He caught my eye that day.
It wasn't his stick skills or foot speed. For this first year player had none. Andy Gillespie, the high school sophomore lacrosse player, carried himself with an air of a nugget lineman, a 5'8" 215lb fire plug, ready for the lacrosse wars this season but not quite sure just of how to participate. An athlete? Sure, he probably knew and participated on one or more of the school's football, basketball or baseball teams.
He withstood the first month of conditioning and carried his long pole as if he were a drum major, ready to lead but unsure of how. He got the ball off the ground OK but dropped it or miss passed it in transition. He would learn.
"Bring it up," I yelled to the team. As I spoke of the goals for today's practice I glanced around to see who was missing. "Has anyone seen Andy Gillespie." Hushed silence told me something was not right.
"First, who saw him last."
"Coach we heard he got into some trouble with his parents. I think they placed him in a juvenile home last night. He hasn't been in school all day"
What an opportunity I thought. It was time to bring them together.
"OK, so no one really knows where he is?" He's your teammate and you guys know you're responsible for each other. He knows better than to miss a practice. I want three volunteers to go and find him. Do your best to get him back here before practice is over. ''Break him out if you have to," I said trying to conceal my mischief behind a very intense demeanor.
Andy Gillespie returned the next day. He sheepishly eye balled our prepractice huddle as his insecurity oozed out of every pore. We gave him a hand as he walked across the field and his wide grin could be seen for 50 yards... he was back in the fold. It didn't matter to his teammates that he had a disagreement with his parents. They were proud of their loyalty and the mischief they felt going to the home for boys. They were showing signs of coming together.
Andy and his high school teammates prospered with a ten and five season and they made it to the state quarterfinals before being beat. Andy learned the lessons of lacrosse well and was selected for All State Second Team honors as a defenseman for the team he captained his senior year. He told his teammates he would play college lacrosse. And he made good on his promise as a walk-on for a Division 1A team.
I thoroughly enjoyed Andy's growth on the lacrosse field. He had achieved much. Little did I know my coach responsibilities would now take a new road. Andy's first freshman year e-mail arrived and caught me by surprise.
Email From: Andy
Hi coach, I just got back from practice and am blowing off starting an essay I have to do for English so I though I'd write a little e-mail. The coaches here have really been cool this week. We started running a mile for time. I've been doing well with the running. That's probably why I'm getting along with them so much better. Coach Jolly still won't tell me about his trip to Vail. "What happens on the road stays on the road." Anyway, I finished first out of all the defenseman in the mile and two-mile and second overall. I've been finishing with the top people in just about everything. His workouts are just kicking us into shape I guess. Our workout this morning was at 10 o'clock and I didn't really do as well as usual, but then again I think he planned it that way to see who's going out and whose staying in. I was smart enough not to go out drinking with my new roommates last night...sticks start in a week. I can't wait for that. We start off with scrimmages right away with UNC and Butler. My roommate, the defenceman who is close to the coach said he's planning on using me in the defense rotation. With how I'm doing now I'm sure I'll get in. He wants to keep rotating the defenceman so it should work out. Anyway, I guess everything's looking good. Lacrosse and classes are a lot easier this semester...parties, girls, blah, and blah, blah. I don't know when I will get a break but I hope to come back and catch a few bulldog games later on. Talk to you soon.
Email From: HS Coach
Subject: Lax...What else is there!
