Attending Graduate School while also being a Graduate Assistant Coach for Arizona Softball, has been a challenge. These obligations have certainly cut into my blogging time. So, without further delay – I am going to write about some things floating around in my head, while I have the chance.
I mentioned in a previous blog about how much I miss this game, and it goes without saying that this has not gotten any better. As a matter of fact, it might actually make it a little tougher being that I am around the game so much, but unable to lace my cleats up and jump in.
There are some things I have learned by being on this side of the player/coach dynamic and that is how much teamwork, chemistry and leadership mean to a team’s success.
The importance of having a good leader may get lost in the heat of the battle of competition or maybe just taken for granted, and in some cases it defaults to an upper classman who may not be what’s best for that season’s group of players. Sometimes it’s the loudest person on the team or those that have a strong personality that assume the teams leadership role, but this may not be the best person to actually “Lead” the team, when the pressure is on in competition or when the team needs it most.
It has been my experience that true Leaders, are those that do not talk about themselves as “I am this” or “You are that”, but quality Leaders find ways to make each of their teammates feel; needed, productive, and appreciated. Leaders who make statements beginning with “We”, offers the feeling that “We” are in this together, and together we can accomplish more.
It has been said that people buy into their leaders before they buy into the teams vision. I found that saying to be very interesting, and rings true, at least to some degree. Here is why I say that; I was lucky enough to play with a great group of teammates during my years at Arizona Softball. Throughout my four year career there, we had different Leaders on the team (these leaders changed with each season because they were typically the seniors on the team) and experiencing the different styles over the years, I can honestly say that the Good Leaders motivated me, inspired me, and did the same for most of the other players on our team. We felt that whatever tough and stressful times were thrown our way, we were going to experience and get through it Together and we had a much better chance for success.
During my senior season, we had 4 very accomplished and strong seniors on the team, who all shared in Leadership roles from time to time (including myself). I found sharing the leadership role to be very good at times, because when one of us were struggling, you could count on one of the other 3 seniors, to recognize this and step into the role and lead for that moment in time.
Sharing the authority as team leaders helped empower each one of us. We grew in confidence and this helped solve problems, that would have been challenging for just one of us to conquer by themselves. I personally found that my leadership style, is one of personal commitment and dedication to others, during times when they are struggling and need someone in their corner. Investing in my teammates came easy to me, because there were so many others, throughout my career that invested their time and experiences in me.
I will close with a little advice; If you happen to find yourself in a leadership role on your softball team this season, take the time to reflect and recognize what type of leader inspired you in the past, and work to be a better version of that person! Your teams success, may ride on it!
