Caitlin Clark Is One Of One
“You break it, you own it,” the Nike slogan has read for a few weeks now. It features one of the most inspiring athletes of this generation, sporting the number 22 and arms raised in the air. Yesterday, Caitlin Clark broke the all-time NCAA college basketball scoring record. However, this accomplishment is much more than that. The ripple effect of this Iowa star’s accomplishments is beautifully taking over the sports world.
When Clark nailed that logo three-pointer in mid-February to grab the all-time NCAA women’s scoring record, she did so in dramatic fashion. The arena erupted, the game paused, and celebrations ensued. Breaking “Pistol” Pete Maravich’s NCAA Division I scoring record was a huge moment. Clark drained a free throw to own this record that many thought would hold forever. Though it was without drama and excess “show.” It featured a focused and humbled Clark who was doing her job.
If you think about the routine of a foul shot in basketball, it’s practiced routinely. Whether at the highest level of basketball or just picking up the Spalding, one of the first things you will work on is standing at the stripe and making that free thrown. It’s simple yet consistently challenging. Why? Because it’s just you vs. you.
For Clark, it drastically differed from making a signature three-pointer from another universe. It was #22 standing alone in the same line that young players worldwide stand at practice.
The Art Of Caitlin Clark Is Just Beginning
“I’m just proud of our girls,” Clark said. “It was a fun, dominant win for us. I thought we played well,” Clark said in a post-game interview via NBC.
Now, we are seeing young athletes (some of whom don’t even play basketball) doing everything they can to wear the #22. Furthermore, we are not just seeing them run outside and launch half-court shots. As a coach, I’m seeing young athletes see first-hand what it takes behind the scenes. For example, being a good teammate and doing those ten extra pushups when nobody is watching are essential success factors. So that when your time comes to be on the foul line alone, and every eye is on you, you calm down and make the shot.
What’s Next?
Caitlin Clark announced she will enter the WNBA Draft this year. The Indiana Fever has the first pick. They are already selling out tickets for next season. Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes still have work to do with the NCAA tournament ahead. Many believe Iowa is not the favorite to win it all. Yet, with this incredible record in the rearview, it will be hard to count out #22.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll see Clark and company on many national networks. Aside from her thrilling game, you will also notice Clark sign every shoe, t-shirt, or poster that comes her way while she’s walking off the court. Regardless of what else happens this season, #22 will be known for capturing that scoring record, but as we continue to see this story unfold, that is just part of what makes Caitlin Clark one of them.
5 Life Lessons From Coaching Youth Sports
The Meaning of Hard Work
There’s no better feeling than working tirelessly for something you really want, and then accomplishing it. Especially if you are an underdog. You learn to enjoy the struggle. It makes the reward that much sweeter. The most valuable lesson from this piece is that once you dedicate yourself to putting in whatever it takes, this becomes a mindset. No win comes for free. You aren’t entitled to playing time. Both of those must be earned. There’s nothing wrong with reminding yourself of that while preaching to your kids about how to get playing time.
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The Importance of Exercise
Your definition of exercise might be a sweaty cardio workout in the gym. But as a coach, exercise has a broad meaning. Certainly, getting yourself outside with a team and teaching them the importance of stretching and preparing your body is essential to physical success. Coaching a sport like football, for example, your two hours a day on the field are laser-focused on just that. There, you are giving yourself some mental exercise, taking a break from all the other work, stress, or life-circumstances. You can forget everything else when you hit the field, court, or rink.
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Treat Everyone The Same, But Coach Them Differently
Whether you manage a soccer team or a sales team, you’re leading a collection of individuals. What makes your top performer tick is not the same as what makes a lesser player (or employee) with potential, tick. This lesson centers around relationship-building and listening. How you run your team is about you, and how your players apply these guidelines is about them.
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Nobody Is Going Pro At 10 Years Old...
…Nor are they getting a full scholarship offer to a top NCAA college at this age. You may see things in your kid or another on the team where your experience makes you think a certain player has a shot at the big time. But that time is not right now. Your coaching duty is to give the best experience possible to your players. How does creating an entire game plan around one super-talented 10-year old give the other 20 kids a fair chance? How does it give them a memorable experience? Or something to build off for next year. Or confidence. Again, those refereeing your games are most likely high school or college kids themselves. They’re just trying to work and earn some money. Again, cut them some slack.
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You Matter
Your tone in addressing your players, the refs, and the other team matters, too. Be cognizant of how you deliver your messages. You may have an incredibly impactful point to make, but if you don’t articulate it correctly, and cater to your audience, it can be useless. Coaching youth sports is about the overall experience, not the final score, and not the final record. Your stats don’t matter, your voice does.
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