Part of my job as a Mental Game Coach is to watch and observe other sporting events. Who comes through in the clutch, who handles adversity, what teams work together to achieve their goals and so on. What are the parallels, the things that stand out among those that succeed? What can I take from these contests? What’s the lesson learned here? I generally have these and many other thoughts and questions when I watch games.
This
past weekend I hit a treasure chest- personally and professionally. I am a huge (huge might be an understatement) TarHeel fan in all sports. Watching them win the ACC Baseball Tournament and then the women’s lacrosse team followed up by winning the National Championship was the jackpot.
Aside from the personal joy, the professional side of me was in awe by the mental toughness, refuse to lose mentality, and team attitude I witnessed both teams demonstrate on their way to their respective championships.
The baseball team came into the tournament as the top dog after winning the regular season and holding the #1 spot in the national polls for a large chunk of the season. However, on Friday evening they ran into a determined Clemson squad that controlled the game throughout leading 7-2 with 2 outs in the 9th. With their never say die attitude, belief in each other and some pure luck, they overcame the deficit and went into extra innings. They were able to capture the win around midnight in the 14th inning. But that was just a warm-up for things to come.
On Saturday, they faced one of the most talented, imposing collegiate pitches I have seen in a long time. They faced arch rival NC State in a game that will go down in ACC baseball legend. The game was epic. Despite State controlling the majority of the game- UNC could barely muster a base runner , the game remained tied at 1-1 inning after inning and hour after hour. After making it 12 innings and limiting UNC’s potent offense, State’s ace was relieved. Several innings later UNC had to face arguably the best closer in the collegiate game- who had allowed 0 earned runs ALL year. Again the Heels dug in, had a couple of strong at bats, had some luck, maintained their focus and never wavered in their belief in each other. A timely hit broke the tie in the top of the 18th. Then UNC defense held and after nearly 7 hours of baseball (time was approaching 2am), the Heels won the battle of a lifetime.
Less than 11 hours later, UNC had to eat, shower, somehow manage sleep, eat again and be aback at the field for the championship game. With a limited pitching staff (the majority had already thrown all they could through the weekend) they faced one of the hottest teams at seasons end in Virginia Tech who had had a rest day on Saturday.
UNC decided to start a freshman who had thrown only 5 innings ALL year. Did UNC dwell on this? Or the fact they were physically and mentally exhausted (playing 32 innings in nearly 32 hours, 41 since Thursday)? Did they start making excuses in case they didn’t win? Did they reduce their expectations? Were they satisfied to have pulled out 2 dramatic wins? NO to all the above. They came back more determined and focused. The freshman, Cherry pitched 5 strong innings (more innings and pitches than he had pitched total all year) to lead UNC to 4-1 victory and momentum heading in to the NCAA’s as well as another ACC title for the University. The tournament and this team’s desire to overcome is what stories and legends are made of.
The Women’s Lacrosse team on the other hand came into the National Championship game as the underdog having lost only 2 games but those 2 were to their opponent, undefeated Maryland. They jumped out to a quick lead putting Maryland in the biggest deficit they had faced all year. However, Maryland being the championship team they are responded. In the 2nd half, not only did they tie the game but took the lead as well. UNC could have easily folded, hung their heads, started getting frustrated with them selves for blowing the lead but they didn’t. Did they complain or find excuses in the numerous “down a man” penalties they found themselves in? NO. Did they get frustrated by Maryland dominating them on the draws (something I have come to realize is crucial in women’s lacrosse)? NO. They fought on with a refuse to lose mentality. The freshmen goalie who just become a starter at end of season came up with big save after big save as did Maryland’s goalie. Did they hang their head after having several opportunities to score were blown? NO. Did they complain of fatigue overtime after overtime? NO. Did the coaches look worried or try to over coach? NO. In one of the last huddles on the sidelines, UNC head coach didn’t even huddle with the girls, instead trusting them to fuel each other. There was no more coaching she could do. It was just a matter of seer will, heart, determination, and wanting to do it for the girl next to you. Again, the goalie came up with a save and UNC took it down the field and fittingly another freshmen stood up for UNC on this day and hit the game winner.
Champions are born through adversity and hardship. They look for opportunities to prove themselves. Whether they are the best player on the team or waiting for their one moment to shine comes along and then they make the most of it. When teams let go of egos, fight for each other, don’t look for excuses or argue calls and just play, fairy tales can come true. Just ask the guys and girls on UNC baseball and lacrosse teams.
LESSON: you have make excuses or you can find a way!