Missing March Madness? The Women of Troy is worth watching

You win back to back championships—where do you go from there?

Imagine being the best of the best. You have something to offer people, but there's no place to do the thing that you love. You don't have any options. What can you do?

Today, women in sport are asking different questions than those posed by basketball analyst Doris Burke. While today's athletes wonder when and how they will return to their season and their sport, the USC women's basketball team as chronicled in the HBO film "The Women of Troy" lived through their own trying times and limited reality. For sports fans, all of us who missed March Madness and advocates of women in sport, this program is a must see. Here are but a few reasons why.

The Leading Ladies
I originally watched "The Women of Troy" because I wanted to learn more about Cheryl Miller. Many have said she is the greatest female basketball player of all time. Her talent is not to be underestimated nor does it go unappreciated. She is however, but one of several stars in this show.

Pam and Paula McGee are identical twin sisters. One is outspoken and flamboyant, the other is staid and calm. One will speak and the other will finish her sentence. Without the two of them, Miller doesn't go to USC. 

The McGee's recall that memory. Paula said, "she had verbally committed to UCLA to which I told her 'You'll never win a championship because you got to come through us. You'll be Parade All American, you'll be the number one player in the country but you have only got one problem. You're looking at it'." Pam added,  "We number two in the country. We're trying to do something special." Cheryl responded to her with a question and a noteworthy concern. Pam recalled that exchange. She said, "Y'all two are All-Americans. How are we going to all play together?" to which I said " You can play two years with us or two years against us. It might be your game on Monday. Her game on Tuesday...." 

Though I have mad respect for Cheryl Miller, Cynthia Cooper emerges as the woman I admire the most. Her personal background and journey from Watts to USC, to Italy and beyond, her moxie, talent and honesty add a valuable chapter to this story. One of my favorite moments is when Cooper admits "there was definitely some friction (with Cheryl Miller as her teammate), but there's nothing better than playing with the gifted and most talented player ever to play in women's basketball." 

Her testimony confirms what everyone should know: The Women of Troy didn't win because of just Cheryl Miller. Every great team is comprised of individuals who know their role on the team and love their teammates for their role on it.

This is confirmed in the story shared by Juliette Robinson. She said, "Cheryl wore number 31. When she came to SC she wanted 31 but I wore number 31. I took my jersey off  and I gave her my number. I said "Let's do this!" I had to wonder how many players would be willing to do that...and if that might not be the recipe toward a winning team.

A Different Era
I read an unsettling truth about Title IX often —although the federal civil rights law increased the opportunities for females in the work place, education and in athletics, an unexpected consequence is a decreased number of female head coaches. Other than Geno, every coach on the sidelines in "The Women of Troy" is female.

This truth was self-evident for every female coach featured in the film is unlike any other. The diversity of race, age, and style is both intriguing and inspiring. I encourage you to name your favorite. Though it's hard for me to ever go against Muffet McGraw— the woman who has the Irish to two national championships—Sonya Hogg, head coach of Louisiana Tech emerges triumphant over the great Pat Summit. How I wish Pat were alive today to defend herself! 

In the Review: HBO’s Women of Troy is a compelling look at the story of Cheryl Miller, USC, and women’s basketball overall Andrew Bucholtz writes, "The Hogg interview is particularly notable for illustrating some of the challenges women’s teams were facing at the time, from her comments on wanting the Louisiana Tech team to be called the Lady Techsters rather than the Bulldogs (so no one would call them bitches) to her remarks on their sleeved uniforms (so no one could see and comment on their bra straps)." 

As a sports fan it was hard not to delight in seeing current Baylor coach Kim Mulkey as a Lady Techster! Mulkey, who played for Hogg said “That lady can sell ice to an Eskimo.” I have a feeling that apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Linda Sharpe, head coach of USC had her team play the toughest schedule they could early in the season so they could  learn from it and compete at a high level. Under Sharp, Miller said, "practice was pure competition every single day...to the point that the games almost seemed easier than the practice."vHard to argue against that philosophy as Sharpe led the women of Troy to back-to-back Championships in 1983 and 1984.

BC
The Women of Troy paints a valuable picture of women's hoops Before Cheryl. I have long believed a director's efforts and decision to include historical footage chronicling the history and development of the game is never in vain. 

This program shows how women in basketball once played exclusively on one side of the court. The assumption was that a full court game was too demanding for a girl. 

