15 Lessons

Legacy by James Kerr is the best leadership book I've read...and read three times. The seven-minute video hits some high points among the 15 lessons. 

What concepts translate to MVB? A lot do. 

"Champions do extra." If success is important to you, outwork the competition. That's hard, requiring time, sacrifice, sometimes blood, sweat, and tears. Every exceptional player in MVB history sacrificed to become her best. It doesn't change when you graduate or join the working world. And nothing is guaranteed. 

Train with purpose. Elevate your skill, strategy, physicality, and psychology. Under pressure, we fall to the level of our training. You don't need expensive equipment to jump rope, do pushups, situps, and many of the "jump training" exercises shown in the videos available here and elsewhere. 

Character matters. Employers want intelligent workers, but first they want hard workers with integrity and honesty. "Sweeping the sheds" translates to cleaning up after practice and games, leaving the gym in better condition than you found it. Empty water bottles, hair ties, and wet floors never belong in the bench area after games. If that means cleaning up after opponents, too, then do it. 

Don't manage expectations. MVB doesn't show up looking for participation trophies. Every season you're pursuing the brass ring, not seeking or accepting mediocrity. When facing the top programs in the state, walk in with heads high, standing tall. You can only be as good as you believe you are. Let your opponent know from the beginning that they are in for a dogfight. 

Culture reigns. Like your word, your culture is your bond. As an upperclassman, you have an obligation to train young players in "this is who we are" and "that is how we play." Underclassmen lead by being prepared, by punctuality, and never being a distraction. Be ready to perform when you get an opportunity, whether a senior or a freshman. When you have the ability, game understanding, and mental toughness, you get an opportunity to play and to earn the trust of coaches. 

The more of these Legacy values you adopt, the more success you will have at home, in school, in sport, and in life. 

Lagniappe. "Do you job well." See ball, hit ball. 

Lagniappe 2. Lady Dolphins basketball coach Shawanda Brown regularly urged on players, saying, "don't back down." That's not metaphorical. The more aggressive team usually wins, taking the play to the opponent. "Don't back down."