Player/Coach/Team-Mates

How does an athlete go about building a solid relationship with his/her coach and team-mates?

The relationship between a player, coach and team members is give and take. There are a host of qualities that you, as a player, can bring to the table for a solid relationship in a team setting.

Fill out the "unofficial" self-reflective questionnaire provided below. No one is peering over your shoulder or checking out your replies so be honest with yourself. This way, you will see the ways in which you are on the road to building a solid team relationship and in ways you can improve.

Qualities For Building A Solid Relationship With Your Coach and Team-Mates Awareness
Questionnaire.

(circle the number at the end of the response that most closely resembles your behavior and reactions).

Personal Responsibility: To engage and strive for a high level of success is a decision you make each day. The knowledge an athlete achieves regarding focus, commitment to a program, and participation with a positive attitude are frequently learned qualities. In good situations, these qualities can also be groomed with guidance from coaches.

1. How do you show up mentally and physicall for practices?

a) As I change into my workout clothes or uniform I begin to focus on the mental/physical
routines which help me become mentally and physically ready to engage in a worthwhile
practice. (3)

b) When we meet as a team and the coach discusses goals for the practice, it takes me awhile
to tune in and become fully present. I am slow to warm-up and get with the program,
both mentally and physically. (2)

c) I frequently meander into practices late. I often need a teammate or coach to fill me in
on what the schedule is for the practice. I don't like knowing the details ahead of time. I
stay interested by not knowing what is next. (1)

Managing Emotions: In Control of Self: During the course of the season, many events happen
on and off the field that have the potential to be disruptive.

2) How do you manage your emotions when life distractions occur?

a) I've developed skills to let go of negative thoughts and redirect my energies towards the
positive aspects of challenging situations. I know that even when there are many
potential negative pitfalls to focus on in certain situations there are also pieces I can
manage by maintaining a positive perspective. (3)

b) When I experience low energy days because because of distractions (school,
relationship conflicts, etc.), I can become irritable with myself and others, which
affects the quality of my games, practices and overall performance. (2)

c) Small incidences and inconveniences often set me off emotionally and ruin practices.
Sometimes my funk lasts for days. Once I get off track emotionally, I don't have the
tools or patience to shift the negative roller coaster, until things go my way again. (1)

Dependability: I make a commitment to myself and the success of the team by setting and achieving goals that improve my athletic skills.

3) How dependable are you as a team player?

a) I've earned a reputation for quality performances (not perfect, but consistent). I know
my consistancy is due to the extra time I put into my preparation. My coaches and
team-mates are confident that I will be ready to perform in a clutch situation. I don't
always succeed, but I am known to give full effort and show up confident. (3)

b) My dependability as a player comes and goes. I attend all the practices, buy don't
put in any extra time or effort unless it's a big game. (2)

c) When I don't feel inspired to go to the gym, or practices aren't required, I allow
myself to slide. Relying on my natural talent has always been my good fortune. (1)


Communication: Team dynamics are often complex. It is not unusual for a coach and player
to have misunderstandings and miscommunication during the course of a season.

4) When conflicts arise between the coach and myself or another player.....

a) I am able to step back and think out my part of the conflict. Sometimes I seek out
counsel from a trusted team-mate to gain perspective. After I think about the issue
and my part in it, I decide the next action step. Frequently, I can let the issue go, or
I make time to meet with the coach or player to discuss how we can resolve the
the issue amicably. (3)

b) I ignore problems and usually wait them out until they disappear. Often I sit on
on my feelings and it makes me moody for days. (2)

c) I whine to the coach about the other player and make it the coaches problem to
resolve the issue. Or if I have a conflict with the coach, I whine to my team-mates
until they are tired of listening to me. (1)

Value: Value and character are meaningful qualities you contribute to the team experience.

