MARCH MADNESS
Who are your picks to advance to the NCAA Women's Final Four? The great thing about this time of year often referred to as - MARCH MADNESS - is that nearly any given night there can be an upset on the court. Each team is playing for the chance to make it to the next round of the tournament. Teams rally and compete with a sense of urgency because losing equates to an official end of their season, which can be heartbreaking.

I had the opportunity to play in two NCAA tournaments during my college days. A big part of tourney time was the pure thrill of being selected to participate in the big dance. That rush of adrenaline carried me through the first round game when a stark reality set in -only one outcome was going to matter on the coveted NCAA bracket -WINNING! The alternative outcome meant packing your bags and heading home. When you really stop to think about it, if your only options as a player are to win or lose, that in itself can create a bit of "madness".

I'm sure you've heard a coach say, "It's not whether you win or lose, but it is how you play the game." This can sound pretty hollow if you or your team seems to experience more than its share of defeats. In this season of hoop mania, I'm passing along a valuable all-American tip -Regardless of your win-loss record or individual performance (good or bad), be MADLY encouraged! Its one thing to experience a defeat based on the final score of a game, but to remain defeated in spirit or attitude after a tough loss is one form of "madness" that no one wants to cheer on. 'Misery loves company' are words of wisdom that have vivid impact, especially when in comes to our attitude in life. We all make conscious choices daily - whether to be kind or mean, hard-working or lazy, and so forth. In basketball, you have to make decisions too - listen to your coach or not; support a teammate while you sit on the bench or not...well, I know you can relate.

Your attitude on and off the court reflects your true character. Remember to be the person that others madly enjoy being with rather than the individual that is maddening to be around! Don't forget you can send me a shout out anytime at tellisward@nbccamps.com. Enjoy MARCH MADNESS!

Heart, Soul & Sport,

Coach T
Director of Women's Basketball
& Whitworth Site Director
March