With the inaugural varsity volleyball season, loss is evident in the scorebook. We are currently 3 – 9. On numbers alone, there are more losses than victories. On effort alone, we’ve battled some of the best teams point for point, and lost. The temptation I face as a coach is to judge my abilities against these numbers. The false misconception is to conclude that I am not an effective leader. However, when I run the numbers on positive enthusiasm, hard work, and togetherness of my team, we have a winning record. This will never appear in any scorebook, yet I have to remind myself constantly of the greater purpose for which we are playing.
Standing in front of nine women at the end of a tough loss, it takes every effort of my will to remind them that volleyball is a game of errors. If not, there would never be an opportunity for victory. The post-game pep talk becomes the occasion to remind my team that there is indeed beauty in loss. It is a greater gift to have tried for something and lost, than to have given only a minimum effort and still experience the same result. I see through the hard work and determination of my high school athletes the realization that the greatest happiness can only come through suffering. I am struck by the heart each displays when facing a tough competitor. And I am moved during our pre-game prayer when my captains thank God for the opportunity to play for Him. Even with 100 more losses, I am confident we have already won.