5) In what ways do you bring value to the team environment?

a) I am a role player. I understand the importance of everyone's contribution within
the team dynamic. Even though I prefer the status of "star" (get in line who
doesn't), I have no problem getting the ball into the hands of a team-mate who
is in a position to score. (3)

b) I know my assigned role on the team and the expectations of my position as a
player, but I'm often not happy with the role. Sometimes I don't put out as much
effort as I can because I don't feel my value is recognized. (2)

c) I'm not really clear about my role on the team and in what ways my emotional
energy has an influence. I just enjoy playing. (1)

Respect: Respect includes respect for the team, the players, the coach and your
opponents.

6) How does respect fit into your playing experience?

a) I understand the big picture of sports and my responsibility as an athlete to be
prepared for all the challenges of playing on a team. Sometimes the coach will
make choices I don't agree with, or a team-mate will do something I am not happy
with, but it is a part of the team culture and I respect it. Even the flaws. (3)

b) I respect most of the coaches and most of the players, but I can't/don't like and get
along with everyone all the time. (2)

c) I respect my coach and team-mates, but refuse to buy into respecting my
opponents. Although I know some of my opponents are well-established players
with proven athletic competence, an attitude of disrespect for my opponent serves
as motivation for me. (1)

Score: Tally up the numbers from your selected replies.

Score: (18-13) Your relationship with your coach and team-mates is probably working
well for you. You show up ready to compete and know that there will always be
issues, challenges and situations that need to be worked out. Sometimes things
don't fall in your favor and you don't have a melt down. When opportunities arise
you are prepared and ready to respond. The coach and your team-mates will
notice these qualities in you. He/she will recognize your maturity, dependability
and value as a player and team leader.

Score: (12-7) Take a look at the 2's and 1's you checked off the list. Do you have ideas as
to how you can work to improve in these areas? Sometimes coaches and/or team-
mates would benefit by improving certain areas as well, but this is about you and
what you can do to move your athletic involvement forward on a good note to
reach a higher level.

Score: (6 or less) OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!! Get some support and ideas so you can improve your
situation. If everyone is wrong but you, you have a tough road ahead. If you are
in a high school setting, see if you can find some sport psychology books about
team participation and mental skills. There are many, many great books for
this topic available online. If you are in a college setting, you can go the book
route and/or check in with a sports counselor through the athletic department
or counseling department. Make sure the counselor has sport psychology
training and knowledge.

Hope you had some fun thinking about the questions. No-ones perfect - nor is there a need to be
but there is always room for improvement!

Mulligans

Some say you can go home again. Others say you can't. Either way it will always be different due to time passing. Life moves forward. This past weekend U.C.L.A. threw a Women's Tennis Reunion
and I choose to go home again to visit my Bruin past and see what's new in the present.

It's refreshing how many things have changed for the better. Attending a d-1 school is a journey of
balancing academics, sport, work-outs, training, travel and engaging in the college life...it's a 24/7
task. U.C.L.A. has the most amazing facilities, services, and athlete support. This school is
"getting it right" for their athletes!

It was incredibly refreshing to see the changes and fun playing again with players of the past and present. Congratulations Stella! It was a wonderful weekend.
Goooooooooooooo Bruins!

Desert Fun

Many thanks to the W.T.A. for producing hospitality for a wonderful reunion at Indian Wells for past tour players. The venue was a perfect setting for past player's to reconnect, network, watch amazing tennis from a luxury suite and enjoy the magical desert surroundings. Such a pleasure to attend and chat with player's who forged the way for the incredible generation of fresh athletic players we watch today. The game keeps moving forward.
Peachy, Terry many thanks for all the FUN!

Little Yim - Marketing Athletic Talent

Little Yim is a financial investment company and offers the world's first stock market of "professional athlete's." Public investors buy stock in professional athletes listed on the Little Yim stock market. The athletes receive the investment proceeds to improve the quality of their
training and to cover the costs of travel, entry fees and other expenses.

Interview with Cindy Yim - Founder and CEO of Little Yim
http://www.littleyim.com/

sz: Cindy the Little Yim business concept is easy to understand and a cool idea. You're giving investors an opportunity to purchase shares in young "undiscovered" professionals. What is the screening process an athlete goes through prior to becoming listed for sponsorship through Little Yim?

cy: Thanks Susan, I really appreciate the chance to chat with you.