Uniforms for both men and women have come a long way. I can't imagine playing basketball in a skirt but that doesn't abhor me in the way it might for some other female athletes. I loved playing tennis in a skirt.

I had no idea that 1976 was the firs time women's basketball was in the Olympics. Team USA took silver. It should go without saying, when Cheryl played in the 1984 Olympic games in Los Angeles, the US took gold.

Miller: one “bad mother f***er.”
The talented and insightful Doris Burke describes Cheryl Miller with those words. They don't appeal to me. I understand the sentiment but I do not believe they resonate with the spirit of Cheryl Miller. If given the chance I would describe her as iron. After all, when asked about her brother, NBA Reggie Miller, Cheryl—his older sister says, "He was my best friend. We were just one year apart." She added "Iron sharpens Iron. That's what we did for each other." Looking at the footage of both Millers in action, I believe it.

Cheryl Miller once scored 105 points in a single game. Her high school team defeated their opponent 179-15. I have wondered why that score was even allowed. Maybe her coach wanted to see what she could do. Unfortunately for basketball fans, that fullness of that question never gets answered. Miller, the Trojan's all-time scoring leader, played that one extra pick-up game in an era before ACL surgery was a possibility. (For those who have sustained a serious injury, those words may resonate with you!). Her career and basketball history took a much different turn.

The Bridge Builders
HBO lists "The Women of Troy" as an "illuminating tale of the historic and transcendent USC 1980s women’s basketball team, this film explores how the Cheryl Miller-led Trojans changed women’s basketball forever with their up-tempo style and superior athleticism en route to winning consecutive national championships, and ultimately influencing the establishment of the WNBA."

I would add but one insight, as stated by the Women of Troy. The McGee sisters said "Our team was special. We were the bridge builders. We laid a bridge for the league, the WNBA to come behind us. We set a standard. We showcased a level of talent everyone wanted to be a part of.  We did our part to give these kids to pursue an opportunity of playing professional basketball." That truth makes this wonderful program worth watching, celebrating and discussing further.

Female coaches, I urge you to share this special with your team. It explores the very best of the dynamics of a female team that worked hard, worked together, understood the role of each part to the whole and made a dream come true.

I can't tell you how many people have told me they miss March Madness. This program isn't a substitute, but I guarantee what you will learn thanks to the work of Allison Ellwood will help you appreciate the game in the future, even that much more.

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One Cure in the Time of COVID-19: Walking

In spite of the fact I still watch Patrick Mahomes and Russell Wilson crushing it in the gym, I haven't been able to lift a weight, pull a stretch band or even swing a golf club (or putter). I am still struggling to find a routine to each day. Every self-help guru, every happiness expert, even my virtual pastor has suggested that creating a schedule is essential. However, not all is lost. After reading for 30 minutes in the morning, I put on my sweats and sneakers and I head out the door for my morning walk.

Pope Francis walks the nearly deserted streets of Rome in late afternoon on March 15

Sometimes I walk with with a friend. I've got the socially distant requirement down. We maintain a gap of six feet, walk single file when necessary and journey together. Other times, a friend will call to talk and walk. We plug in our headphones, and I have suddenly and virtually taken this person on the road with me. It is spring and I love being outside. The company I keep is as restorative and  refreshing as the steps I take. I continue to listen to my favorite podcasts and I have found new ones. Although I'm a visual learner, my auditory processing is gaining ground! Every once in a while, I simply walk in silence. This becomes a moving meditation—I walk and I pray. It might possibly be the most important part of my day.

Mother Teresa has said "the fruit of silence is prayer." And there is no greater time than the present for prayer. We need it; the world beckons. If you are like me, you might take more than one walk a day. Let one of those be your prayer. 

In the article "The Walking Cure" Michael Rossmann, SJ states "walking has a surprising number of parallels with the spiritual life." His words remind me that though walking might feel like one of the few options for exercise available to us right now, it offers gifts—spiritual ones—worth considering.

He adds, "I’m far more open to pleasant surprises and simple beauties while walking and am able to change my plans completely." Just this morning, I took delight in the Pine Street garden—an urban collection of succulents and plants that hang from a chain link fence on a busy San Francisco street. I have driven by it no less than 1,000 times. By walking, I stood before but a few of Ireland's 40 shades of green up close and personal.

