Overcoming Adversity by Julie Wicher, Sirens Half Back Perspectives Editorial Volume 2, Issue 3 March 18, 2003 Since the beginning of time man has had obstacles to overcome. For those that believe in the story of creation, we all know that from the very beginning the ability to choose right or wrong has been placed in our hands. Sometimes however, situations are presented that are beyond our control. In these circumstances the choice has to be made whether to lower your head and turn away or to take a deep breath and fight through it with whatever you have. Entering my senior year of high school, there were many expectations for the varsity soccer team. We had a lot of returning players and some very good prospective athletes joining the team. A couple weeks before the season was scheduled to begin we had team pictures. We were told not to make any gestures to the camera, just to stand there and smile. Several players (including 4 starters), thinking this was a perfect opportunity to joke around, made gestures anyway. These gestures were not offensive however these players did go against school policy for team photos and were subsequently kicked off the team. For some, the dream of a championship season was shattered. We all new that not having these players on our team would make things more difficult, however we also knew that there were many outstanding athletes still on the team. We had two choices; we could dwell on what we didn’t have or we could thrive on what we did have. Our motto for the season was to overcome adversity, no matter what that may be. Every team has adversity to overcome. It may be as simple as finding a place to practice or equipment to use. It may be figuring out how to get to a game or pay for those travel expenses. Sometimes you’re playing in a game and it seems as if there is never a call that goes your way. Other times no matter how fair you play the opponent has their own agenda and taking cheap shots and talking smack is all “part of the game.” A true test of a team is how they respond to these obstacles. Do you give up and walk away? Do you fight back? Do you ignore it all and remain focused on your agenda? With only two regular season games under our belts in 2003, the Sirens have had to face many if not all of these obstacles this year. It is our policy to remain professional and level-headed at all times. Although we are in a new league this season, we come in as a defending champion. We have won 14 games in a row (including preseason games). Teams that feel they have nothing to loose may attempt to rattle us by words, gestures or other actions and consider it all “gamesmanship.” I know for me when I see or hear this from another team it makes me even more determined to win. A true “professional” team does not need to tell people how good they are. They show people by their actions on the field. When we score we act like we’ve been there before. When a great play is made we congratulate our own players; we do not taunt the other team. When something goes wrong we move on because we know more than likely in the next play something may go very right! Everyone supports one another, including players, coaches, staff and owners. Grudges are not held between players, criticism is given (and taken) constructively, games are won through hard work and desire. Life will always present adversity no matter where you are. It is those that persevere and overcome these obstacles that, at the end of the day, can let out that deep breath they took with their head held high. Perspectives Archives