This month, I thought I would share with you some insight on the experiences and lessons to be learned through a college season and how they may apply to your youth season. As I write this article, we are flying home from Oklahoma City, the home of the NCAA Women’s College World Series. Every team in the country begins the season with the goal of participating in this prestigious event, and only eight teams earn the chance to play for the National Championship. I have just finished participating in my 22nd trip to the College World Series and always find myself reflecting on the experience and how the generations of athletes continue to play the same game but leave me with such different thoughts as we strive to teach the principles of success to our athletes. As we all know, only one team will go home with the prize but every team leaves with memories and lessons learned that will follow them long after their softball careers end.
The journey begins in September as you begin preparation with tremendous enthusiasm and hope for a successful season. You always welcome a new group of freshman that are eager to make their mark and struggle through the process for the first time trying to balance the demands of being away from home for the first time, managing their time that includes academics, athletics, and the social adjustments of college life.
One of the most important elements of a successful program is to have older players that provide leadership and are good role models for others to follow. It is becoming harder these days to find young people who are willing to take pride in setting a good example both on and off the field. Leadership is a way of life! It takes a very special person to always make the right choices and give 100% when things are both good and bad. Every season will be filled with highs and lows, and as coaches, we must get our athletes to understand the importance of emotional stability. The better our leadership and role models, the more stable environment we can create to allow our athletes develop as people, as well as athletes.
As coaches and parents, it is our obligation to instill these qualities and demand character before winning the game! If we fail to mold their character and get caught up in the end result, we are failing to use our athletic experiences to prepare young people for the real world.
Until next month,
Coach Candrea