
Although very early in the season, I will make some very clear statements. This Hilbert team has come to play this season, and if they continue to improve, they will see the fruits of their labor. But the developing story here is the emergence of leadership on the court. Regardless of what won-lost record Hilbert eventually compiles, there are women on this basketball team who are learning something about themselves, something more valuable than championships. They are showing this by hustling, focusing, overcoming obstacles and yes, by leading. Coaches make the best assessment they can as to who those players could be; who they should be. But it is the player who emerges on the court. It is the player who screams 'I'm all in'. And it doesn't end there because with leadership comes responsibility. The leader shows those around her this is the way it's done. And because people learn at different paces, emerge from within themselves at different times, they depend on their leadership to continue to show them the way. The women on this team who are identifying themselves as leaders are not only doing it on the court during a game, they are doing it in practice and off the court too. That is a true leader. And several players are clearly showing those attributes.
They know who they are. And it doesn't have to be measured by minutes played, total points scored or the number of steals in a game. It's the teammate on the bench helping a starter stay focused.... the shooter who's missed her last six shots and puts up another until she starts to hit again... the hustler who dives for a ball to give her team another shot. And of course, performance. Hitting their shots. Making free throws and throwing good passes.
The Hilbert women's basketball team is learning to win this season. They have the players, emerging leadership, skillsets and coaching to create some wonderful memories. I look forward to watching them play again this Tuesday (November 20, 2012) at home at 6PM against Cazenovia College. See you there!
Hilbert (1-1) 67 - PSD (1-1) 40
If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. -- John Quincy Adams
Hilbert's Women's 2012-2013 Basketball Schedule