What A Year Can Do

I am always amazed at the growth of a player in a single year. I am reminded of this as we bring in ten, yes count them all, ten freshmen. When the rookies arrive, their faces are so pure, the innocence of living under their parents' protection still keeping their eyes and chins soft. They come with a lack of awareness and understanding of what it takes to be a Golden Eagle, thinking they had trained hard in high school and believing they know all about the sport of basketball.

In a few short weeks, they will change. Their bodies will begin to harden, the cut in their biceps and triceps will sharpen, their calves will form a split in the back of their legs, and their abs will crack and carve into the much desired washboard look.

Their minds will change as we teach them the Golden Eagle way. When they grab their shorts to bend over catching their breaths, they will be taught we never bend over here--we never show weakness. When they are running timed sprints and they fall over, fatigue, the air in their lungs depleted, they might initially think we are cruel as we tell to get up and run again. When they quit because they got away with it in high school, and now when they quit, they discover the team runs for their lack of desire. When they hang their heads over a missed shot or a mistake and suddenly find their coaches more angry at the reaction than the mistake. These are the things that start changing their faces.

I can see the growth in our sophomores after only a year and in our juniors after two years. They exude confidence and assurance, an awareness they have survived "boot camp" before and know they can survive it again.

Chrissy is confident, talking louder, leading, secure in her knowledge. The other lone junior, Tianni is communicating well with the coaches, leading by example and showing improvement in her offensive skills. Tiffany came back in incredible cardiovascular shape and believes she can run forever. Erika trimmed down, gained muscle and is more at ease with her relationships with teammates. Lauren has learned tolerance and patience, curbing her honesty to include compassion. Marilene has learned to allow her true inner self to shine more, and LeAnne gained 24 pounds of muscle, two tons of confidence and calmer footwork.

I see the potential in all of them even when they fail, even when they make a mistake and we must discipline, even when they believe they can't. I see them for who they can be--who they really are if they just reach deep enough. This is our job--to make them reach deeply.

PLAY HARD. PLAY TOGETHER.