When we say “ATTITUDE” at the end of each practice we are not referring to a hostile tone of arrogance or belligerence. That’s not the attitude we endorse. We are reminding ourselves that we want to have an attitude of optimism. We want to remain positive no matter how tough it gets. We want to remind each other that no matter how things look and feel right now, if we stay focused on the process we’ll eventually get results. We want to remember that the one thing we can do to improve ourselves is bring a great attitude, every day, and confront the challenges we face.

We “borrowed” Attitude from Jay Wright and Villanova basketball. Villanova is more than a basketball program – it’s a culture. You see it in the style they play. It’s an unselfish, team first attitude. They never quit and they always stay true to their approach. Villanova players never dwell on the previous play – it can’t be changed. They are on to the next play and future plays – plays that they can impact. Down six points, eight points – it doesn’t matter. They just keep coming at you, confident that their commitment to their approach to the game will prevail before the clock runs down.

As you get older you’ll realize that as players you only have a finite number of practices and games left in your athletic careers. You want to embrace the challenges, the struggles, and the victories - small and large. You want to enjoy every practice, every game and every moment with your teammates and coaches.

So when we say “Attitude” we’re saying, we can do this. If we stay focused and connected we will get better. If it gets tough (and it will) we stay true to the program and to each other. We don’t look for excuses or others to blame. We take responsibility for what we can do. It’s an attitude of optimism. The original One Voice players found their way after a few frustrating seasons - eventually playing in three consecutive state sectional finals – an impressive accomplishment.

We’ve seen signs of attitude already this spring. One Voice veterans know the drill and have come back focused and engaged. New players have shown a willingness to listen and apply new information - not easy when you are young, trying to fit in and want to show others what you can do. Mary Kate, Lily and Katie put their personal workouts aside last night (04-12) to help out with the younger players. Caroline (Coach K) and Jenna show up, despite their injuries, to be a part of things.

It’s a good beginning but we will be challenged. Time will tell if we can sustain the attitude when things get tough. Can we sustain the effort when it feels like we are not making progress fast enough? Can we figure out how to take care of the other priorities in our life and still stay committed to our improvement? Can we be happy for our teammates when they succeed while we struggle?

The coaches are well past their playing years but we know the lessons learned have served us well in life. It’s way too early for you to know this but, in the end, that’s what this is all about. When you finally put the basketball away what will you take away? What was the point of all the work, all the time put in and all the emotion? Chances are you’ll find it was worth it – especially if you develop ATTITUDE.

 Bob Peterman