Teammates Matter

Usually, I republish an article about a great volleyball teammate of the past. This year, I'll look at a different angle. 

In medicine, we have a saying that “the enemy of good is better.” What that means is that if a person is doing well with a certain program, tweaking it may actually make them worse.  Life may replicate that in many situations.

One area where players and teams can improve is the concept of “the best”.  You see destructive situations where ego prevents players and teams from maximizing their ability.  Some coaches, like Dick Bennett, actively work to teach their players values along with sport. Bennett talks about humility, passion, servanthood, unity, and thankfulness.

•  “It’s hard to be humble when you’re great.” If you are the best at something, the world and your peers will recognize it.
• “E pluribus unum.” One from many, a motto of the United States. A team can be greater than the sum of its component parts. Or one player can destroy it.
• Great students have a passion for learning. Great players have a passion for sport, for improving their weakness and maintaining their strengths. “Nothing great is ever accomplished without enthusiasm.”
• As a player or a coach, you SERVE the well-being of the team and your teammates. Teammates matter. No great player can be a bad teammate, as they are mutually  exclusive. The great player makes those around her better. In Charles Barkley’s book, “I May Be Wrong, But I Doubt It”, he writes of encountering a homeless man in Houston. He recognized him as a former NBA All-Star who had struggled with the scourge of drugs.  The player’s self-indulgent and wasteful lifestyle had brought him to ruin.
• Thankfulness.  We appreciate our opportunity, and when we grow that into success, be thankful for those who helped us along the way.

Becoming a successful volleyball player and team presents a formidable challenge. But to get there, you have to have a set of core values and philosophies, the foundation upon which you will build your ‘house’. Working hard to be great teammates, whatever your role, can strengthen the team and help you build lifelong friendships.