The Power of Culture - Addition by Addition

Everyone wants and needs to be seen, be heard, and be valued. Years ago I coached a girl, Bella Federico, tall and tough, hard worker, smart. We lost a game and one of our best players, Leonora Ivers, said, "It's all my fault, I was terrible." Bella hugged her and said, "We win together and we lose together." She lead and showed great teamwork. Respect!

Nine rising seniors compete for minutes and roles. Always add to the culture. "Sweep the sheds," wrote James Kerr in Legacy. The players police the All-Blacks locker room both physically and metaphorically. They clean the space and the attitude. Be part of the solution. 

Kerr writes, "Leave the jersey in a better place." The past few seasons, the team had exceptional unity in sustaining the competitive fire with different sets of players. That reflects credit on player leadership not just coaching. Your job includes being a 'good elder' for future MVB players. Your position means modeling excellence and working for academic success. Show up every day. 

Legacy reminds us about a Greek proverb, "old men plant trees in whose shade they will never sit." That parallels the African proverb, "it takes a village to raise a child." 

"Fight for your culture every day." A few years ago at another school, $20 went missing from another player's locker. The team's junior captain spoke. "I don't know who did this. But whoever did, don't come back tomorrow. That is not who we are." One player didn't return. Your culture is your responsibility. Being MVB carries weight. "How you do anything is how you do everything." 

Lagniappe. Predictability has value. The end-of-season banquet reaffirms the scaffolding of MVB. People know the 'why', the values of the program and the absolute commitment to consistency. The best players play. If there's a freshman phenom, she will play because that is what is best for the team. 

Bill Walsh said, "The culture precedes positive results...Champions behave like champions before they’re champions; they have a winning standard of performance..."

Success takes time, patience, and fortitude.

Your culture doesn't change overnight.

Bill Walsh's 6 Guidelines For… pic.twitter.com/3bPZ1RzfEA

— Coach AJ 🎯 Mental Fitness (@coachajkings) December 28, 2023

As players, you're responsible for knowing the program philosophy and the details of playing your position. If you're an attacker, learn the footwork and handwork for blocking and attacking. Be able to explain it to both coaches and younger players. Be a mentor. 

Some 'undersized' outside hitters contributed to program success - e.g. Jess Porter and Lauren Howe. They leveraged above average jumping ability and timing. Most of the 'big hitters' were powerful and skilled athletes. If you want the position, match your work to your desires.