Andy, that is cool about making the team and getting in the rotation. Keep performing above average and show a strong work ethic. A little discussion with the coach never hurts...to show him your high expectations! Girls, blah, blah, blah...oh boy. Most of all find a good balance in everything you do...no extremes, and you'll find your way a lot easier. Some of these ideas might help... live with intention, walk on the edge, listen hard, practice wellness, play with ambition, LAUGH, choose with no regret, continue to learn, appreciate your friends, and do what you love. Live as if this is all there is and most importantly intimidate and kick the living snot out of every attack man you can get your stick on! Remember, I was one a long time ago...they can take it. Be cool, you're doing great! Coach
Email From: Andy Coach Holtz has been really cool to me the past week. He told me after practice the first week that I was doing a lot better than in fall ball. We had an inter-squad scrimmage this morning. I didn't do that well but didn't really get beat too badly either. I think I just need a day off. We go every day now except Mondays and both my legs are shot. But I guess I'm doing OK. About the only other thing that I can see that the better D-men have on me are take-away checks. I've been getting better at some and even though coach says they're not important the players that can do them look a lot better than those who can't. Have you seen the new Lacrosse Magazine? There's a small article on Yale and Wheat is one of only a couple of kids from our team mentioned from there. A lot of guys here were a little pissed they weren't in the top 20. Well, I've got to get started on some homework. Andy
Email From: Andy I've been meaning to write but I do mail in my room. One of my new roommates isn't so bright and erased our mail program when I moved in. Coach, we've had a couple of scrimmages the past couple of weeks, Hobart, OWU and Penn yesterday. They didn't really look that good. We were beating OWU up until the fourth quarter when they're middies lit us up. I probably would have played most of the 2nd too but I didn't hear coach tell me to go in and by the time he said it again I couldn't go. He was really pissed about that! I've been doing well in practices so he's had less reason to get pissed at me, but he still does. This other freshman defender and me get it from him all the time when he's mad about someone else screwing up but he'll yell at us anyway. Everyone sees it, even the assistant coaches tell me to ignore him. He's really messing my head up. We go to Rutgers this weekend and then play Notre Dame here next weekend; both should be good games. Were taking a trip to Maryland after that to play a club team, that should be fun. I don't remember which one but my roommate says they were the best team before team Toyota. We had our initiation party the other day and the freshmen have shaved heads now. They shaved Garrets eyebrows too, not completely just slashes the whole way through. Oh, by the way I got kicked out of my room, it really wasn't my fault. See ya. Andy
Email From Coach "They didn't really didn't look that good"... to me that means they weren't pretty but they got the job done... it is the essence of all sports, a grit or a quality to never accept defeat...and sacrifice everything to get it. If its Mt. Washington watch them closely, in my day they were notorious for the quality of their play...it still might be true...if you guys get a chance to meet them after the game...I guarantee it will be interesting! Next time you get some negative stuff that pops into your head ask yourself what causes this to happen...maybe we can work it out? You're not alone...it happens to everyone Attitude...Attitude...Attitude, its everything. I have to protect myself daily from getting negative about something. It never ends...find a way to feel happy without drugs and learn to keep the feeling even when you perceive your getting a bad deal...working harder than you think you should...or just feel out of balance. Keep your goals clear and believe you can achieve them...you will find nothing very fair about life's road...but what is clear is that attitude will make the difference. I know you have more than the right stuff to achieve much and you never proved me wrong. Stay up and kick some butt. Coach
Email From: Andy Gillespie I've been the clear 4th D-man pretty much the whole year and the other week he pulled me for no reason, and put in someone who kept making mistakes. The next week someone came back from being ineligible and he took my place on the travel squad without even having played yet. Well I wasn't happy about that. And then after their trip we played, you know who, so I figured I'd get a chance to prove myself and I never got in. The kid who was ineligible played so bad. Half of the goals were his fault and he played so much worse than I did when I got pulled. I'm still behind this kid but I think if he messes up again I'll have a chance to play. If I don't go to CWP this weekend I'll be home. Andy
Email From Coach Andy, create a mental picture of everything you need to do to be the #1 D-man for your coach on his terms; take always, best GB man, best open field D-man with the ball, ability to pick up everything on the ground and push it up the field for the dump, more speed, ability to dominate any attacker with stick or body, no shots taken when you are on your man, or maybe most verbal D. Coach other players; take control of more than yourself...show contributions in other ways, call meetings to organize functions for the coaches.
Find out what your liabilities are in his eyes and make him pay attention to your improvement. Help him with his problems as a coach so his job is easier. Got a problem player...take him aside and get him inline...persuasion or otherwise. Get to know the assistants better...get them on your side. Show them you are more than the quiet, steady, intense, committed, hard working player that you are. Think about becoming outrageous in a good way. Persuade your teammates or those influencers on the team that you are the best D man.
Get some tapes of that guy from Princeton...I think his name was Morrow...a great player...take what you can from him...study him, he's all body position, athleticism and intensity. In fact some of your comments were just like his after his frosh year..."sticks bad, I know I'm better than the others, I will work to be better next year... starting today. I will succeed at any cost." Go see him and ask for his help. He would love to help you! Above all, know that you are the best and prove it every day...I know this already!
The preceding was an actual team coaching experience. Some of the techniques used to coach these young men were used at the same time and modified for David's corporate clients.
Corporate employees as well as team members demand sensitivity to interpersonal relationships and human factors that are not always declared or visible. Regardless of the communication medium (class room, digital or email) White Associates recognizes that competitive organizations require that every individual perform at his or her maximum potential. We strive to bring each organization's personnel in line to achieve stated goals and (K)ey (P)erformance (I)ndicators.
Ask for a Free consultation from White Associates so that you can achieve outstanding individual and team performance, reach your KPIs and solidify your executive presence and leadership style.
