From "Gold Standard" by coach Mike Krzyzewski who coached the 2008 USA basketball team to Olympic gold. Four team members had won bronze in 2004. Restated, they didn't win gold.
I hope none of you experience those depths of failure. Losing a game isn't failure. Every MVB club lost a game, including the ten sectional champions and the 2012 State Championship team.
When you pay attention in class or on the court, study or practice hard, and bring your best self to the test or game, you've done your best. That may not earn an 'A' or the highest grade in the class. That's life.
Life throws a lot of curveballs, injury or illness, responsibilities and distractions. That requires navigating complexity and time management.
What's relatable for teenage student-athletes? How do coaches add value for both the short-term (the two month volleyball season) and the long-term?
- Teamwork endures at home, in school, in business. Don't buy into the myth of the self-made person.
- Hard work matters. "The magic is in the work."
- Enthusiasm propels you forward. "Nothing great is ever accomplished without enthusiasm."
- Persist. Persistence means staying power, doing the work over time.
- Forget about easy. "There is no easy button." As Kara Lawson said, "the easy bus is never coming."
Coaches want to coach committed, disciplined players willing to sacrifice for the collective good. Worthy competitors use disappointment to fuel the work of future success.
Lagniappe. Earn court time becoming an accomplished individual and team blocker. Practice foot work and jumping at home without a net. The opportunity is there.
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