Competitive Spirit

"Why are some players seemingly content with getting beat while others take it as a personal insult? Why do some players do nothing in between games to prevent embarrassment while others work their tails off to try to fix whatever it was that caused the opponent to score so easily? Why do some have such a cavalier disposition when an opponent makes a score while others appear to burn with a competitive spirit that confidently dares the opponent to come back and try again? Perhaps the answer lies so deep within human nature or is so buried in heredity that we will never know."

- Pete Newell


In our program, the most important characteristic that we look for when evaluating players is competitiveness and a willingness to play hard. It seems to me that playing hard is the most important skill there is, and I just wish I was a better coach so that I could find a way to instill a more competitive spirit in all our players...


The Great Competitor

Beyond the winning and the goal,
Beyond the glory and the fame,
He feels the flame within his soul,
Born of the spirit of the game.

And where the barriers may wait,
Built by the opposing gods,
He finds a thrill in bucking fate
And riding down the endless odds.

Where others whither in the fire,
Or fall below some raw mishap,
Where others lag behind and tire,
Or break beneath the handicap,

He finds a new and deeper thrill
To take him on the uphill spin,
Because the test is greater still
And something he can revel in.

- Grantland Rice