It wasn't his stick skills or foot speed. For this first year player had none. Andy Gillespie, the high school sophomore lacrosse player, carried himself with an air of a nugget lineman, a 5'8" 215lb fire plug, ready for the lacrosse wars this season but not quite sure just of how to participate. An athlete? Sure, he probably knew and participated on one or more of the school's football, basketball or baseball teams.
He withstood the first month of conditioning and carried his long pole as if he were a drum major, ready to lead but unsure of how. He got the ball off the ground OK but dropped it or miss passed it in transition. He would learn.
"Bring it up," I yelled to the team. As I spoke of the goals for today's practice I glanced around to see who was missing. "Has anyone seen Andy Gillespie." Hushed silence told me something was not right.
"First, who saw him last."
"Coach we heard he got into some trouble with his parents. I think they placed him in a juvenile home last night. He hasn't been in school all day"
What an opportunity I thought. It was time to bring them together.
"OK, so no one really knows where he is?" He's your teammate and you guys know you're responsible for each other. He knows better than to miss a practice. I want three volunteers to go and find him. Do your best to get him back here before practice is over. ''Break him out if you have to," I said trying to conceal my mischief behind a very intense demeanor.
Andy Gillespie returned the next day. He sheepishly eye balled our prepractice huddle as his insecurity oozed out of every pore. We gave him a hand as he walked across the field and his wide grin could be seen for 50 yards... he was back in the fold. It didn't matter to his teammates that he had a disagreement with his parents. They were proud of their loyalty and the mischief they felt going to the home for boys. They were showing signs of coming together.
Andy and his high school teammates prospered with a ten and five season and they made it to the state quarterfinals before being beat. Andy learned the lessons of lacrosse well and was selected for All State Second Team honors as a defenseman for the team he captained his senior year. He told his teammates he would play college lacrosse. And he made good on his promise as a walk-on for a Division 1A team.
I thoroughly enjoyed Andy's growth on the lacrosse field. He had achieved much. Little did I know my coach responsibilities would now take a new road. Andy's first freshman year e-mail arrived and caught me by surprise.
Email From: Andy
Hi coach, I just got back from practice and am blowing off starting an essay I have to do for English so I though I'd write a little e-mail. The coaches here have really been cool this week. We started running a mile for time. I've been doing well with the running. That's probably why I'm getting along with them so much better. Coach Jolly still won't tell me about his trip to Vail. "What happens on the road stays on the road." Anyway, I finished first out of all the defenseman in the mile and two-mile and second overall. I've been finishing with the top people in just about everything. His workouts are just kicking us into shape I guess. Our workout this morning was at 10 o'clock and I didn't really do as well as usual, but then again I think he planned it that way to see who's going out and whose staying in. I was smart enough not to go out drinking with my new roommates last night...sticks start in a week. I can't wait for that. We start off with scrimmages right away with UNC and Butler. My roommate, the defenceman who is close to the coach said he's planning on using me in the defense rotation. With how I'm doing now I'm sure I'll get in. He wants to keep rotating the defenceman so it should work out. Anyway, I guess everything's looking good. Lacrosse and classes are a lot easier this semester...parties, girls, blah, and blah, blah. I don't know when I will get a break but I hope to come back and catch a few bulldog games later on. Talk to you soon.
Email From: HS Coach
Subject: Lax...What else is there!