There is a lot of young talent out there. Athletes have worked hard just to get to the point of competing at the pro level. You see these athletes sweating hard training on the court and competing their hearts out in matches. It is too bad if these athletes can't pay for travel expenses or hire coaches and fitness trainers. Money problems cause a significant amount of stress on top of the enormous pressure that athletes already feel.

So I say we take away the money problem! :-)

We focus on supporting a group of high performance athletes who are already professional and will be playing in tournaments. Our selection process is based on an athlete's strong past performance at the junior, collegiate or professional level. Many of these athletes have obtained a high junior ranking, and have competed in high-level national and collegiate tournaments.

A lot of people want to be professional athletes and we want to help athletes realize their dreams. We wish that we could help everyone. But we have to limit our program to a select
group of athletes in order to provide investors with a small return on their investment.

sz: How do athletes learn about your company? Do you scout different sports and initiate contact with the athletes? Or do the athletes find you?

cy: We love it when athletes find us. Athletes often come to our site when they do online searches for athletic sponsorships and funding. Having our website pop up when you Google
"athletic sponsorships" helps us. The other way we get in touch with athletes is through athlete management firms and sports academies. Corporate sponsorships at professional tournaments
introduce our company to athletes there. We were a corporate sponsor at the SAP Open, Bank of the West Classic and East West Bank Classic presented by Herbalife.

We want to bring on athletes from different sports and expect to increase our efforts in initiating contact with athletes. Initially, we focused on tennis but have now branched out to many other sports.

sz: Do investors receive a prospectus? If so what content is included such as background information of past and present athletic results, current training programs, coaching staff, and upcoming event schedules?

cy: Investors are able to review the details of the sponsorship contract in terms of the tournaments included in the sponsorship contract, and information about the tournaments such as the prize money offered to athletes. We want to provide investors with as much information about the athlete as possible. From the athlete's past performance, to their coaches and training programs, it will all be there for investors. It is important for us to make sure that investors get all the information they need to make an informed decision knowing the athlete's ability, tournament plans and goals.

Since this is sports, we also want to make it fun for investors and give athletes the opportunity
to showcase their personality. In their profile, athletes talk about cool stuff like their favorite music and interests. Russ Marchewka, a beach volleyball player, indicated that beer is one among his many interests like ping pong and real estate investments. I think that's funny and interesting information that you aren't always going to see.

sz: What are the most interesting aspects of running your business?

cy: There are so many interesting aspects to running my business. I would have to say that the concept itself is the most interesting part. Getting to implement something new and work on the market design is really fun. it is just that a stock market of people is a very different idea. I feel like it's a chance to create something that can make a lasting contribution.

What's interesting about running my business is that I am utilizing the fun and excitement that sports fans have always experienced to provide athletes with funds. Fans like seeing how athletes do at tournaments. Not knowing whether an athlete will win the match or finish in the top sport in competitions makes it exciting for viewers. Now, all that excitement that fans feel from watching athletes can be used to encourage them to invest in athletes. They can make a difference in the athletes that they follow and in the sport itself.

The other interesting aspect is that my business blends sports and economics, which seem like totally unrelated fields. There have been economic studies on sports and athlete performances, but not so much the creation of new markets to provide services directly to athletes. I really like economics so it is fantastic that I can use economics to work with athletes and support them in their training and development.

sz: Cindy, you are an athlete and played in college on the Princeton junior varsity tennis team.
What athletic experience at Princeton or other athletic experiences in your life influenced the development of this business idea?

cy: As an athlete, I have encountered some disheartening moments whether it is not playing well in a match or losing in the early round of a tournament. There is so much focus on performance on-court and it is not easy to bounce back after a bad match to play your best in the following tournament.

Professional athletes probably experience this on a magnified scale. Their performance at competitons determines their career and how many ranking points and prize money they will earn. Their expenses are much higher than mine with the need to travel consistently on a global basis. Knowing that athletes have a lot to worry about in trying to play their best, I thought that it could be helpful for them if they did not have to worry about funding.