I have always been grateful for the gift of walking. I was able to accept that I could no longer run because walking is a viable and worthy option. I also know that there are people everywhere for whom walking isn't. 

During these times when it is easy to recognize and remember what we cannot do and where we cannot go, let us give thanks for what we can. As the world awaits for a cure for COVID-19, let the walking cure heal our hearts, minds, bodies and souls.

I encourage you to read Rossmann's editorial. You can find The Walking Cure here 

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Pope Francis walking prayer

What Not to Give Up This Lent: Being Coachable

Catholics everywhere have said "I never expected to give up this much for Lent!" I don't even need to ask. I already know I will hear an "Amen." 

As much as we may have given up in terms of our day to day routines, creature comforts and personal freedom this Lent, there are somethings that I keep close. One of those is starting my day with a video reflection by Matthew Kelly of Dynamic Catholic—a spiritual exercise I would like to recommend to anyone, in particular coaches and athletes. 

Kelly's "Best Lent Ever" series is widely acclaimed and quite popular. It should be, as his message is personal and practical. Kelly is inclusive of Catholic tradition—teaching and integrating it in a meaningful way. So while I have given up sweets for the second year in a row this is not something I have had to give up! Rather, I would like to pass it on! Though we are but two weeks away from Easter, please know—coaches, athletes and anyone else who is interested—,it's not too late! Let his reflection on Australia's first saint serve as the portal. Why? Kelly has found a way to relate Mother Mary McKillop, discipleship and coachability into one singular reflection.

Every coach hopes that the young people on their team will be coachable. We use this word often because to be an athlete who is coachable is a necessary good. This quality allows for a team to flourish. It makes what is a demanding job, enjoyable! I never take an athlete who is coachable for granted. 

An athlete who is not coachable can derail forward progress. They upset the chemistry. Eventually me first/selfish-Steven/selfish Susan takes the life out of what is already deemed a grind.

The benefits of being coachable extend far beyond the court, track, trail and field. Being coachable makes us good disciples. What might that mean? And, why is it important. According to Kelly

One of the things that makes a good disciple is the willingness to be coached, to be coached to a better place, to be coached to become a better disciple, to sit at the feet of Jesus, sit with the Gospels, read about the life and teachings of Jesus, pray about life and teachings of Jesus, and allow Jesus to coach us to live at a higher level, to live in new ways, to put our lives to the best and highest use every single day. And the saints had this. The saints were coachable.

If you think about what are the essential elements of coachability, it largely comes down to humility. How humble are we? Because it takes great humility to allow ourselves to be coached. If you look at any aspect of human life, the best of the best, the champions at anything—they love coaching. They love coaching because they love getting better at whatever it is that they do. And this is true in sports, it's true in business, it's true in every aspect of life. Champions love coaching.

And so a question I want to lay before you today is how coachable are you. When was the last time you really opened yourself up and allowed Jesus to coach you in a particular situation? When was the last time that you opened yourself up and said, “All right, Jesus, I've got this situation. I really need your help. Lead me, guide me, coach me. I'm open, I'm available, I'm coachable. Show me what to do”? Because it's that coachability and excellence, they go hand in hand. Whether it's on the sporting field or in the spiritual life—that coachability and excellence—they just go hand in hand.

Take heed as we prepare for Holy Week. 

• Do you understand what it means to be coachable? Ask others what they think.
• Are you willing to be coached? 

Coaches: model humility. Encourage your athletes to be humble.

Invite Christ to coach you. No better leader.

Even though we may have had to give up more than we could have ever bargained for this Lent, let time with and reflection upon the Word of God not be one of them. How's that for coaching?!

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A Story of True Spiritual Communion vis a vi Bethpage Black

Given the reality of shelter-in-place, Catholics might be unable to gather in person for Mass, but that does not mean they cannot and are not still taking time for worship. Everyday I read about different parishes and faith communities offering a live stream or pre-recorded mass to gather the faithful in prayer. One that I have participated in has surpassed my expectations. I find the homily to be tremendously nourishing. I am enriched by the Spiritual Communion in faith and in friendship with those whom I worship. And today, I was reminded in the Offertory that God is the giver of the greatest gift: love—as evidenced through the book Open, by John Feinstein.

