One of the first questions I ask potential clients is, What characteristics do you love about yourself that add value to your team without putting any points on the scoreboard?
I ask this question to:
Get the athlete to reflect on themselves as a human being rather than a volleyball player.
and
Get them to believe that even though they may not be having their best game, they can still contribute, which can alleviate pressure to perform.
Find a Buddy
I recently came across an article about Steph Curry and teammate Buddy Hield (https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/steph-curry-buddy-hield-steve-kerr/1832385/). Warriors head coach Steve Kerr says, “Just the joy that he [Buddy] brings, the laughter, the upbeat nature regardless of how things are going, whether he's making shots or missing shots, he's always in a good mood. And that stuff is crucial in a long season."
I don’t know if JOY is one of Steph’s core values, but I would go out on a limb to say that it is so, to have a teammate that emphasizes that value can be the difference in a close game. Even though Buddy has struggled recently, he still finds himself in the rotation (adding value) and is often the first person Steph seeks out to celebrate a big play.
18-Person Rosters
With the potential of roster limits on the horizon for men’s volleyball teams, I think it is even more essential for young athletes to work at these characteristics that add value. If all skills are equal between two athletes vying for one of the last coveted roster spots, who you are as a person will surely come into play. Several talented athletes who were being recruited at Stanford got crossed off the list because of questions about their character.
Beyond Volleyball
At the end of last summer, I started working with a young man who was extremely athletic with a good set of skills. From watching him compete, I could see that he was highly competitive but needed to find ways to use it for good rather than evil. I was a little reluctant to take him on based on my perceptions, but he quickly changed what I thought about him as I learned more. He was thoughtful and a great friend. He is a remarkable communicator and connects well with all the different personalities that make up his team. He makes people feel valued and on a few occasions has made me feel great about myself.
It has been his goal to play collegiately and has a small list of schools he has targeted. The challenging part is that he has played on the same team as another great player of the same position and only recently earned more of a starting role, making him more visible to recruiters who have most likely filled their spots.
I think about this athlete frequently because I don’t know if he will get a shot with the 18-man rosters looming, and also playing a position that can be challenging to get recruited. He is someone that I would want in my program because he adds value without putting any points on the scoreboard, and he’s talented. It does bring me solace to know that even if he doesn’t get that opportunity, he is going to be great in his partnerships, in the workplace, and if he so desires in the future, as a father because he makes those around him better!
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