A Coach's Diary

“You can't always be the strongest or most talented or most gifted person in the room, but you can be the most competitive.” - Pat Summit Do you show up and compete when you aren’t the strongest, most talented, or most gifted? Pat Summitt was one of the greatest coaches in sports history. Her University of Tennessee Lady Volunteer teams were known for their toughness, discipline, and relentless competitiveness — qualities that reflected her own personality. Coach Summitt once said, “You can't always be the strongest or most talented or most gifted person in the room, but you can be the most competitive.”  Natural ability isn’t the only thing that determines success — effort, drive, and competitiveness matter just as much, if not more. You may not always be the most skilled or physically gifted person, but you can always show up ready to work, refusing to give up, and finding ways to win even when the odds aren’t in your favor. Talent sets the floor, but competitiveness raises t...

“You can’t worry about what people say you can’t do — just show them what you can do.” - Doug Williams Do you care more about what you can do or more about what people say you can do? Doug Williams was the first black quarterback to win a Super Bowl and to be named Super Bowl MVP. He once said, “You can’t worry about what people say you can’t do — just show them what you can do.” That quote means you shouldn’t waste energy trying to convince people who doubt you — instead, focus on proving yourself through your actions. Talk doesn’t change opinions — performance does. People might underestimate you, criticize you, or tell you what’s not possible. But instead of arguing or letting it discourage you, you let your work — your preparation, discipline, and results — speak for you. Question of the Day: When someone doubts you or tells you what you can’t do, how do you respond — with words or with work?

“This is what I love to do. And if pressure is something that comes with playing good golf, that’s something a professional golfer has to handle.” - Inbee Park How do you handle the pressure that comes with being good at what you do? Inbee Park is a South Korean professional golfer and one of the most accomplished players in women’s golf history. She has won 7 major championships, including the career Grand Slam — meaning she’s won all five different LPGA major titles — a rare achievement shared by only a handful of golfers. She once said, “This is what I love to do. And if pressure is something that comes with playing good golf, that’s something a professional golfer has to handle.” If you want to do something great, you have to be willing to handle the weight that comes with it. Pressure isn’t a problem to avoid — it’s part of the process of excellence. Question of the Day: How can you re-frame pressure as a sign of opportunity and growth instead of something to fear?

“Everybody wants to be a beast until it’s time to do what beasts do.” - Ann Wolfe Everyone has goals, but few people are willing to do what it takes to make it happen. Ann Wolfe was a professional boxer who was known for her resilience, grit, power, and fearlessness in the ring. She once said, “Everybody wants to be a beast until it’s time to do what beasts do.” Everyone likes the idea of being great — strong, dominant, or successful — but very few are willing to do the hard, painful, disciplined work it actually takes to get there. Ann Wolfe is saying that it’s easy to want the results, but real beasts — the ones who earn it — are the people who show up early, train through pain, and push themselves when no one’s watching. People love the glory, but not the grind. Ann has also said, “If you don’t go through nothing, you won’t be nothing,” and “Pain is just part of the process. You can’t build anything strong without it.” If you want to be a beast, you have to do what beasts do. Questi...

"You have to be a little bit crazy to do gymnastics. You have to love pain, love pressure, and love proving people wrong.” - Svetlana Khorkina You have to be a little crazy to actually do what it takes to be great at something. Svetlana Khorkina is a retired Russian artistic gymnast widely regarded as one of the greatest and most innovative gymnasts in history. She once said, “You have to be a little bit crazy to do gymnastics. You have to love pain, love pressure, and love proving people wrong.” This quote showed a glimpse into her competitive fire and relentless drive. Gymnastics pushes the body and mind to extremes — long hours of repetition, constant correction, fear of injury, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. Khorkina embraced all of that. Greatness in all areas requires a little craziness — a willingness to push past comfort, embrace challenge, and keep going long after most people would stop. Question of the Day: When has chasing something important to you require...

“Winning means you’re willing to go longer, work harder, and give more than anyone else.” - Sonja Henie If you want to be great at anything, you have to stretch yourself and be willing to be uncomfortable. Sonja Henie was a Norwegian figure skater and actress who became one of the most famous athletes in the world in the early 20th century. She once said, “Winning means you’re willing to go longer, work harder, and give more than anyone else.” This quote is a reflection of her relentless work ethic and competitive spirit, and what we all need if we want to do or achieve something great. It means success doesn’t come from talent alone — it comes from persistence, effort, and sacrifice.  Those who win are the ones willing to push past comfort, stay disciplined when others stop, and give just a little more when it matters most. Question of the Day: When things get uncomfortable or challenging, how willing are you to keep pushing and give a little more to reach your goals?