Exhausting. Needy. Demanding. Don't be that 'guy'. UCONN women's basketball Coach Geno Auriemma talks to his team, "Guys, if we want to be successful, we can't do that." Even a team whose roster fills with high school All-Americans must do winning things and avoid losing choices.
The Boston Herald named former Braintree coach Kristen McDonnell their 'Coach of the Decade'. She led a powerhouse Braintree team to four state championships and produced numerous college players.
She left to coach boys in Norwood, where she is in the guidance department. Why? Because she wouldn't endure the harassment from parents unhappy with their daughters' minutes, roles, and recognition. An Internet site revealed the conflict.
Sports isn't always sunshine and roses. In a Sports Illustrated article, college women hoopsters described their situation as 'crabs in a bucket', trying to climb over each other. Fewer than half felt they could trust their coaches.
Years ago a Middlesex League team (not Melrose) was a favorite in the postseason tournament. Shortly before their game, a girl "stole" a teammate's boyfriend. The team fractured and lost. Choices have consequences.
A women's college basketball team split in a 'culture war'. The team fell apart, unable to trust and play with each other. Players transferred.
Culture matters. Collaboration matters. Commitment matters. Don't be exhausting.
Lagniappe. "Repetitions make reputations."
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