I have found that playing tennis is a great way to meet other people. when you all like the same thing, there is an endless amount to talk about. Princeton's junior varsity tennis team had a bunch of people involved in different activities and studying different majors, many of them whom I ended up never taking the same course with. I most likely would not have met these people if it weren't for the fact that we played tennis together. The opportunity for fans to invest in athletes is also a way for fans to get to know professional athletes. The funding that fans provide is most helpful to athletes. But what about having all kinds of people from all over the world visit an athlete's website and read an athlete's blog to get the latest update? So far, the media has been the only way for athletes and fans to connect. That's why I put links to an athlete's website and blog so that fans can see how their athletes are doing.

sz: Do you have any favorite motivational stories, tips or quotes that guide you?

cy: The Olympics provide me with some of the most motivational stories. Athletes competing in the Olympic Games have come very far in order to qualify to represent their country in one of the world's great sporting events. These athletes made a lot of sacrifices along the way and fully committed themselves toward attaining their dream. It is not possible to be lazy and get to that level. Their training is intense and the adversity they face is challenging.

From the recent 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, I had read about a track and field athlete who developed painful blisters in her mouth and around parts of her face in early 2008. Doctors had rcommended that she not train and compete for several months. She knew that she would not be able to perform her best in Bejing if she did this. Despite what she described as feeling great pain, she still trained just as hard to make sure that she gave her fastest race when the moment came. In training, she would bite on a paper cup that she put in her mouth to order to ease the pain she was experiencing. This is true determination and shows tremendous perseverance through times when unfortunate events occur.

My hope is that my company can help the little guys with big dreams.

sz: The Little Yim website is so well designed and easy to use and understand. I look forward to checking back with you in a year to see how the business has grown as you continue to offer young professionals a chance to make it into the spotlight of their sports!

Girls4Sport

Girls4Sport (www.girls4sport.com), based in Santa Cruz,CA., designs and manufactures high quality performance clothing for active girls for all ages. Girls4Sport promote camps and clinics that provide learning opportunities and inspiration for girls of all ages to lead active lives. Leanne Salandro and Kim Ruby are co-owners of Girls4Sport. I recently had the opportunity to chat with Leanne & Kim about the company, and their peak performance perspective of business.

Interview with Leanne & Kim:

Z: Girls4Sport has grown quite a bit in the last 5 years.What are 3 essential ingredients for success that future female entrepreneurs should know before starting a business?

LS: Know that with every big step forward, there are side steps, backwards steps and quite a few stumble steps on the way, is #1. Be ready for anything and keep that sense of humor handy.
#2, all those steps, they just make you smarter (a bonus!). #3, follow what you know is right. We've had to make decisions based on money, time, resources, etc. but the biggest guiding force should always be what you know is best for your business and customers. That simply gets tempered by money, time, resources and all the rest.

Z: How does the statement, "Without Risk There Is No Success" apply to your success as a company?

LS: Without risking time, money and face, we wouldn't have anything but an idea, some sketches and some words on paper. We risked heading out into an industry we knew little about. We've tried and continue to try minimizing risks by asking questions of people who have a lot of experience doing the types of things we want to do. It's been a lifesaver for us and we're grateful for the wisdom that has helped minimize our risk when making big decisions. Finding smart people to answer questions has moved us forward safely more than anything else. It's been key to our success (and fewer backward steps).

Z: Can you name anything about running a business you know now but wish you had known when you were starting out?

LS: More often than not, it will often take longer than you think. We seem to have raging optimism and lofty ambitions that we daily need to reign in. From day one, our heads and hearts were light years ahead of where we are even today. A mixed blessing! We get impatient to meet goals but gain so much in getting there even if it does take a little longer than we thought.

Z: Are there any athletes' (role models) or business models that keep you focused on your company goals/vision for the future?

