Control What You Can Control - Being a Great Teammate

A former player of mine told me about a friend and teammate. She said that the young woman was barely playing despite having won a state championship in high school, earning a scholarship.

The player told her that regardless of her minutes, her attitude wouldn't change. She would give her best effort at practice every day. 

Control what you can control. 

Control your attitude, choices, and effort. Being a great teammate impacts the team, your teammates, and you. Attitude, choices, and effort impact winning and demonstrate character. Reputation is what others think of us. Character is who we are. 

The overall "roster level" of volleyball skill has improved over time. The amount of playing time available has not.

Being a great teammate - punctual, prepared, studying the game plan and opponents, being in condition, practicing hard, supporting teammates - is a choice. Everyone cannot be a great player, but everyone can be a great teammate. 

Here's an AI take from the writings of Jeff Janssen, sports culture expert:

Jeff Janssen’s writing on team culture and “Most Valuable Teammates” boils down to a handful of repeatable behaviors—the stuff that shows up every day, not just in speeches. Here are five top attributes (with Janssen-style language and examples):

1. Team-first mentality
   Great teammates consistently put the group over ego—asking, “How can I best help us win?” rather than “How do I get mine?” janssensportsleadership.com

2. Role ownership and dependability
   They know, embrace, and execute their role with consistency—bringing reliable effort, readiness, and professionalism so coaches and teammates can trust them.

3. Positive energy and encouragement
   They build people up in concrete ways—compliment hard-working teammates, reinforce good habits, and keep the group emotionally steady.

4. Accountability with courage
   They’re willing to challenge unmotivated teammates and confront selfish behavior—peer-to-peer standards enforcement is a hallmark of “championship cultures.”

5. Care and connection (especially when someone struggles)
   They notice teammates who are struggling and respond like a leader—comforting them, staying respectful, and strengthening trust inside the locker room.

Lagniappe. Volleyball, like basketball, has offense, defense, and conversion from offense to defense. "Ball watching" instead of getting to spots, reading the play, slows down preparation and reaction.