Of course, in line with statistical probability, my dream of playing in the NBA was not realized. However, in its pursuit, I was mentored, challenged, nurtured and coached by many outstanding role models who taught me as much or more about life than the game of basketball.
While I did not reach my ultimate dream, it was the motivating factor for decisions I made and paths I chose early in my life that ultimately have led me to where I am today. If I had not had been so motivated, I would not have participated in sports. If I had not participated, the teachable moments of sports would not have impacted my life.
Many young people engage sports with a dream of playing professionally or at the highest level. Some achieve it. Most do not. Regardless of the ends, participants learn from important role models and experiences in their lives about dedication, commitment, sacrifice, teamwork, being present to the moment while preparing for the future. They also develop friendships, mentoring relationships and have fun. They are able to leave their life's difficulty at the door and in some cases turn their personal or family challenges into motivation for their own success and achievement.
Last weekend marked the 40th anniversary of Title IX and increased opportunities for women in sports even though that was not necessarily its original intent. While at the Play Like A Champion Today ® Leadership Conference at Notre Dame, we heard from Theresa Shank Grentz, one of the Mighty Macs of Immaculata College who won the first women's national championship in basketball in 1972, repeated in 1973 (actual game footage!) and then again in 1974.
She shared some of her own story, fictionalized for the sake of the movie in the character of Trish Sharkey who must make a choice between pursuing her dreams in basketball or taking a part-time job. In real life, it was a choice between going to school out of state and attending Immaculata College. The choice she made led to 3 national championships, a player of the year award and a Sports Illustrated article. She is 10th all-time in coaching victories, only had two losing seasons in her 32 years of coaching, was the Olympic Head Coach in 1992 and is in the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. Good choice!
How fortunate we are to have God plant a seed of a dream in our hearts, provide gifts, opportunities and people in our lives to empower us to take an active role of making the seeds of those dreams into something fruitful whether they end up being our original plan or not.
May we work to present boundless opportunities for our youth to see what is possible,
May we encourage our young people to strive to achieve their dreams,
May we pray in thanksgiving for our coaches who journey with our youth on the paths of those dreams,
Blessings,
~Tauno Latvala
Director of CYO Athletics