LS: We have such a wide range of inspiration to choose from and the pool of greatness grows continually. We both have friends who are amazing athletes who also have great careers. That is always a wonder. People like Arien O'Connell who surprised everyone at this year's Nike Women's Marathon in S.F. define inspiration. Arien is someone who quietly surprises us in the spotlight. She got there simply based on the love of what she does, who she is as a runner. That is both beautiful and uniquely powerful. From the business world, we've always had a fondness for Ben and Jerry's. Who ever thought you would get ethics, ice cream and a great plan for collective success? Admirable and delicious! We strive to be that kind of company. (Check out girls4sport website to see how they embrace the B&J model of philanthropy).

Z: Girls4Sport Foundation supports organizations and programs that provide girls of all ages with the skills, support and opportunity to lead active lives with confidence. In what ways does this branch of the organization inspire you?

LS: We get so many e-mails from people out there doing amazing things. E-mails that often bring tears to our eyes. For me personally, it reminds me that "female" and "athlete" are two words that didn't appear together until recent history. Pretty much within my lifetime. That continues to shock and amaze me. There were no great marathoners or triathaletes when my mom was a little girl. Who was her role model? It reminds me that we've got big ground to cover, time to make up, athletes of greatness yet to come. That fuels hope for me. As corny as it may sound, I'm deeply touched that the little girls of today have concrete proof, not just dreams and wondering, of accomplishing great things in both athletics, business, competition anything!

Z: You and Kim are both athletes and stay active surfing, mountain biking, running, hiking, swimming etc. Do you have any sport psychology tips that motivate you?

LS: For me, I always set a goal. Always a race or an event to strive for and frequently I'll focus on some type of goal for individual sessions if I'm lacking inspiration that day. There are some sports I do casually, like hiking, but without specific long term goals, I tend to sleep in a little longer, enjoy a few more treats, swim fewer laps, not do as many runs, I get a little lazy! Not only do goals keep me motivated but they keep me trying new things, new sports, new ways of doing things. I turn 40 this weekend and I hope I'm still dreaming up new goals when I'm 80!

Kim later add:

KR: Every phase of my life has had different levels of sports participation. Running a business and raising a little girl (both are 5 years old now!) keeps me busy and getting out and doing something for me refreshes my mind to take on new challenges not so much in sport but in life. What motivates me is simply staying fit, feeling good and clearing my mind so I can enjoy a healthy long life with my family.

Z: Happy Birthday Leanne...the "lazy"side of you is not a glaring part of your personality! Kim and Leanne, I look forward to Girls4Sport.com continuing it's upward journey of growth, success and ongoing health!



Readers: *What motivating forces energize your sport/business goals? What are the motivating long and short term goals you are pursuing for sport and business success in 2009?

Tennis Legend Billie Jean King Donates Racket for Hula on the Bay

Tennis legend Billie Jean King has graciously stepped up and provided the Aunties of the U'ilani Fund an autographed racket for the upcoming fundraiser on Sunday, Nov. 9th.

Sports visionary Billie Jean King, also known as "Mother of Modern Sports" over her entire career has lent her name and been a champion as a player and for causes all her life. Billie's accomplishments are profound:

* Won 39 Grand Slam singles, doubles and mixed doubles tennis titles, including a record 20 at Wimbledon.

* Was one of the players who broke away from the tennis establishment and accpeted $1 contracts from tennis promoter Glady's Heldman in Houston. The revolt led to the birth of the women's professional tennis and the formation of the Virginia Slims Tour and Women's Tennis Association.

* Empowered women and educated men when she defeated Bobby Riggs in one of the greatest moments in sports history -the Battle of the Sexes in 1973. (Although Billie recalls the match not being that great competitively :-). The match between the two is remembered for its effect on society and its contribution to the women's movement.

* Founded the Women's Tennis Association (1973), The Women's Sports Foundation (1974), and Women's Sports Magazine (1974).

* Co-founded World TeamTennis (1974), the groundbreaking co-ed professional tennis league (which remains active today). She founded the World TeamTennis Recreational League, one of the most popular recreational tennis formates in the U.S.

* Billie was honored on August 28th, 2006 when the national Tennis Center, home of the U.S. Open was renamed the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in honor of King's contributions to tennis, sports and society both on and off the court.