My close friends, the Boles family have invited me to join them in 9:30 a.m. Sunday mass through Church of the Nativity (and through a Zoom shared screen). We sing the songs, we stand, sit and (they) kneel. We turn down the volume during the Liturgy of the Word, as a different person leads the Readings. We exchange peace and avail ourselves for the Spiritual Communion. At the end of Mass, I feel the spiritual uplift that I do every week that I go to mass. Today's however was extra special for I left with a message of hope and of connection. 

During the offertory of the Mass, Eileen, Thomas and James each make a contribution to their family Rice Bowl. Today, they told me that they had an offertory gift for me. Through the Zoom screen, they said "we got this book for you." I looked at the cover in disbelief. I turned to my nightstand and held up my copy. I told them, "I am reading this right now. This is incredible. I can't believe you found that for me. This book is about the 2002 US Open! I am on Chapter 11." I proceeded to show them my bookmark; it is a funeral card featuring my Uncle Tim, my Godfather. I showed his picture and asked that we pray for him.

The formal definition of a spiritual communion is, according to St. Thomas Aquinas, “an ardent desire to receive Jesus in the most holy sacrament and lovingly embrace him” at a time or in circumstances when we cannot receive him in sacramental Communion." But I believe the lived reality of spiritual communion is that we are united to others through God's love and grace each and every day. Today was a reminder to me that union with God and others supersedes a crisis. We are never left in isolation. 

I can't explain to you why exactly I chose to read "Open: Inside the Ropes at Bethpage Black" among hundreds of books I should be reading right now. It's notable in that Tiger Woods won and that it was played on public course (an intentional pursuit by the USGA) but it's not that extraordinary. This US Open took place 18 years ago! A friend gave it to me because he was living with Scott McCarron's caddy last year. "Open" begins with a short story involving Scott and Ryan (the caddy). I kept reading because I think Bethpage Black is the coolest name for a golf course I have heard. I am still reading it now because I have hope that I will play there this summer.Now I feel as though I must!

Eileen, who loves reading and once worked in a book store is always on the look out for good reads and books to pass along to friends. That she thought to give this to me, but in particular during the offertory says to me that the Eucharist is not to be underestimated. Communion--whether incarnational or spiritual gives us life.

As a child, I relished the opportunity to participate in the offertory of the mass. This role was made special by my grade school teachers at St. Mary' school in Walnut Creek. They saw to it that students did not just bring up the bread and wine to the altar. We offered objects and symbols reflective of the liturgical season or the efforts of our school community. For example, one student carried several textbooks while another offered a globe as we gathered for our Back to School mass. The eighth graders presented canned food at the November First Friday mass to kick off for our Thanksgiving drive. Today, I encourage athletic programs that gather for a mass to bring to the altar their cleats or unique equipment, a ball or a stick. To play a sport and participate on a team is truly a gift. Why not bring that to our mass and to the altar for blessing? 

This tradition extends outside of the Church as well. Quite often, when we visit the home of a friend for dinner, we offer a humble gift. Known as a hostess (or host) gift, this gesture is meant to extend gratitude for hospitality. More often than not, this gift is not reflective of who we are, but of the one who welcomes us into his or her place and space. Were we to think of this at Mass, what might you offer to God? What would you given?

The pastor of Church of the Nativity reminds us that this crisis will come to an end. The thematic question he asks us to prayerfully consider is: Who will we be at its conclusion?

Today affirmed for me that I want t o invite others into experiences of shared worship and prayer. I hope to offer gifts to God and to others that are reflective of who they are and what makes them special. I will continue to pray for healing for those affected by COVID-19 and for those who find themselves in isolation during these tough times. I pray that the power of Spiritual Communion extends to all those in need. And please Lord, let those of us who love golf, get back on the course by summer??? 

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Sign

Virtually Meeting a Legend: Our Zoom time with Juli Inkster

The cancellation of winter sports' championships and the long-term suspension of spring sports has left coaches and athletes in search of new ways to cultivate community. When I read one suggestion from my athletic director, I was hopeful, I was excited— and my team isn't even in season! I was able to reach out to LPGA legend Juli Inkster. The St Francis girls' golf program "virtually" met with the world golf hall of fame player to talk about the challenging, demanding, life-giving game we love, but aren't able to play right now.

