Head Coach Marcus Freeman on Leadership—One Homily Worth Seeing

At today's Good Friday service, Father Michael quoted  Pope Paul the IV who said, "I would rather see a sermon than hear one." I couldn't help but think that truth characterizes what was the highlight of my most recent visit to Notre Dame. To the surprise and delight of 350 alumni and friends in attendance at the Notre Dame Alumni Association's annual leadership conference, Coach Marcus Freeman spoke on the topic of leadership. While he offered some important insights on this topic, the real message has been learned from who and what we saw. Thank you, HCMF.

We saw was a content and confident man. He smiled, he listened and made us laugh. He said a lot with a little. He made time for Q&A and to my utter delight, I offered a question of my own. He is gifted and grateful, humble and happy. We saw a great homily.

To our surprise, Coach Freeman entered in the room nearly unannounced. There was no walk up song, victory march, spotlight, fire or flags. He smiled and gave high fives to those who lined the walk-way. My friend Kristina turned around to look at my reaction. Although I smiled, I just kept shaking my head as if to say "no." I couldn't believe it and yet, I could (Is there a name for this sentiment?!). WAY TO GO NDAA!

Coach Free sat down with Dolly Duffy—executive director of the Notre Dame Alumni Association and associate vice president for University Relations—for a 20 minute conversation. He acknowledged his audience and said leaders must be adaptable. Given the reality of injury for players, the challenges of travel, weather and life events it's easy to believe he practices what he preaches.

He stressed the importance of maintaining a micro-focus on the task at hand (think one game at a time) while planning far ahead. It's his job to do both—He is the one to take the team where it needs to go. In light of that mindset, he said "you must fix the process. You hear trust the process—sure, but being adaptable means you will need to fix it, too. That's critical."

He said "good leaders are unorthodox. You go against the grain. You make those around you better." I kept thinking of what my friend Father Paul Kollman said to me at lunch that day "there's so much wisdom to be gained from sports." I'm not convinced that Marcus Freeman is a "player's coach," but he did stress that not everyone is coached in the same way. He listens to his players, especially the captains. He noted, "Their input is invaluable." 

Coach Freeman addressed the devastation of losing to Northern Illinois University (16-14) in the home opener. This loss was significant as it marked the first time a Mid-American Conference (MAC) team had defeated an AP Top 5 team. He said, "one week prior, we went into College Station and had a great win over Texas A&M. Coming off that win, I realized, we had to learn how to handle success, mentally and physically. Game two exposed that need."

He could have left the recount at that. Instead, he said "I left the office late that night. It was dark and obviously a long day. While sitting at a stoplight, I decided to count the days. I asked myself How many days have passed between our official start date and today? I realized it was 40 days. That number has incredible significance."

Coach Freeman's reflection resonates with my experience of prayer. For me, my most authentic experience of prayer is when I can connect the Word, the lived experience of God's people to events of my own life. Those connections provide solace and comfort, clarity and understanding. In Scripture, the number 40 symbolizes testing, trial, or probation. I am led to believe Coach Freeman decided to acknowledge that time as a period of hardship and yet one that is the seedbed for spiritual growth.

Coach Freeman emphasized the three pillars of his program: talent, development of that talent and culture. He said "we can control two of those three pillars. We recruit the talent and it's our job to develop it and build a culture that supports and sustains excellence. I call it the Gold Standard (TGS). It's what I want you to feel when you walk into our locker room. We are going to challenge each other. I ask every one in the building to "choose hard" and maintain a competitive spirit. You must choose love. In other words choose to put the greater good, in this case Notre Dame football above yourself."

Knowing there would be Q&A, I decided now was the time. Why? I have served on the Notre Dame Women Connect Alumni Board for the past six years, and my tenure was up. I prepared my introduction, commentary and question and raised my hand. I almost couldn't believe my luck when Dolly nodded in my direction. (think Jake Ryan nodding at Sam in Sixteen Candles. Who me?). I stood up and spoke into the microphone totally pumped and ready to share my stuff.

