Blog
Are you playing full out?
by Elizabeth Ruske
July 8, 2010
I coach girls’ basketball — and I love it. I think some of my happiest and most challenging moments are when I am teaching and watching girls try something new and succeed at doing something they never had done before. It is hard to describe the feeling so I will say – I simply love it!
This summer I launched a girls’ basketball camp for a couple of weeks and hired two fantastic young 20 year old counselors (one male and one female). My female counselor is beyond a doubt – the most remarkable woman I have ever met – any age – bar none. I coached Molly about 8 years ago and she was incredible. She wasn’t the best basketball player on the team, but she has been my stand out favorite player – I ever coached.
This week when I introduced Molly to the girls at the camp I explained that Molly was my all-time favorite player and told them why:
- She played full out and with incredible heart
- She was completely coachable
- She was a true team player on and off the court.
After I asked Molly to say a little about herself to the girls, I then shared why I asked Molly to be one of our counselors by telling the girls about these 3 reasons listed above. Then I asked Molly to explain to the girls why she was in a wheel chair. Molly simply told the girls that when she was 15, she had a diving accident and she broke her neck, and she is now paralyzed from the chest down. NO Drama – no big long story. And with that, we started our camp.
Today, I watched Molly give instruction to girls with the same incredible heart, passion, and team player attitude she has always possessed. I am so proud of Molly and the woman she is becoming. She knows no other way to be or live – except to play full out.
So, let’s ask ourselves:
- Am I playing full out and with all my heart?
- Am I coachable and learning lessons as I go?
- Am I a team player in all areas of my life?
You know the answers and you know what to do! Up your game – drop the drama – and be ready for what is coming your way. That’s the game of life (and basketball too)!
Great message, and a wonderful reminder that playing full out has nothing to do with our talent or equipment – it’s all about heart. Thanks, Beth.
“Up your game – drop the drama” – I love it! Wow. Succinct but powerful.
wow, this is fantastic. Makes you think about what it really means to have your head in the game and when you are checked out. Refreshing to read. Thanks for sharing.
Up your game – drop the drama. So powerful. I love it.
I agree with the comments above that a fully rounded character is always a better character, no matter what the gender. With a complete, formed personality, everything considered, anyone can relate to them.