"Many teams are setting up Zoom calls with notable alumni in their sport or even guest speakers that would be interesting for the team," said Michael, my AD. He added  "think creatively and outside the box on this one.  Everyone is at home right now, and many are looking for things to do—so do not limit who you may ask.  People are seeking ways to stay involved and give back.  For example - Our baseball team could meet virtually with alumni like Eric Brynes or Daniel Descalso - kids can call in on Zoom, ask questions and stay connected.  Maybe its a motivational speaker who can offer insight on the mental approach to playing sports, etc.... "

Since I arrived at St. Francis, I knew that Juli Inkster has a special relationship with our community. Her husband Brian is head of the boys' program and the varsity coach. Their two daughters, Haley and Cori are like their dad--alumni. 

I asked Juli to speak about unconventional ways of practicing, the mental game and sharing stories of life on the tour. I encouraged my team to come prepared with their questions. They say "success is what happens when preparation and opportunity meet." Today was proof of that!

Humble. Authentic. Encouraging. Engaging  are words that describe who we encountered virtually. I had no idea Zoom could transmit enthusiasm and such warmth through a video chat session. Our team got that and more from Juli Inkster. No wonder she has served as the coach of the Solheim Cup twice. 

We began our time together with introductions. Girls shared their name, class year and responses to a couple of questions. Some named their favorite player on the LPGA tour, others spoke about why they play golf and many identified their favorite club in their bag. Juli and I both loved hearing that more than one girl mentioned her putter!

With an eager audience of 12 varsity and junior varsity players, Juli began by simply sharing her story. She didn't start playing golf until she was 15 years old. A competitive athlete, she grew up swimming, playing softball and competing against her two older brothers. She played basketball all four years at Harbor High School in Santa Cruz where she was asked to join the boy's golf team her sophomore year. She played JV golf the first two years and lettered on the varsity squad her junior and senior year. #trailblazer!

She affirmed the girls for participating in a game that knocks you and forces you to get up again and again. When asked about how she recovers from mistakes, she said "well, I have had a lot of bad shots. After I hit one, I replace my divot. I then analyze what went wrong. I want to learn from my mistakes." I took note when she added "the bounce back stat is the most important one to me. Look for what you post after a bad hole. This is important."

One very talented player admitted that before a tournament, she will practice on the course and certain holes will get in her head because of the challenge they present. Juli offered sage advice. She kept it simple. "You want to avoid the big number. There's a huge difference between a bogey and a double bogey. Land it safely on the green, go for par and get out of there." She added,  "I never add my score card up until the end."

Juli admitted that she loves to practice. Her husband once told me that they will head out to the course and he will leave her on the putting green. Brian said he will play nine holes and as he makes the turn, she will still be practicing on the green. 

She said, "it's the peacefulness of being out there by yourself and trying to improve. It might sound silly, but I make little games with myself. It's made me who I am as a golfer. I was never the best ball striker or the best putter or the best driver of the ball but I was a grinder. I never gave up. When I did put it all together, I was fortunate enough to win some tournaments. You don't have to be the best at anything, you just have to be good at everything, and you have to have that mentality of never giving up."

One of my golfers asked "How do you know if you have had an effective practice?" What a fantastic question.

Juli suggested unconventional ways to practice during shelter-in-place, stressing what every player knows (but might not want to hear). We can practice the short game any time, any place. She added, "later, when we return to real golf, if you have but 20 minutes to practice, 10 minutes should be on the short game."  Noted.

She said "it's important to take a really good practice swing." She stressed this point several times. I can't wait to take her advice. I will remind my team of this, too.

A freshman golfer asked the final question: "What do you think is next for the LPGA and what can we do to get the audience and views to equal the number on the men's tour?"  I heard her words and listened to Juli's response. This time together reminded me of an address the Coleman Brown once gave at Colgate University.

He said: Questions, you know, are not only the problems or paragraphs or multiple-choices on mid-terms and finals.  Questions can be teachers. Questions can be like enigmatic but enduring friends; like someone whom you know so well yet still do not know but are thankful for.

I thought of the crazy time we are living in. There is no shortage of questions I ask myself and avoid asking everyday. I also wonder, how did my team get so lucky as to have an opportunity to learn from, truly, one of the greatest in the game? I recalled the outstanding questions my own team asked of Juli and how that added life and vitality to our time together.

Amidst the challenge, each day presents a  unique and special opportunity. Today's was truly a gift. Thank you, Juli. And great job on our Rapid Fire ...I had to channel my inner-Feherty.

