Fall Ball is in full swing (as full as it can get during a global pandemic) and I’m happy to say that we’ve moved through October and we are into well into November! October was a challenge and if you haven’t read my October Adversities and Opportunities Blog Post, you can read it here.
It’s now Mid-November, still into Fall Ball, and we are fortunate that the weather has been cooperating and we have only seen 1-2 days of minor snow so far. (In Northern New York, it’s typical to play during a snowstorm in November.)
Back to Fall Ball…last Sunday (November 9), my School Team (South Jefferson Spartans) played in the Uptop Lacrosse Tournament at Everest Park in Auburn. This is my 4th year playing at this tournament. My memories of Uptop include snowflakes, extreme wind and lots of hot chocolate! As a matter of fact, I don’t remember a time when I didn’t freeze. That is…until this year. It’s hard for some to believe that something could actually go right in 2020, but November 8 was a beautiful autumn day. The weather was spot on – 70 degrees, low humidity and low wind. Perfect Fall Ball weather!
The competition was great and the weather was better!
We had a tough lineup which consisted of Skaneateles (who we lost to in Sectionals in 2019), Auburn (who is typically a strong Class B powerhouse, West Genny (a fierce competitor and typically a Class A finalist), and Christian Brothers Academy (CBA is known for its top level program, graduating a series of well known players). (You can see the Highlights in my Video below.)
It was a great day and we managed to finish the day at 4-0. Everyone loves to win, right? Yeah I guess so. But for me it was more rewarding watching the team come together. We have several new (young) players. Watching them find their place and work so hard to impress the Coach and the “upperclassmen” (I guess that’s me now.) It seems like just yesterday when that was me. Striving to #bethebest I can be and not to disappoint the Coach, and the Juniors and Seniors. My stomach would flip flop with nerves, excitement and anxiety when I was told to “go in” during a game. I’m starting to come to terms with the fact that my time as an underclassman has quickly ended and my time as an upperclassman has started with the blink of an eye. My Coach explained that usually it’s in your Sophomore Year when you grow and develop and start to transition over to that leadership role. Unfortunately, the 2022’s missed that “transition year” and now we are jumping feet first into the leadership role….ready or not! Some are more ready than others. The way I see it is that you have two choices – you can either stay where you are and let whatever happen happen; or you can adjust, create the future and help guide others around you. I choose the latter. Am I comfortable being a leader? Probably not right now. Will it get easier every time I exhibit leadership? Probably. Will I always know the right answer? Probably not. Will I learn and adjust as I progress through this role? Absolutely!
The bottom line is that life deals you a deck of cards and you may not always get the hand you would like or have anticipated. You have a couple of choices: you can either throw your cards down on the table and give up; or you can adjust, make the best of it, try to think ahead, prepare and position yourself, so that no matter the outcome, you are able to adapt to the situation and move forward. I choose the latter!
You’ve heard it before: Great leaders model the way. What better time to create the future than during an unprecedented pandemic? How can I help? What can I do? One way I can help model the way is to “Lead with Empathy”. When I work with our Youth LAX’ers (or as we call them – “The Littles”), I’ll strive to create structure, guidance, and direction for “The Littles”. I will project confidence (and kindness) and be cognizant of their feelings, in an effort to keep them engaged. I will develop relationships that will last for years and (hopefully) influence and guide their pathways (for the good) and create a culture where they #findtheirbest and #betheirbest so they will continue to play and #lovethegame and develop as a member of the #nextgenerationoffemalelacrosseplayers.
With 2020 slipping away and the unknowns of 2021 on the horizon….it’s safe to say that no matter what the spring brings, no matter how long (or short) the season is, I will strive to create a culture that wants to keep training, practicing and making good choices, while continuing to model the leadership skills expected of me, so that we will be ready for whatever 2021 brings us.
That’s right – (a wise man who I call my-other-father once said)….always remember and don’t ever forget…as difficult as it’s been, or as challenging as it may be, these are life lessons and these times will make us stronger!I
More Fall Ball Highlights from Nov 8 Uptop Tourney
My Athletic Profile will provide you a whole bunch of detail about me, in addition to who I am and what I stand for. From Academic Achievements to Athletic Stats to Extras & Clubs and Upcoming Events. It has it all! Think of it as my Student-Athlete Resume. If you have received an email from me, it will contain the link to download My Athletic Profile. If you have not received one and would like to learn more about me, feel free to contact me to request more info.
