Own it

I help coach middle school lacrosse...GIRLS.  Hormonal, hyper, moody: we see all of these in just one practice (sometimes within 15 minutes!).  Some days they are spot on, other days, they act like they've never seen a lacrosse stick or ball before.  They don't focus in practices and you are constantly pulling them back in and reminding them why we are on the field.

One "trend" that seems more noticeable this year is lack of ownership.  Not coming to practice. Blame the way the other team played (too aggressive, verbal, etc).  Blame the officials (not making the calls, overlooking fouls, calling everything against us). We win and lose by the way we work within our team.

My motto has always been, practice like you play.  Go hard in practice, give it your best. Show up. I really don't think it matters if you win or lose until the record applies to something like end of season tournaments.  No one cares about the record from middle school lacrosse down to t-ball. Don't get me wrong, I like to win.  But I know that losing is just as big, if not bigger, part of the game. The things I want my girls to take away from their time with me (a bit shorter this year since I am coaching part time) is that you are part of a TEAM. You aren't an island out there...you have 11 teammates on the field that are playing WITH you.  I know you can run the ball from end to end and score.  I am more concerned with your ability to see the field, looking for and making successful passes.  Being a team player helps you on the field and throughout life. This isn't just about sports.  I am trying to make sure you can work within a group, be part of the group.

Don't make excuses.  If you aren't giving 100% then look in the mirror prior to blaming a teammate, the officials, the opponent.  We all want to blame someone else.  It's easier not to be responsible. Take ownership of your shortcomings. Don't be a sore loser...we all lose.  Today it's a game, tomorrow a job.  It's part of life.  Handle it with dignity and realize that it's a learning opportunity.  Become a better player/person because of the loss.  Treat your opponent, your teammate and your coaches with respect. Being respectful now allows you to be respectful later.  We all have bad days.  It doesn't define us, just makes us all human.

Own it.  How you practice, how you live, how you relate to others.  It's about much more than sports.