COACHES: Every single day you have to fight for the culture that you want. You have to compete for the hearts and minds of your players. You have to intentionally inspire those that you lead. It's not always easy but it will always be worth the effort.

“I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot.” ~ Kobe Bryant

THE TRICK OF LIFE "If you don't personally develop ... if you don't grow ... if you don't evolve; at a certain point in your life, your advantage is going to become your disadvantage." ~ this entire clip from @InkyJohnson is powerful and motivating!

Be in the game even when you're not in the game.

"Discipline is not punishment. Discipline is changing someone’s behavior." (Nick Saban)

PARENTS: Many teachers, coaches, and administrators are in challenging situations w/no clear-cut solutions. Instead of joining the mob that criticizes and second guesses, try to understand the complexity of the situations. Extend some grace & empathy. Maybe even encourage them.

"Practicing hard is a choice. Watching extra film is a choice. Lifting weights, being coachable, and going to class are a choice. Your choices here are going to force me to either play you, or sit you on the bench. You’ll get exactly what you want." (Pat Summitt)

PLAYERS: You don’t inspire your teammates by showing them how amazing YOU are. You inspire your teammates by helping them see how amazing THEY are and can be.

FIND A WAY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE! ~ via Brian Hutton

You are not a team just because you work together. You are a team because you trust each other, respect each other, and care for each other.

"Don't complain about not getting a chance and then be unprepared when you finally do." (Joe Montana)

PLAYERS: Before you question your playing time, honestly evaluate how you're using your practice time. Make sure that you're bringing energy, enthusiasm, and a team-first mentality to practice. Build good habits in practice. Find ways to be valuable. Make your teammates better.

PLAYERS: Your shot might be off, but your hustle never should be. You can't always control every factor in a game but you can always control your effort. Hustle and effort are talents that you can excel at regardless of size, strength, or speed. HUSTLE NEVER HAS AN OFF-DAY!

𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐆𝐄𝐓 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐍 "You have to pay full price ... That's what commitment looks like. It's not when it's easy or convenient. It's when things are hard and things aren't going well." (Brent Venables) ~ Brent Venables quote via SoonerScoop.com The Winning Difference

Great teammates remind each other of their goals, mission, and standards. They encourage one another to BE BETTER, DO MORE, and STAY FOCUED.

PARENTS: Pay attention to the banners at your kid's sporting events and the ads inside the programs. Support these local businesses because they're supporting your kids!

Think of accountability as being CALLED UP, rather than being called out. If someone is holding you accountable, it’s because they know you’re capable of more. Accountability is not done to you, it’s done FOR YOU.

"If I'm hiring a coach, I'm hiring a culture builder. Every coach will know the game but can they connect, communicate a clear vision, hire/recruit/develop people well, multiply their leadership? Coaching is about X's and O's. Leadership is about culture." ~ via Kevin DeShazo