A Coach's Diary

“Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.” - Simon Sinek Would you rather be in charge of people or help people? Simon Sinek is a leadership expert, author, and motivational speaker. His work focuses on helping people and organizations find purpose, inspire others, and lead with empathy rather than authority. Sinek once said, “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.” Every team has a captain, but a title doesn’t make you a leader. Real leadership is about helping people do their best and be their best. When I think about the best leaders I know, I think about two words: Respect and care. They give and command respect, and they make sure the people they lead have what they need because they care. Question of the Day: How can you show leadership when you don’t have a title?

“The will to win is not nearly as important as the will to prepare to win.” - Bobby Knight Are you willing to do what it takes to give yourself the best chance to win? Bobby Knight — often called “The General” — was one of the most successful and controversial coaches in college basketball history. He won three NCAA championships with Indiana University, including an undefeated season in 1976 — a record that still stands today.  He once said, “The will to win is not nearly as important as the will to prepare to win.” Everyone wants to win — that part is easy. But few are willing to put in the hours of hard, unseen work that winning actually requires. Championships are decided long before game day. They are won in the habits, discipline, and preparation that happen behind the scenes. Question of the Day: What does preparing to win look like for you—today, this week, or this season?

“You can do more than you think you can. You can be pushed to a higher level than you think.” - Dan Marino Do you have a tendency to stop early or keep going? Even though he never won a Super Bowl, Dan Marino is considered one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history. Known for his strong arm and quick release, Marino was a 9-time Pro Bowler and MVP. Marino once said, “You can do more than you think you can. You can be pushed to a higher level than you think.” To become great at anything, you will have to push past your comfort zone. To get faster, you have to run faster. To get stronger, you have to lift heavier. To get in better shape, you have to run until you get tired, and then run some more. Whatever it is that you want to do, you have to be willing to push past what you want — and then push some more. Question of the Day: What helps you keep going when you feel like quitting?

“I can’t control what happens around me. I can only control how hard I work.” - Mookie Betts Mookie Betts is an all-star baseball player known for his elite hitting, speed, defense, and baseball IQ.  Up 5-4 with 1 out, Betts led a double play in the 11th ending that sealed the World Series win for the Dodgers, his 4th championship. But despite confidently stepping up and making the play, Betts admitted he was “nervous” the last few innings, especially knowing how much weight he had on his shoulders to produce a major play. “That ninth inning, that was probably the most nervous I’ve ever been on a baseball field. Man, I’ve never done it. I never did it in Game 7 of the World Series,” Betts told the MLB Network crew after the game. “I mean, literally, I was talking to myself that whole—as Yoshi [Yoshinobu Yamamoto] was throwing the ball, I was literally talking to myself like ‘Be nasty, Mook. Be nasty right now.’” Betts once said, “I can’t control what happens around me. I can only ...

“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?

“Details are the separator … The work ethic, this discipline … Those things matter.” - Jamal Crawford Jamal Crawford played in the NBA for 20 years and is known as one of the best bench scorers in league history. When talking to a group of athletes, he said to pay attention to the details when training and working out — because the details are the separator. “We all know talented people who didn’t make it where they wanted to go,” Crawford said. “We all see people in LA Fitness who had game. But the discipline, the work ethic, the character — giving your word and keeping it, looking somebody in their eye — those are the things that go into life.” Even on off days, Crawford said, you can do something — watch film, do push-ups, stretch. If you want to be your best, you have to be an everyday athlete, not a sometime athlete. Question of the Day: When it’s an off day or you’re not feeling motivated, what’s one small thing you can still do to get a little better?

“When you’re not getting the results you want, you have to look at what you can do better — not what others are doing wrong.” - Jeff Gordon One of the best abilities is accountability — taking ownership of your actions, decisions, and results — and following through on what you said you would do. Jeff Gordon is a legendary NASCAR driver who won four Cup Series championships and is considered one of the greatest racers in history. He once said, “When you’re not getting the results you want, you have to look at what you can do better — not what others are doing wrong.” True growth and improvement start with self-reflection — instead of blaming others or outside circumstances, focus on what you can control and how you can get better. Accountable people don’t make excuses — they make adjustments. When you own your effort, attitude, and outcomes, you build trust, earn respect, and put yourself in position to win. Question of the Day: When things don’t go the way you hoped, how do you shi...

“Winning is important, but the process of becoming stronger is even more valuable.” - Lang Ping Winning makes everything more fun and worth it, but you don’t always win. So, what do you get out of it if you don’t? Lang Ping is one of the most respected figures in international volleyball — both as a legendary player and a world-class coach. She led the Chinese women’s national team to its first World Cup (1981) and Olympic gold medal (1984), helping establish China as a global volleyball powerhouse. Ping once said, “Winning is important, but the process of becoming stronger is even more valuable.” At some point, we all become retired athletes, and all we are left with are the memories gained and lessons learned. Winning matters, but so does the person you become in the pursuit of winning. So focus on winning, but prioritize and celebrate your growth as well. Question of the Day: When things don’t go your way, how do you make sure you still come away stronger from the experience?

