Winning Is Hard

All opinions are solely my own. They do not reflect those of the City of Melrose, the School Department, the Athletic Department, or Melrose High School. 

Winning is hard. That's what makes it valued. 

Sports shares lessons that stay with you, sound bytes. 

"I'm pleased but I'm not satisfied." - Sonny Lane, former Melrose AD  

Winning and playing well aren't the same. Positive attitude, sound choices, and high effort don't guarantee wins. But they get the odds on your side. 

"How you play reflects how you live." 

Former Celtics' Coach Brad Stevens said that he had never had a great defensive player who wasn't an excellent student. Success skillsets overlap. Focus, preparation, high effort, and persistence travel with winners. 

"The game honors toughness."

Tough players communicate. Tough players hit the floor and bounce back up. Tough players bring energy and energize their teammates. 

"Believe."

You can only be as good as you believe you are. In Performing Under Pressure, Weisinger and Pawliw-Fry suggest wearing a "COTE of Armor" - confidence, optimism, tenacity, and enthusiasm. Strong teams often win close games because they believe they will win. Playing to win differs from playing not to lose. 

Replay: the point of the season versus Wakefield.