I think I figured out why some teams work so well together while others struggle.
It's because some teams are close while others are not.
Winning teams work well together.
They listen to what their coaches are saying and follow through.
Their mentality is not "me first." It's "team first."
Trust me, I've seen teams come together over the years and I've seen teams fall apart.
When a team does not succeed, it's often not pretty.
But other times, it doesn't matter. The team is still working as a team even if it is losing.
Years from now, kids usually won't remember if they won or lost (unless they go deep into the postseason).
They will remember the work ethic their coaches tried to instill in them, the friendships they formed and the struggles they conquered.
They will remember the really important lessons in life.
That's why kids should try to be close not only on the court, but off the court.
The continuity makes a difference.
The athletes who try to look out for only themselves will not make it far. Sadly, there are plenty of them out there.
It's the ones who care more about team statistics than individual stats who go far. Trust me, it's obvious to tell when an athlete is out for just themselves, and it isn't pretty.
It can't be hidden.
So please try.
It makes all the difference.


-Theresa Neuhoff Audia