I’ve never played on an undefeated team.
As an athlete (well, as much of one that I could be) I never experienced the satisfaction of an entire season without a loss. I wish I had though.
It’s pretty obvious to me that I was never a natural born athlete, and I was OK with that. But, the mental part of the game was where I could always prove myself (my mom always said I struggled with making my limbs work in conjunction with each other and my brain – sweet isn’t she?)
This is what influenced me most to become a recreation basketball coach. Myself and two of my high school teammates started coaching elementary girls in high school.
Looking back on the first practice, coaching seemed like my worst decision.
These kids didn’t even know that a basketball was orange, let alone round, and meant to go through a hoop.
But they grew. Win after win, our pride grew for our little squad. We didn’t even realize we were undefeated until our last game.
I still don’t think the girls understood what undefeated meant. They were just enjoying their picture in the newspaper and free candy.
I hope now that they’re in high school (and hopefully still involved in competitive teams) they recognize the pride in being undefeated.
We all know that winning isn’t what it’s all about, but to win as well as learn and have fun? That’s greatness.
Undefeated, you join an elite group of athletes. Very few can say they’ve experienced the pride in never losing a game in a season.
But, it’s important to extend congratulations to those who have achieved ‘the perfect season.’
Congrats to the Braves football team, the Lady Braves soccer team, my little girls’ basketball club and anyone else who believed enough to reach the top.