Category: Inspiration

Remember that “Pressure is a Privilege.” An oft-quoted remark from tennis great Billie Jean King — “pressure is a privilege” – means the athlete gets to experience the thrill of a meaningful moment. If the moment didn’t matter, there would be less thrill in passing the test…and less of a learning opportunity should the athlete fall short….

Coaching Tip from the Postive Coaching Alliance and Liberty Mutual’s Play Positive program. Positive Rewards – Create rewards other than MVP to reward what you value.  Try selecting the Most Valuable Teammate, or a the Most Ready To Go award.  Involve your athletes in choosing the winner. http://youtu.be/qYvqdmdE0Ns

Responsible Sports Series from Liberty Mutual Insurance Although USA Volleyball’s Carli Lloyd admits she is hard on herself, she shares the process she goes through when dealing with mistakes. Even a professional like Carli explains that she is “still working to get better at”.

Responsible Sports Series from Liberty Mutual Insurance What goes into an intense rivalry? Jenny Potter, 1998 Olympic women’s ice hockey gold medalist, shares her personal experiences playing in college and for Team USA and the rivalries associated with both. Jenny share, “We have always emphasized respect. Respect for yourself and respect for your opponents.”

Responsible Sports Series from Liberty Mutual Insurance Brandon Slay, Olympic gold medalist and current USA Wrestling Resident Freestyle coach, shares the two types of goals he believes are “ultra important” for athletes. Brandon goes on to explain these two, objective goals and process goals, and how athletes can create and utilize both.

USA Volleyball’s Carli Lloyd shares some quotes and family inspiration that has motivated her through her career. Carli quotes running legend Steve Prefontaine saying, “to give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” Video from Positive Coaching Alliance & ResponsibleSports.com

Article from Positive Coaching Alliance & LMI Responsible Sports video series: US Water Polo’s Tumua Anae shares the personal story of how her father and his seven brothers, as well as her immediate family, helped translate competition within her family to in the pool. “I really pulled from that competition.” Tumua goes on, “You’re going…

Article from Positive Coaching Alliance & LMI Responsible Sports video series: Olympian and 2012 USA National Men’s Volleyball Team Member Brian Thornton shares the importance of having a short memory. Brian shares, “It’s important to just move on to the very next play. You have to know that each occurrence is separate from the other.”

Zeke Jones, the former Olympic medalist and current coach of the USA Wrestling freestyle team, shares his view on being a fan of the sport. “Even if the opponent does something good, that is okay.” Cheering for both sides makes you the ultimate fan.

Responsible Sports clip from Liberty Mutual & Positive Coaching Association 2012 Olympic Wrestling Gold Medalist Jordan Burroughs explains to parents how and why they should encourage their youth athletes.