The Best Compliment Ever...

So, Wednesday nights are my night to train my high school volleyball players. I usually go into practice pretty energized, but today I had had a tiring day at work, plus I had been a bit under the weather this weekend. So, I still didn't feel like myself. Needless to say, I still was looking forward to coaching because I love it. I absolutely love it.

I coached 5 different players tonight in 3.5 hours. All different levels, and all different positions. Not to mention, all different demeanors. My last player that I worked with is a Junior at a neighboring high school. (Not Saugus, my Alma mater- but a rival high school). Her name is Katelyn. She is a special player because she doesn't know how good she is. She is calm, and very "together." She has a very quick arm swing and she is extremely coachable. Did I mention that she is quiet? Yes, she is nothing like me as a player. And, I love that. We would work very well together on the same team.

Well, tonight, she told me that her coach pulled her aside at practice and asked her how much she had been working in her 'off' time, with her coach- Erika. She said, well, twice. And he said to her that he has really noticed a difference. How cool is that? Her setter also told her that she has noticed how good she is, and a head club coach in the area also noticed her at a clinic this past weekend. I was very excited to hear this, and so was she. I told her that she could be a little less humble- she laughed.

I left practices tonight with a whole different attitude. These girls are truly energizing and I know how good they are getting- I just know that confidence for them will come when they hear comments like Katelyn heard from the people that matter- coaches and fellow players. It's just nice to know that this resource that I am providing for these girls (it is all their hard work that truly makes the difference) is creating a positive atmosphere for them.

So, my lesson to take away from tonight.

“You get the best effort from others not by lighting a fire beneath them, but by building a fire within.” - Bob Nelson.

Keep Motivating!