If you're in it solely for what you can get out of it, high school sports is a lot like Christmas--the thrill is over in a hurry.
One of the best things high school sports can teach you is that hard work can be immensely enjoyable. And shared hard work is always better than solitary hard work.
If hard work isn't as fun in academics as it is in high school sports, maybe the problem lies in our approach to academics.
One of the big reasons high school sports is fun is because there is no predetermined outcome. I remind my athletes often that if they knew how a race was going to come out, that alone would take all the joy out of competition.
Another big reason high school sports is fun is because the vast majority of the people involved are there because they chose to be there.
If you're in sports for the attention and appreciation of the crowd, there will never be enough of either.
In sports, as in all things in life, people who smile naturally and easily tend to gravitate toward leadership positions. They also tend to have the most friends.
Every team needs a bulldog, someone who sinks their teeth in and won't take "No" for an answer. But, the bulldog also needs to know when to be a bulldog and when to be a puppy.
In sports, as in most things in life, make it a point to say "thank you" often. It makes people feel appreciated and it keeps the good things coming.
In a team setting, you will have opportunities to forgive. If you want a great team, take advantage of those opportunities.
Never let a short-term impulse get in the way of a long term goal. -- Leonard Pitts
Anger may feel good, and is easily rationalized, in the moment. But anger leaves a bitter aftertaste, all around.
A substantial majority of the things I regret most in life were done in anger.
A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. -- Solomon
Coaching is mostly about two things: giving and encouraging.
There is great value in learning to be a gracious loser. There is greater value still in learning to be a gracious winner.
Hard physical activity does wonders for the mind and for the disposition, usually simultaneously.
Sports is critical in our culture because it is one of the few areas remaining in our lives where people are allowed to fail and are fully encouraged to take direct lessons from that failure.
Never confuse sports for the end goal of life. But do appreciate sports for what it is--a crucible in which many important life lessons may be learned.
Losing is easy. It's not enjoyable, but it's easy. -- Bud Wilkinson
Talent is God-given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful. -- John Wooden
More coaching mistakes are made in the direction of too much, too soon than in the direction of slow and steady.
I never regretted the choice of giving a distance runner my unqualified blessing to participate in a different sport over the winter.
Everyone functions better in an environment where the expectations are stated, understood, and high.
Professional sports is the opiate of the masses. -- adapted Karl Marx
It is not true that hard work always beats talent when talent doesn't work hard, but I'd a lot rather be around the hard worker just the same.
Celebrity is not a measure of wisdom, expertise, or character.
The opinion of the majority is not a measure of truth.
There are few more pernicious dangers to the development of our young people than the culture of constant entertainment as close as the nearest device.
Strive for perfection; be delighted with excellence. -- unknown
Be the teammate who would inspire you to greater things.