A group of rhinos is called a ‘crash’. Rhinos can run up to 35 miles per hour but can only see 30 feet ahead. They run together in confidence, moving forward at full speed, even if they’re not sure exactly what is in front of them because they know if they stay together and just take care of what’s right in front of them, they will crash through whatever obstacle is in their way or the obstacle will move.
Well, the Byrnes High School Lady Rebels Softball crashed through the SC State Championships this past month, taking care of obstacle after obstacle by staying together and in the moment.
I’ve been fortunate to be part of many championship moments—on basketball courts, baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, golf courses, and soccer fields. But yesterday’s South Carolina High Championship was one of the most special. Not just because of the thrilling, come-from-behind victories, but because of the incredible young women, coaches, and support staff who made it happen.
Winning a championship takes some talent, some luck, and a whole lot of belief and togetherness. As well as:
1. Sacrifices- Most of the girls on this team could be stars elsewhere or get more playing time, more accolades, and more free time. But they chose to be all in. Moments like Wednesday’s comeback (from 5–0 down to a 9–8 win on a walk-off walk) and yesterday’s walk-off in the bottom of the 9th (down 4–2) validate those sacrifices. Few athletes get to experience the range of emotions that these young ladies did. These memories will stay with them for a lifetime.
2. Coaches- These are some of the best coaches you’ll find. They hold their players to high standards but remain open to new ideas and perspectives. They don’t let ego get in the way of learning. They want to add any extra piece of knowledge or expertise they can. They’re committed to growing the game—even helping coaches they compete against. Most importantly, they care deeply about their players as people. To them, what these girls do in life matters more than any championship.
3. Culture- When alumni show up to every game—and travel across the state to support you—you know you’ve built something special. Excellence is the standard in everything this program does.
4. Embracing Adversity- This is at the heart of what I teach and coach. When things got tough, these girls didn’t fold. They didn’t run or hide. They rose above it—together—because they knew adversity would set them apart.
They were like a crash of Rhinos—charging through whatever stood in their way:
Calls that didn’t go their way
Not getting the start or an at-bat or to even play
Unpredictable weather
Antics from the other team
High-pressure moments
Playing from behind all week
They didn’t flinch. They embraced every challenge head-on, knowing that how they responded would define them far more than the scoreboard ever could.
Most of the season, they had a target on their backs. But in the championship, they got to be David—and they took down Goliath: the #1 team in the state and #2 in the nation.
This past week is why you put in the long hours.
Why you push through the tough moments.
Not just for the win—but for what you discover about yourself.
For what it means to sacrifice for something bigger than you.
Every girl on this team gave up a little glory.
But every girl on this team is now a state champion.
011: The Crash of the Rhinos: How Byrnes Softball Rose from Adversity to State Champions