Joe Paterno once said, “When a team outgrows individual performance and learns team confidence, excellence becomes a reality.”
Being a member of a team is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences in life. Even if it’s not necessarily the most winning team, participation can still be a gratifying experience. The bonds that are created on teams can last a lifetime.
Teams not only play better and motivate each other on the court, but they can be support systems off the court as well. Coaches have taken training classes and seminars to help find ways to build that camaraderie among their players. When players learn to rely on each other and build a trust between them, the foundations for a great team are inevitable. It takes an insightful coach to be able to bring together a bunch of individuals and make them into one cohesive, functioning unit.
The support system that grows from a team can improve self esteem, promote a positive attitude, give direction and encourage leadership. Everybody on a team has a role to fill. All parts fit together like a puzzle. If even a portion of the team isn’t on the same page, everybody suffers. It’s the responsibility of the coach to find a way to break through whatever barriers might be holding a team back and get everybody working toward one common goal.
Being a member of a team can make memories and relationships that last through your school career and beyond. It’s important to feel important! Do what you can to be the best team member you can be! Only positive things can come from putting forth all your effort for the team.