• Favorite Club?
• Tiger or Phil?
• Ferrari or Mercedes?
• Favorite Tournament?
• Favorite WIN?
• Per St. Francis colors: Brown or Gold
• Favorite St. Francis sports team: girls' golf or boys?!

Go Lancers!

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LPGA HofF
Team
Press Conference
Fist Bump

What I Miss But What I Have Learned in This Year's March Madness

I can almost smell the sweat.

I miss that squeak. A lateral move, the touch and go, the pivot or fake right go left that leads the athlete's shoes to squeak on the hardwood. Slip. Slide. More squeak.

And how awesome that those very shoes punctuate the floor with a shock of green?! Kelly green. Irish.

I look down. This video is only 7 minutes and 45 seconds. I already know I don't want it to end.

I love the uniforms—blue for Our Lady, and gold for where she stands on the Dome. Beauty in motion. Truly bBeautiful.

And what a great message Father Pete McCormick, CSC preaches. He says: "The same is true in the spiritual life. We cannot be passive. We must, in our own way, scurry. So my challenge to you is, You want to see the miraculous glory of God? Participate in it." 

I think to myself. Do I go after it? How to I participate? How do I include others? Do I? Do you? 

I realize why I love this story so much; it reminds me of what I miss: Sports and Spirituality—live, in real time.

Right now, every sports fan knows what time of year it should be. We know what we are missing. My friend Haley Scott DeMaria captures that sentiment so well. In her blog, she writes 

This might be the most Madness we’ve seen in March in a long time. Who would have thought the biggest news in NCAA basketball tournament history would not be #16 UMBC beating #1 UVA in the first round?!  As a former student-athlete, my heart aches. As the mother of a high school senior whose (final) spring sports season is up in the air, I have a pit in my stomach. As an American, I get it. It’s the right thing to do. But that doesn’t make the heartache and heart break any easier.

Supporting the Fighting Irish On and Off the Court reminded me that I'm not just missing sports or the NCAA men's and women's tourney, I miss the spirituality if all too. I miss the unfolding stories and moments from this time of year that transcends the x's and o's. I wonder what Sister Jean is up to. Many lament that they will not hear "One Shining Moment" as the madness comes to a close. 

I miss the way that my spirituality finds life in community. I already miss my Sunday morning ritual of 8:00 a.m. Mass at St.Vincent de Paul and the parishioners I see from one week to the next.

I miss the pressure that Lent puts on me—that might sound weird, but it's true. Every Friday, I wonder Should I be at Stations of the Cross right now? I am wondering what Holy Week will be like. I would like to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation—is that an option? 

I am disappointed that my classroom wasn't able to complete our journey with CRS in giving to Operation Rice Bowl as one. As part of my Lenten practice, I was hoping to get to the 7:15 a.m. school mass once a week. To gather around the Eucharistic table with my faith-filled colleagues is a meaningful way to start the day. I've struggled to figure out how I can reinvent my Lenten commitment.

In light of "shelter-in-place," I watch Father Pete with a new perspective. He says, "We always celebrate a team mass, whether it's home or away. If it's home, we'll do it right in the team room and typically if it's away, we'll arrive and settle into the site." Now more than ever, I realize he is a gift to this team AND he has a gifted ministry.

One way he's able to do that is with his "Mass in a suitcase." Its importance is not to be underestimated—packed with intentionality and great care, he's willing to look like the diva priest who shows up with not one but two rolling into suitcases by his side.

He shares that the purpose of a team chaplain is to get a sense of the pressures that Division 1 college basketball players undergo. The viewer sees him board the charter plane with the team. He adds "And then, at that point it's just a ministry of presence" What a gift.

The video winds down with two contests: Notre Dame vs. Clemson on February 9 and Notre Dame vs. University of Virginia two days later. I caught one of those games live—something I probably took for granted at that time. I hear the announcer calling the plays...the points. I hear the clapping and the cheering. The power and the glory—the sights and the sounds of Sports and Spirituality.

In his ministry of presence Father Pete declares, “I have a responsibility to share the joy that I’ve encountered in my vocation — even with the hardship.” He speaks openly and candidly about being a priest in a time when the Catholic Church lacks credibility. He states, "I have a responsibility to still love those who are in front of me." Seeing him after the game, eating a meal with the team, it's clear that he does. 

