A Note from the Coach–Taking A LEAP to Stay Motivated!

While in Southern California, I also had the opportunity to visit with my niece, who works for Coach Pete Carroll at USC. We were able to visit his closed workout on the Thursday evening prior to the Notre Dame game. What fun it was to see his connection to the players and his different techniques for motivating them. While it “never rains in Southern California” (especially in October), the area received a torrential downpour during the practice. Coach Carroll took a break from practice to play “slip and slide” along the sidelines of the field. The players ran, launched, slid and glided across the field. The spirit was relaxed and upbeat—with a new found motivation to move on toward game day with an enhanced attitude.

Motivation can come in many different forms.  For some, visiting You Tube to watch their favorite athlete in a gold medal winning Olympic performance is motivating. For others, it can be working with a new trainer in the gym who helps to “tweak” your dry-land routine. One of our age-group swimmers, Olivia Been, had an inspirational time attending a clinic during fall break where she met Olympic Gold Medalist Rebecca Soni. What a thrill for a young swimmer to meet an Olympian in person – and what great motivation!