Desire | Commitment | Team

The following post is re-posted from the U13 blog just before Sodiums State Cup quarterfinal game. I thought is was relevant to post before we embark on this years State Cup.

This will be the last post prior to the first Quarter Final game.
I want to take this opportunity to address what it means and what it takes to be, not only a Championship caliber, but any, team. These are the opinions of a former coach and athlete.

Desire The player wants to be there. Period. You will never develop an athlete who's parents pushed him/her into a sport. They have to love it and desire to be the best and contribute to the success of the team. This desire will push them to give 100% in practice and thus, perform at that same level during the game. You play like you practice. A player with this desire doesn't complain that the coach is pushing them too hard, that they had to run an extra lap or another flight of stairs. Players with this desire push themselves and their teammates because they know it is for their own good, It will make them faster, stronger, better.

Commitment To be an effective part of any team, all players need to be committed. Committed to the success of the team. If that means getting physical & rough at practice because that is the type of opponent you face, then so be it. There should never be a question. Your opponent will never back down from you, your teammates shouldn't either. Commitment means being to practice on time and working your behind off while you're there. Commitment means practicing good nutrition and getting plenty of sleep because if you don't, you run the risk of not playing to the level you need to be at and the team expects. It means doing whatever it takes. A player who is not willing to commit 100% to the team, should not be on the team.

Team [taken from July 1st, 2008 post titled: Team]

~ noun

1. a number of persons forming one of the sides in a game or contest: a soccer team.
2. a number of persons associated in some joint action: a team of players.
3. a number of persons joined together in unison to achieve a common goal: to win.
4. a number persons committed to their coach and each other, giving 100% to be the best they can, day after day, game after game: Sodium.

To be part of a team is a great achievement. To be part of a championship team is an outstanding accomplishment. What that means is that you have fought together, sacrificed together and won together. You have developed a bond that few realize and even fewer recognize. These are your sisters. You are solders doing battle on a field of green. When you step onto the field this weekend look into your teammates eyes and see the look of a warrior. A Lady Warrior. Sodium.

Your fans will be screaming our heads off; GO SODIUM!

So as you head towards California keep in mind the task ahead of you when you return. Remember you are there in preparation for Oregon State Cup. Work hard to improve. Watch and learn from the California players.

Most importantly though....have fun! :) Best of luck and we'll see your smiling faces when you return.