I said, "Coach Freeman, thank you for encouraging young people to 'Choose hard.' I think that's so important. Second, thank you for beating USC." (when my Dad met Tony Rice, he said that and I've always loved it). The crowd clapped and cheered.

I added, "you inspire so many people. Can you tell us about an athlete or someone from this season who inspires you? I know it's not easy to choose just one, but who is someone that inspires you."

I've been in the business of teaching and coaching young people long enough to know that THEY have just as much of an impact—both positive and negative—on us as we have on them. We need to hear those stories. As my Uncle Jay has told me, "inspiration comes from players to coaches, students to teachers, children to parents, kids to adults, etc., but we seldom acknowledge that." I genuinely wanted to hear what he had to say.

NDAA asked that we refrain from posting videos of Coach Freeman, but I can tell you he mentioned both Irish quarterback Riley Leonard—especially after the NIU loss and Irish safety D.J. Brown. Next time you see me, ask me about his answers and I'll say more.

The last question from the audience was about Coach Freeman's recent conversion to Catholicism. His answer was just beautiful. He said "I'm not a demonstrative or outspoken guy when it comes to my faith." His admission did not surprise me. In fact it reminded me of St Francis of Assisi who said "preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words."

What Coach Freeman did say however was "before you know, you have to trust. Trust beyond knowing. Building that trust, living in that trust—it's all a different way of saying have faith." At this point, I wasn't sure if he was talking about sport or about spirituality. Probably both. 

One of the first quotes I have my students in Sports and Spirituality write down is also from Pope Paul VI. He said, "Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses." Attending the Spring Alumni Association meeting has made me—a teacher into a witness as well. Our time with Coach Freeman was a gift. His insight on leadership, relationships, striving for excellence and faith was powerful and poignant. I heard a great homily, but what I saw will stay with me for years to come.

Photo Credits
TGS
Dick Corbett
Mass at ND

Encounter is when something unexpectedly new happens: Time at Notre Dame

In recent year, many Catholics have grown more familiar the term "encounter." Why? It's a phrase that Pope Francis has returned to over and over again in his addresses and writings. In fact, the Holy Father has made famous the phrase “culture of encounter,” which simply means that I have something good to give to another person, and the other has something good to give me. It's not a revolutionary term or teaching. It's quite simple and yet, it's worth further consideration. What might that good be? The Daily Reflection from Dynamic Catholic coupled with my return to the University of Notre Dame for the Alumni Association Leadership Conference gave me an answer.

Notre Dame Women Connect Board hosts Cheering Her Name, welcoming seniors as alumnae!

Notre Dame is French for Our Lady. Father Hesburgh entrusted the University to her. It is a place and space of encounter…for encounter. Every time I return to my alma mater, I encounter friends, classmates, visitors who have so much to give. I hope I offer the same. But what makes each pilgrimage back to campus so dynamic is what no one can plan for. There is always something unexpected, and new. Truly, the best way to summarize four days on campus is through the lens of encounter. Here are but a few worth sharing.

The first speaker was Super Bowl Champion, keynote speaker, and bestselling author, Ryan Harris. As written on his website, "Harris inspires audiences across the nation by incorporating lessons learned in success and failure throughout his 10-year NFL Career." He is one of the better speakers I have heard.

In addition to this mantra: I am. I can. I will. he promoted the importance of personal example. He said "leaders don't lead by example but with example." His secret to success was "have fun" everyday and celebrate every win. Sometimes, you might have to trick yourself into doing that. For example, he admitted arriving at practice, tired, sore and not exactly excited about going up against teammate DeMarcus Ware. He shouted out, "Whoo! Oh yeah! Rock n Roll!" He added, "That's the attitude I had to take." It was certainly a fun story to hear. 

The audience was eager to give him a standing ovation. His energy and passion, his clear message and challenge for the leaders in the room was so inspiring. But a few minutes later, the chair of our group, Erin started talking to him. Knowing my interest in Sports and Spirituality, Erin made a point of introducing me to Ryan.

I told him that I see DeMarcus Wear every summer at the American Century Championship Golf Tourney and I can only imagine how much *fun* that must be to go up against him. NB: If you have ever met or seen the Hall of Fame linebacker, you would say the same thing. 