Thank you Father Pete. I  would like for you to know that I aim to follow your example and share the joy I have found in my vocation, amidst the hardship—the stories of sports and of spirituality past, present and in due time all those to come.

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Team Joy

The Importance of "Happy Places" in Sport and in Spirituality

In his fifth book "Living Inspired" Alex Montoya writes "I'm passionate about motivating others. Things I'm passionate about include my faith, sports and politics. For a living, I'm a motivational writer and speaker and communications coach." He adds, "You'll notice in my elevator pitch I didn't lead with my job. That's what I do, not who I am. However, the things that inspire me led me to choose this occupation. It's a manifestation of my passions and talents." His pointed and honest introduction should prompt us to consider what we might say. What are you passionate about? How do your passions relate to who you are AND what you do?

I am passionate about my faith and sports. I care about education and creating/sustaining community, especially through faith and athletics. And, what motivates me—what I am most inspired by and passionate about—underscores my love of my alma mater, the University of Notre Dame. Montoya, my classmate and friend describes it as one of his two favorite places.

Quite possibly my two favorite places are Camp RYLA and the University of Notre Dame. Those are my happy places because those places are happy. And they’re filled with passionate people. 

Whenever I encounter a student or alumnus from either place I tell them don’t let RYLA or Notre Dame be a place. Let it be a spirit. And take that spirit wherever you go! Be a representative of that spirit and shine wherever you are!

I attended RYLA as a high school junior and returned the next year as a student volunteer I’ve been blessed to return as a speaker incredibly 20 years in a row.

He says "RYLA, which takes place on some old campgrounds in Idyllwild CA is where the service organization Rotary International hosts the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards—R.Y.L.A. Every spring, Camp RYLA brings together 350 high school juniors from San Diego, Imperial Valley, Brawley and more.  And Rotary completely underwrites and staffs—100% through volunteers—a weekend retreat. These kids learn about leadership, teamwork and overcoming adversity.

The kids selected are largely your "classic overachievers" and I love it because they are fired up to be there. They are excited, loud and jacked!" He adds:

I trek to Notre Dame whenever I possibly can, whether it’s for a football game speaking engagement to staff or students or just because I’m in the South Bend region. It invigorates me. So many of my values and beliefs were shaped there. That’s why I call Indiana the "Motherland." Find a place that excites you. Make sure it stirs your patriotism and gives you the frenetic energy of young kids. Make it a place that inspires you!

In light of the "shelter in place" mandate that has been imposed on San Francisco and the six other surrounding counties of the Bay Area, I find Montoya's words more pressing, more urgent than ever. Though I cannot go to my happy place, I can bring the spirit of it to where I am today.

Here is a shout out to those who can help others live inspired with this message in mind.

Coaches: For many of our athletes, our practice fields, our pool. or our trails might in fact be their happy place. Indeed, these are happy places because it is also where our athletes are happy (not all, I know!).  Have them share, as you can (Instagram? Twitter? FlipGrid? Zoom Call), if their happy place does in fact, relate to your sport

Athletic Directors: please affirm your coaches in this time of social distancing. Our teams are happy places for athletes because they're filled with happy people--their leaders!

And lastly, how can we take heed and bring that spirit of happy places and happy people into our homes during these trying times?

As an ND alum, I loved seeing the numerous ways my fellow Domers dressed up for St. Patrick's Day. Some were over the top, others donned old school paraphernalia—I need to see if I still have THE SHIRT from my freshmen through senior years. 

I watched a 7-minute video on the spirit of green nail polish for the women's basketball team. I can't seem to get enough of that Fightin' Irish spirit, nor should I. The bigger question is how else can I bring that to others? to those in the region I oversee for Notre Dame Women Connect? 

As an athlete: I am now reading "Open" by John Feinstein. I have enjoyed learning how the U.S. Open found its way to Bethpage Black, a public course in Farmingdale, New York. Hearing the story of this contest reminds me how many golf courses are happy places for me, and in large part because the people with whom I have shared the game.

We will return to these happy places again. We will encounter the happy people of these spaces soon enough. Let us recall and remember their beauty and their joy—the memories and the magic. Thank God for the unique happy places each and every person has. Ask one another about them? Share stories of the people who inhabit these places.

How many of you have a happy place that reflects your faith tradition?
How many of you find a happy place related to sports?
Do they include both?!

Photo Credits
Happy Place
Living Inspired