The Shield--Issue 2

THE KEY TO SUCCESS
by Coach Freeman Blade

There are literally hundreds of books, articles, papers, seminars and audio/video tapes on the topic of success.

I want to take a 30 second time out and share with you what I believe is a key to your success—preparedness.

Consider this:

1. Preparation is the key to success.

2. Luck favors a mind that is prepared.

3. If you fail to prepare, you are preparing to fail.

Allow me to ask you a few questions:

1. How are you preparing now for your future success?

2. What has been your attitude in these summer months toward preparing for the fall or winter?

3. Are you developing your strengths and improving your weaknesses?

4. Are you improving your fitness level so you are able to work on your skills at game speed?

5. How much introspection (checking in on yourself daily) are you doing?

6. Will you have learned more about who you are as a person and as a player by the end of the summer?

Keep this in mind throughout August—how you prepare, the level of your commitment to preparedness will determine the level of your success. It will determine the quality of your success and the longevity of your success.

The best preparation for tomorrow is in doing your best today. Your will to prepare must be greater than your will to succeed.

Go Spartans!

The Shield: Issue 1

THOUGHTS FROM THE CASE WOMEN'S BASKETBALL OFFICE
by Coach Freeman Blade

There is an ebb and flow to every game, there are times when the offense is just not clicking and there are moments when you think you can't do anything right. The ball is not falling, the officials are not making the calls and fans (parents and friends) are not sure what to think.

There is, however, one thing that you have absolute control over. It is your relentless pursuit for excellence. It is your hustle, your hard work and your never-say-die-attitude. It is the hustle, the hard work and the never give up attitude that makes the difference between winning a ball game by one or losing by one.

Always work with this thought in mind: I will work harder than you, I will hustle more than you and I will be more efficient than you. It is about getting the most out of the moment that we have.

Go Spartans!