This past July, I had the honor and privilege of introducing the 2004 USA Olympic Softball team during their induction into the United States Olympic Hall of Fame. What a tremendous honor for this great group of athletes that was tagged the "Real Dream Team" after their dominating performance in Athens, Greece. It was truly a very special night for a group of athletes that put together what could be the very best team performance in Olympic history. Along with the 2004 team, Lisa Fernandez became the first softball player to be inducted for her performances in 1996, 2000, and 2004.
As I look back at this group of athletes, I will forever remember them as outstanding players that were even better people. Each member of this team has continued to give back to the game and are all very successful in life after softball. A very special part of the evening for me was the proud parents and spouses of these athletes who provided their love and support during the years of preparation to become an Olympian. Unconditional love and support during the ups and downs that our game provides is a crucial element in becoming an elite athlete. In today's world, too many parents are living their life through their kids and putting undo pressure on the development of many young athletes. The role of parents in the athletic arena should be one of encouragement to play the game without fear of failure and to allow young athletes to grow at their own pace physically, mentally and emotionally. We want athletes that play the game because they enjoy the competition and process of becoming good at the sport. Each of these great players had a strong passion for playing the game and never looked at the game as life threatening. Something for all of us that deal with young players to think about as I see more and more players putting too much pressure on themselves at an early age to get a scholarship and then begin to struggle with the game. Parents today are much more involved and that can be a good thing as long as they support, encourage, and teach lifelong lessons! I played the game because I loved the game and the competitive nature of being a part of a team. Let's make sure that we encourage our players to love and honor the game and who knows, maybe take a lesson from this great group of Olympians that in my mind, had one thing in common - talented parents that understood the needs of these great women! Unconditional love and support and the conversation was always about the person and not the player!
Men have to play good to feel good. Women have to feel good to play good.
Thank you 2004 Olympic team and staff for your love and support during the toughest times of my life!
As I look back at this group of athletes, I will forever remember them as outstanding players that were even better people. Each member of this team has continued to give back to the game and are all very successful in life after softball. A very special part of the evening for me was the proud parents and spouses of these athletes who provided their love and support during the years of preparation to become an Olympian. Unconditional love and support during the ups and downs that our game provides is a crucial element in becoming an elite athlete. In today's world, too many parents are living their life through their kids and putting undo pressure on the development of many young athletes. The role of parents in the athletic arena should be one of encouragement to play the game without fear of failure and to allow young athletes to grow at their own pace physically, mentally and emotionally. We want athletes that play the game because they enjoy the competition and process of becoming good at the sport. Each of these great players had a strong passion for playing the game and never looked at the game as life threatening. Something for all of us that deal with young players to think about as I see more and more players putting too much pressure on themselves at an early age to get a scholarship and then begin to struggle with the game. Parents today are much more involved and that can be a good thing as long as they support, encourage, and teach lifelong lessons! I played the game because I loved the game and the competitive nature of being a part of a team. Let's make sure that we encourage our players to love and honor the game and who knows, maybe take a lesson from this great group of Olympians that in my mind, had one thing in common - talented parents that understood the needs of these great women! Unconditional love and support and the conversation was always about the person and not the player!
Men have to play good to feel good. Women have to feel good to play good.
Thank you 2004 Olympic team and staff for your love and support during the toughest times of my life!
Until next month,
Coach Candrea