Andy, that is cool about making the team and getting in the rotation. Keep performing above average and show a strong work ethic. A little discussion with the coach never hurts...to show him your high expectations! Girls, blah, blah, blah...oh boy. Most of all find a good balance in everything you do...no extremes, and you'll find your way a lot easier. Some of these ideas might help... live with intention, walk on the edge, listen hard, practice wellness, play with ambition, LAUGH, choose with no regret, continue to learn, appreciate your friends, and do what you love. Live as if this is all there is and most importantly intimidate and kick the living snot out of every attack man you can get your stick on! Remember, I was one a long time ago...they can take it. Be cool, you're doing great! Coach
Email From: Andy Coach Holtz has been really cool to me the past week. He told me after practice the first week that I was doing a lot better than in fall ball. We had an inter-squad scrimmage this morning. I didn't do that well but didn't really get beat too badly either. I think I just need a day off. We go every day now except Mondays and both my legs are shot. But I guess I'm doing OK. About the only other thing that I can see that the better D-men have on me are take-away checks. I've been getting better at some and even though coach says they're not important the players that can do them look a lot better than those who can't. Have you seen the new Lacrosse Magazine? There's a small article on Yale and Wheat is one of only a couple of kids from our team mentioned from there. A lot of guys here were a little pissed they weren't in the top 20. Well, I've got to get started on some homework. Andy
Email From: Andy I've been meaning to write but I do mail in my room. One of my new roommates isn't so bright and erased our mail program when I moved in. Coach, we've had a couple of scrimmages the past couple of weeks, Hobart, OWU and Penn yesterday. They didn't really look that good. We were beating OWU up until the fourth quarter when they're middies lit us up. I probably would have played most of the 2nd too but I didn't hear coach tell me to go in and by the time he said it again I couldn't go. He was really pissed about that! I've been doing well in practices so he's had less reason to get pissed at me, but he still does. This other freshman defender and me get it from him all the time when he's mad about someone else screwing up but he'll yell at us anyway. Everyone sees it, even the assistant coaches tell me to ignore him. He's really messing my head up. We go to Rutgers this weekend and then play Notre Dame here next weekend; both should be good games. Were taking a trip to Maryland after that to play a club team, that should be fun. I don't remember which one but my roommate says they were the best team before team Toyota. We had our initiation party the other day and the freshmen have shaved heads now. They shaved Garrets eyebrows too, not completely just slashes the whole way through. Oh, by the way I got kicked out of my room, it really wasn't my fault. See ya. Andy
Email From Coach "They didn't really didn't look that good"... to me that means they weren't pretty but they got the job done... it is the essence of all sports, a grit or a quality to never accept defeat...and sacrifice everything to get it. If its Mt. Washington watch them closely, in my day they were notorious for the quality of their play...it still might be true...if you guys get a chance to meet them after the game...I guarantee it will be interesting! Next time you get some negative stuff that pops into your head ask yourself what causes this to happen...maybe we can work it out? You're not alone...it happens to everyone Attitude...Attitude...Attitude, its everything. I have to protect myself daily from getting negative about something. It never ends...find a way to feel happy without drugs and learn to keep the feeling even when you perceive your getting a bad deal...working harder than you think you should...or just feel out of balance. Keep your goals clear and believe you can achieve them...you will find nothing very fair about life's road...but what is clear is that attitude will make the difference. I know you have more than the right stuff to achieve much and you never proved me wrong. Stay up and kick some butt. Coach
Email From: Andy Gillespie I've been the clear 4th D-man pretty much the whole year and the other week he pulled me for no reason, and put in someone who kept making mistakes. The next week someone came back from being ineligible and he took my place on the travel squad without even having played yet. Well I wasn't happy about that. And then after their trip we played, you know who, so I figured I'd get a chance to prove myself and I never got in. The kid who was ineligible played so bad. Half of the goals were his fault and he played so much worse than I did when I got pulled. I'm still behind this kid but I think if he messes up again I'll have a chance to play. If I don't go to CWP this weekend I'll be home. Andy
Email From Coach Andy, create a mental picture of everything you need to do to be the #1 D-man for your coach on his terms; take always, best GB man, best open field D-man with the ball, ability to pick up everything on the ground and push it up the field for the dump, more speed, ability to dominate any attacker with stick or body, no shots taken when you are on your man, or maybe most verbal D. Coach other players; take control of more than yourself...show contributions in other ways, call meetings to organize functions for the coaches.
Find out what your liabilities are in his eyes and make him pay attention to your improvement. Help him with his problems as a coach so his job is easier. Got a problem player...take him aside and get him inline...persuasion or otherwise. Get to know the assistants better...get them on your side. Show them you are more than the quiet, steady, intense, committed, hard working player that you are. Think about becoming outrageous in a good way. Persuade your teammates or those influencers on the team that you are the best D man.
Get some tapes of that guy from Princeton...I think his name was Morrow...a great player...take what you can from him...study him, he's all body position, athleticism and intensity. In fact some of your comments were just like his after his frosh year..."sticks bad, I know I'm better than the others, I will work to be better next year... starting today. I will succeed at any cost." Go see him and ask for his help. He would love to help you! Above all, know that you are the best and prove it every day...I know this already!
The preceding was an actual team coaching experience. Some of the techniques used to coach these young men were used at the same time and modified for David's corporate clients.
Corporate employees as well as team members demand sensitivity to interpersonal relationships and human factors that are not always declared or visible. Regardless of the communication medium (class room, digital or email) White Associates recognizes that competitive organizations require that every individual perform at his or her maximum potential. We strive to bring each organization's personnel in line to achieve stated goals and (K)ey (P)erformance (I)ndicators.
Ask for a Free consultation from White Associates so that you can achieve outstanding individual and team performance, reach your KPIs and solidify your executive presence and leadership style.
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