The Importance of a Team

First off, I'd like to apologize for this blog being so delayed! I've had a lot on my plate lately. Our team competed at Regionals and swept Gold in all the routine events! This means we put a hitch in Ohio State's 23 year regional championship list of titles. Exciting and definitely one for the history books. But we're not done yet! Still collegiates to go and we're working harder than ever.

However that's not what this blog post is about. I recently received an e-mail on my facebook page (www.facebook.com/marykillman) from a woman who has two young daughters who both compete in a sport that I hold dear to my heart. Synchronized Swimming.

If you know anything about the sport of Synchronized Swimming, or even if you don't, most notice it is a team sport. Sure, it has Duets, and Trios, and even solo's! I myself am a soloist, but while a routine by yourself can be impressive, it just doesn't have the same feeling as when you are surrounded by 7 of your teammates. The image of walking proud across the deck, diving in the water before performing a (hopefully) flawless routine with lifts soaring into the air and amazing scores at the end all before all 8 of you, screaming like 10 year old girls, are hugging and celebrating your hardwork and amazing friendships...

Sometimes however that's not the case.

Sometimes it's difficult to work in a sport where estrogen runs rampant and puberty hits at seemingly all ages. Sometimes you don't get along with everyone. Sometimes you just really don't want to go to practice because Shannon said something about you to Tanya who told Abby who obviously had to inform Lisa about it before the entire scenario got back to you two weeks later and your feelings were hurt over it.
Sometimes it happens.

But what can we do about it? Honestly, nothing. Girls will be girls, boys will be boys, and people will spread rumors long after the sun sets. What we can do however, is learn and understand that as a TEAM you are strong. Without each other, you can get no where...or at least it's a lot harder. 

At this point, we think cohesion is impossible. Hold steady my friends, it's not. Anything is impossible if you set your mind to it. I was sitting in my management class today, where we went over a chapter about Teams. There was a story of an athlete who truly did not enjoy being around his teammates. However, they had a pact that as a team, they were unstoppable. As a team, they were the best of friends and could celebrate in the wins and mourn over the losses. As a team, they could do anything. Whatever personal problems they had were left at the gate before walking onto the field. The moment that jersey went on, it was a new life. It was a time where there are no worries, no problems, and no issues...only trust, courage, spirit, and a want to succeed. 

This is what a team should learn.
Trust. Courage. Spirit. Want.
Team is not spelled with an "i" for a reason! 

Babe Ruth was a true team player. Not everyone liked him, but he had his share of respect. A great teammate is someone who truly puts the team before themselves. Someone who cares about the essence of his or her teammates.

After all, you could have a Bobsledding team full of Olympic Gold Medalists in Luge but unless they learn to work together, they may end up upside down after a sharp turn. You could put together a Rowing team of 8 individual record holders in singles and still not place on the medal stand if they don't work together to synchronize the catch and release of each stroke. If they ignore the others, the boat will not travel at it's fastest pace. 

Teamwork. It's important if you wish to get anywhere.
Enjoy the journey, nothing will be easy, but teammates make it bearable.

Thanks for reading! Don't forget to check out my website, or my facebook page! I'll do my best to keep my blog posts updated. :) Keep sending me questions or comments and I can talk about them in my next blog post! Have a great day!

--Mary