Take the W
This year has been a story of rebuilding for many of the Dogie sports programs. As such, the win/loss columns for several teams this year has been a bit lopsided with the wins being fewer than anyone had hoped.
The narrative of high school sports often revolves around that win/loss column, so it can be discouraging for players, coaches, parents and fans when teams are in their rebuilding seasons.
However, in these times the key to cultivating resilience and long-term success lies in recognizing and celebrating small victories.
Though these victories may seem inconsequential, they are imperative for fostering growth, teamwork and for cultivating a positive mind-set for the developing athletes involved.
Looking at the spring programs, and reflecting on the winter and fall programs, several of our teams have filled their rosters with young, and oftentimes, inexperienced players. They are thrown into the inferno of 3A varsity sports, so they are faced with the daunting task of facing very difficult opposition in every contest.
Though the adversity is tough for these rookies, it is precisely within these challenging situations that the seeds of success are sown.
So, where do we find these small victories?
It could be as simple as a player finally mastering a critical skill that has eluded them during practice.
Perhaps a team shows improvement in their communication and teamwork during a game, which doesn’t translate to a win on the scoreboard but illustrates a significant step forward in developing chemistry and in opening up the possibilities that before seemed out of reach.
These small victories are essential not only for individual athletes, but also for the morale of a team as a whole and can reveal a light at the end of the tunnel for teams to see the path to success.
Celebrating these achievements, however minute, can instill a sense of pride and motivation. Whether it’s a personal best, a hard-fought match against a top competitor, or simply maintaining composure in a close game, these moments can elevate a team’s spirit and drive.
When we — coaches, parents and fans — acknowledge these small victories, it can lead to a growth mind-set where players begin to understand that their journey is just as important as the outcome.
It does indeed take a village to help young players through a rebuilding season, however. When parents and fans rally behind a team, celebrating those small victories, it can significantly impact the players’ motivations. This connection fosters a sense of belonging, where burgeoning athletes feel valued and supported, regardless of the season’s overall performance.
In addition, the concept of resilience is built into this idea of recognizing small victories. Kids learn that setbacks are an inherent part of any sport. Developing the ability to find joy and meaning in small wins, even while experiencing team losses, prepares them not just for sports but for life’s challenges. These lessons in perseverance and positivity will serve them well far beyond the sports arena.
Rebuilding seasons can be very hard and have the potential to breed despair, however, they are also full of opportunities for growth. If we can shift the narrative from focusing solely on the W/L column to the small victories, teams can build character, foster teamwork, and create an enduring culture of resilience.
These experiences not only shape the athletes but also contribute to the future success of the program.