MARCH MADNESS MUSINGS
I’ve enjoyed reading the book The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin to Osas and Ese. As we fill out our brackets and are lost in the thrills of wins and losses, let’s not forget that each person has a story, is a child to somebody, and has valid hopes and dreams just like our own. May we see beyond basketball and brackets and honor each story knowing that some stories might not be told.
“When I look at you/And you look a me/I wonder what wonderful/things you will be…”
There will be the high flyers, future NBA draft picks, future professional basketball players, and famous sports broadcasters. On the court, there will also be future high school coaches, store managers, CEOs, military personnel, teachers, police officers, doctors and more – challenge yourself to engage each story with wonder.
“Will you stand up for good by saving the day, or play a song only you know how to play?”
On every team, even the last person on the bench has a role to play. The team is not the starting 5. The athletes who prepare the frequent players, managers, physicians, etc. It takes more than 5 players to put on 2 hours of what seems like an opportunity to hail or bash. Celebrate each role because contrary to what happens, they matter.
“Will you learn how to fly to find the best. And become anybody that you’d like to be…”
I know NIL changes the landscape of things, but do not forget that they are 18-22 year olds. March Madness gives each person on every team an opportunity to believe in themselves, to dream of what is possible, and to learn from mistakes and losses. While you cheer your team on, also celebrate the many young men and women who continue to discover what they are capable of. Regardless of defeat, celebrate their stories.
“And then I’ll look at you and you’ll look at me, and I’ll love you, whoever you’ve grown up to be.”
16 years ago, I was on that stage. I had been to the NCAA tournament two straight years before that. After losing to Maryland in Buffalo in 2007, Coach Matheny walked up to me and put his arms around my shoulders and whispered, “You have seen this stage. You need to help us get back here next year.” He saw me before I could see myself. His comments and encouragement and challenge from teammates stayed with me all summer as I worked tirelessly. I am no Stephen Curry, but I played my part. Be a Coach Matheny to someone who others might not see. And just maybe, you can help them feel a part of something bigger, embrace their role, and even see how much more they are capable of off the court.
