A big thanks! and some advice wanted again!

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I would like to thank all of you who have helped me over the years, even with the crazy questions. If you remember my posts you know that I coach HS girls in WV. Yesterday, we just completed the best season in school history by finishing second in the state tournament. Along the way we won the two conferences that we play in. We defeated some very good teams, some for the first time after several attempts over the years.

Now for my questions.
1. The girls would like to get shirts. What I need are suggestions for the design. My guess is that we will use the front and back.

2. Do you have any other suggestions for something to give to the girls that might be more meaningful?

3. I want to really work hard on leadership. I think this is one area where we can really improve. I am thinking about telling my players that if they want to be respected as a captain that they have to earn it. I actually have a couple returning players who may not want to play this summer. I think I should tell them that if they don't play they will lose the respect of their teamates and won't be under consideration for being a captain next season. What are your thoughts, how should I word it?

Thanks

 

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Re: A big thanks! and some advise wanted again!

1 & 2 I'll pass on for now, and go straight to #3. Not sure about WV, but in Ohio you can't make anything in the "off season" mandatory, so my statement would along the lines of:

Captains for next year will be determined based on the leadership shown by the candidates throughout the next several months. This will include, among other things, commitment to academics, commitment to personal improvement in understanding the game as well as performance, commitment to improving the knowledge and performance of the team, and a demonstrated ability to make good choices as well as winning the respect of their teammates.

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Anyone reading between the lines should get the general gist of the message, but there shouldn't be anything in the above that an administrator could hang you with.

 

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I think it's great to see a hs coach who encourages playing travel ball!!

 

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I wish all who could play travel ball play. Not all players are skilled enough. But, all players need to play at some level, and not take a lot of time off.

 

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For the back of the shirts, you could list the games and the scores or you could list the girls on the team.

 

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This is my favorite Vince Lombardi quote. It would also make a great back of a t shirt.

I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious.

 

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Witz great job with the team....thanks for the emails!

Vince also has another one, "The only place were success comes before hard work is in the dictionary!"

Mike Schmidt, "You have no control of the results only on the execution!"

 

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Thanks again Hitter... your advice was very helpful as we gained a reputation as one of the best hitting teams, any class.

We took some giant steps tjhis year- let's just hope the younger players want to continue by filling the shoes of the 5 seniors who graduated. We do have a great core of players returning. We will see...