I had the opportunity to watch the World Cup for Women's Soccer today and I was saddened by the outcome of the game. I really wanted them to win, as I think everyone including them did. I think that it is so hard to train, sacrifice and work so hard for something only to fall short in the end. They did make some key errors. Giving up that one goal to let Japan tie the game was a fatal mistake. It would be hard to carry the burden of the two defenders who are there to help the goalie. One split second can change everything.
A few years ago I was coaching a men's volleyball team. We worked so hard going undefeated all season, won the Region Championship, and made it to the state final game. We came to play. My boys were ready to be the state champions. They wanted it so bad and for me as their coach after watching them work together for so long I wanted nothing more then to give it to them. Well long story short, we lost in 5 games by 2 points. It was hart breaking. I can still remember the last 5 points of the game in detail. Now as a coach I have learned from this experience and I know that this was a hard reality for my boys to except. We all learned, and had to rise above the lose.
I think that we have all been through something like this or of this nature. Have any of you been so close to something that you wanted so badly but just barely fallen short of the goal? What have you learned? How did you rise above it?
I have been very close to accomplishing goals in the past and the common conclusion is that I need to be a little more dedicated, I needed to work a little harder (or smarter). It motivates me to do more or be more. In the instances where I have competed for something and another won over me, I look at who it is and what they did to win. I give praise where praise is due. I hope the American soccer team did so with the Japanese women who also worked very hard to accomplish their goals.
ReplyDeleteI played soccer in college and can clearly remember Mia Hamm and the 1999 Gold Medal Team. That team inspired an entire generation of girls to get out and play soccer--that it was cool to play sports! This team lost a very close match (they should have won) but they could win a GOLD Medal in London in 2012! They need to change the mindset -- the Japanese were very disciplined and a complete team focus. It was a FAB game wasn't it?
ReplyDeleteI also remember the 1999 win. It was very exciting. It really did do so much for women's sports. I was getting ready to leave for college to play volleyball. It was so inspiring. I think that you are right about their chances to win at the olympics. I don't think they will let it slip away. Thanks for your post!
ReplyDeleteAlicia,
ReplyDeleteI am the offensive coordinator for Hurricane High School's football team. We have faced the same team (Juan Diego Catholic) for the last three years in the 3A state championship game. Each season, we have lost by a last second field goal or touchdown. The hearts of our kids, staff, and entire community have been ripped out over and over again. This being said, it SHOULD be remembered and mentioned always that we have had three great teams in a row and accomplished a lot together. Sometimes, you fall short. Sometimes you do it over and over. I think that I have learned some things from these experiences. As tough as they were, I wouldn't trade them for anything.