“Play every game like it’s your last, and there is always someone out there who wants what you want. ” - Allen Iverson Allen Iverson is not only one of the best basketball players ever, but also a cultural icon. At just 6 feet tall, he became the shortest MVP in NBA history — proof that heart can beat height. When asked to give advice to one of the top players in the country, he shared two lessons that stood out: Play every game like it’s your last, and remember there’s always someone out there who wants what you want. Iverson said no matter how well you play, always play as hard as you can. And when you’re at home watching TV or playing video games, remember — someone out there is working for the same dream. When you’re tired or tempted to ease up, remind yourself what you’re chasing and what it takes to get there. When it’s time to work, put in the work like your dreams depend on it — because they do. Question of the Day: How do you remind yourself to give full effort, especially wh...

“A fighter’s mentality isn’t about being better than someone else. It’s about being better than you were yesterday.” - Holly Holm Holly Holm is a mixed martial artist and multiple-time world boxing champion, known for her discipline, humility, and work ethic. She once said, “A fighter’s mentality isn’t about being better than someone else. It’s about being better than you were yesterday.” Your journey is your journey, and it's about you, your progress, and your growth — no one else’s. Don’t get caught up in the comparison game. Be so focused on you and your journey that you don’t get lost in anyone else’s. This requires discipline. Holly said this about discipline: “Discipline is doing what you don’t want to do when you don’t want to do it.” Know who you want to be, know what you have to do, and have the discipline to do it — no matter what is going on around you. Question of the Day: When is it hardest for you to stay disciplined, and how do you push through it?

“If you can put aside your sensitivities and your ego, and focus on regrouping, a no can be one of the best things that ever happens to you.” - Will Packer Will Packer is one of the most successful producers and filmmakers in the world, with ten #1 box-office hits and over $1 billion in ticket sales. Will once said, “Every no has value, but in order to find it, you gotta get past the fact that you were told no.” A no doesn’t mean you’re not good enough — it means there’s something you can learn or get better at. Will said Beyoncé once turned down a movie he wanted her to star in five times, but  didn’t quit. Every time, he asked her why, made adjustments, and kept improving until she finally said yes. Each no made the project better. Packer says, “If you can put aside your sensitivities and your ego, and focus on regrouping, a no can be one of the best things that ever happens to you.” Instead of letting rejection pull you down, let it refine you. Every no can move you one step clo...

“First, find your passion, find what it is that interests you. [Then] you need people in your circles and organizations that show you and tell you that you can do it, you can be it.” - Tamika Catchings Who is on your team? Tamika Catchings is a WNBA legend, Olympic gold medalist, and Basketball Hall of Famer known for her time with the Indiana Fever. She once said, “First, find your passion, find what it is that interests you. [Then] you need people in your circles and organizations that show you and tell you that you can do it, you can be it.” Find your passion — something you care strongly about. Then, surround yourself with belief-builders — people who see potential in you, especially when you doubt yourself. They help you grow into what you might not yet believe you can become. Community fuels confidence. Achievement isn’t a solo journey; encouragement, mentorship, and representation help turn dreams into reality. Question of the Day: Who are the people in your circle who push you...

“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.” - Vince Lombardi If perfection isn’t possible, why do great teams and leaders still chase it? Vince Lombardi was a legendary American football coach best known for leading the Green Bay Packers to multiple championships and for his enduring legacy as a symbol of discipline, leadership, and excellence. He once said, “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.” While no one is or can be perfect, striving for perfection pushes us to perform at our highest level and achieve excellence along the way. We do this by setting high standards and committing to give our best effort every day, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s about focusing on growth and improvement, not flawless results. When we consistently aim higher, excellence becomes the natural outcome of our effort and discipline. Question of the Day: How can we raise our standards and give our best effort, even wh...

“A part of what gets a swimmer to the elite level is an ability to face challenges head-on, to defy improbability.” - Jenny Thompson How do you approach difficult situations — do you attack or avoid them? Jenny Thompson was an elite competitive swimmer for the U.S. who won 12 Olympic medals from 1992 to 2004. She later became an anesthesiologist. Jenny once said, “A part of what gets a swimmer to the elite level is an ability to face challenges head-on, to defy improbability.” This quote means that reaching an elite level in swimming—or in anything—requires more than talent or training. It takes the courage to face tough situations directly instead of avoiding them. Elite swimmers don’t back down from hard workouts, setbacks, or tough competition; they meet challenges with determination and belief that they can improve.  “Defying improbability” means pushing through moments when success seems unlikely or the odds are against you. True growth happens when you confront difficulty, no...