Here is a fabulous opportunity to bid on an auction item donated by the legendary Billie Jean King and support the generous cause of, The U'ilani Fund. The U'ilani Fund http://www.uilanifund.org/ was created in December of 2000. Since it began, the fund has given away over $100,000 to women seeking complementary care for breast cancer. The fund was developed by a group of friends who had a connection with Dr. Marina Lee U'ilani Bermudez who did not survive her battle with cancer. During U'i's illness she managed her pain and took part in activities she loved by utilizing available complementary care, acupunture, Chinese herbs, massage, Qu Gong and other alternative approaches to managing pain and stress.

To learn more about the upcoming "Hula on the Bay" which will also feature, The Kapalakiko Hawaiian Band and Dancers, local wines, tropical drinks, Cal-Hawaiian Cuisine, all on the historical Sherman Restaurant in Burlingame, http://www.theshermanrestaurant.com/ please go to http://www.uilanifund.org/ or purchase tickets on-line at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/. Select event title: Hulu on the Bay.
The aunties look forward to seeing you there!
Aloha

Bright Young Female Athletes of Today

I had the pleasure of participating as a speaker and participant at the StoneFit Professional Women Athletes Career Conference, in S.F. last weekend and was impressed by the young and talented female athletes that attended. The choices of sport careers for young women of today has expanded tremendously. Although most sports outside of tennis, or golf don't provide enough substantial prize money to actually live on the winnings. The quest for sponsorship from companies to keep the professional dream alive is a true challenge for these women. For many others they must keep under the umbrella of an Olympic team to further their athletic adventures.

The goal of the two day conference was to help professional women athletes by including new information on training, conditioning and injury prevention. As part of the weekend, CrossFit trainer, Kelly Starrett and Eva Twardokens gave attendees an opportunity to participate in morning work-outs. It was impressive how quickly, Olympians and athletes who work-out on a regular basis can be exhausted! Applause goes out to Amy Seiwert, the dancer in our group work-out, who danced for the Smuin Ballet for nine years and now is a choreographer....she showed up and pushed, pulled, jumped and ran along with all of us!

I hope my presentation in the career development sector of the conference, "Maximizing the Athletic Transition" connected with some of the audience. Successful or not the paid athletic career is a quick window of opportunity. Many of the sporting dangers of the skiers left me with the impression that their time can be particularly short. Transition out of sport happens for a variety of reasons. Transition motivators include,
Age, De-selection, Injury or Chronic Illness, Goal Fulfillment.

Why do athletes put off exploring the next phase of their professional careers?

Common Myths:
a) Planning for life after sport interferes with focusing on current achievements.
b) Being an athlete, "I don't know how to do anything else." (concept makes some sense since being an athlete you have been competing, training and traveling, vs. looking at other aspects of your career goals.
c) No other profession could ever be as satisifying.


Myth Busters:
a) Research studies suggest that post athletic career planning actually lessens anxiety about the transition process.
b)Athletes develop transferable skill strengths through-out their athletic training and competitive experiences. (Ask me what they are and I will give you a list).
c) Post athletic careers take a different form and can be more broadly life fulfilling. ( I offered plenty of examples during my talk).

Process of Transitioning:
Keep in mind that as an athlete when you retire from competitive sport you still have many productive career years left.
Similar to visualizing your development in sport you begin to visualize your post career professional life. For most people career development is a gradual process. Each experience builds into the next.

Some women athletes that attended the conference, will make it onto the podium and hold up the big prize and hopefully convert the victory into dollars and endorsements. Others will continue to try. Both athletes will bring a tremendous amount of enterprise and energy to the table in their next careers.....thank you for sharing your stories with me.
Thanks to, Dr. Kevin and Susan Stone of the Stone Clinic
Brett Ortiz
Trish Fong and the rest of the Stone Clinic Staff for their time and putting on a fun event.
Congratulations to SheJumps
Thanks,
Bee K.
Career path is not typically a linear process, where are you now in your professional career?