, and presence.
Don’t wait for a title. Don’t ask for a role. Become the answer.
Lagniappe. Nobody's perfect. Find small ways to reinvent ourselves throughout our lives. Better habits, more sleep, more focus.
If you're in your 20s and 30s, read this...
— Words of Wise | Mindset Coach (@Wordofwise_) November 3, 2025
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