A devout Muslim, I was able to share with Ryan what I teach about another Muslim athlete, Hakeem Olajuwon in my class, Sports and Spirituality. I thanked him for his message and the preparation he put into it. Our conversation was such a spirited and special encounter. 

Later in the day, I went to mass in Alumni Hall chapel. I was happy to see the return of Father Mark Poorman, CSC to campus. A "recovering administrator," he teaches an ethics class, Character, Conscience and Case Studies: Applied Christian Ethics. 

In his homily, he said that most students see themselves as the leading character—of their own story or blockbuster movie. He asks students to consider "Is it possible that you might be living in a story larger than your own?" And, with that increased perspective in mind, why not reflect upon: What is God enabling me to do? I said to myself, what a great way to think about vocation—What is God enabling me to do?

After mass, I asked him about his class. He shared that students spend the first week completing and discussing a values inventory. Why? Our values drive our decisions. Our decisions reveal our character. Our character is our destiny. This inventory asks students to answer questions like: What is the most important quality in a friend? honesty, loyalty or trustworthiness. The inventory is thorough. Look for one for athletes in the future.

While neither of these encounters required walking, the next day, I asked a fellow board member if she would like to go see the statue of Muffet McGraw. Erected in December 2023, the art work honors the two-time national championship winning women's basketball coach. It is the first statue of a female coach on campus. 

Kellie and I had a short break before our next meeting. I live by the principle that art is meant to be encountered in person. We debated if we should even go. I knew it would be more fun to go there together; I'm glad we did. On the walk, we were able to discuss what Coach McGraw meant to us (and especially to her husband. Huge fan!). We took these photos and rushed back. As we walked by Notre Dame stadium, a golf cart was headed directly toward us. In the passenger seat was none other than Coach Marcus Freeman. 

Being farsighted, I realized pretty quickly who it was. He looked at us and not wanting to injure the head coach of Notre Dame football or make a fool of myself, we simply said "Hey Coach!!" I gave a virtual high five, while jumping for joy.  I couldn't help but think, had we not visited Coach McGraw we would not have encountered Coach Free. Thank you, Coaches!

Upon finishing our meetings, I decided I should walk to the Grotto—for fear that I might run out of time and not make it to the spiritual center of campus. I took some time in prayer, I lit a candle and touched the stone from the Grotto in Lourdes. I decided to walk back on the path opposite of how I entered the sacred space.

As I came close to the Main Building, I realized Father Bob Dowd, CSC—the incoming University President and I would cross paths. I have not seen Father Bob in maybe 20 years? I reintroduced myself and we talked about Mass in Farley Hall. I mentioned that I saw him at Holy Cross Center in Berkeley after my time in ACE. We recalled a few memories, he asked why I was on campus and I wished him the very best in his new role. 

I thought to myself: no walk to the Grotto, no encounter with Father Bob. And, In what other place can a person encounter two great leaders in the very same day?

I told another board member about my encounter and she informed me that he was her neighbor in Cavanaugh Hall. And, he will continue to live there as President. Love this—President of the University and living on the second floor of a woman's dorm. Nice work.

I came to the board meeting with a fair amount anxiety about the work that had to get done both at school and on campus. While it comes with a fair amount of responsibility, my role with Notre Dame Women Connect is an honor and privilege. My parents reminded me how fortunate I was and I am to have an  opportunity like this. Gratitude can help manage anxiety.

What makes my time at Notre Dame so meaningful and memorable are the experiences...the encounters, the people and the places. I can't begin to name them all—NDWC board, the seniors from Cheering Her Name, my classmate and friend Marco and learning from Sara about Iowa basketball in the 80s. My new (but should be longtime) friend Mike Brown, John in from Mexico City, the award winning SFND Club leadership, especially Steve and so many more. None is a given. Each one is a gift. So many are unexpected ...and that so special.

Grateful for Our Lady who lights the way. We are ND. Go Irish

Photo Credits
Grotto

When Choosing Your College: Consider this Lesson from a Looper

This is much more than a story of a golfer and his caddie. As I sit down to write, I am acutely aware that it's that time of year again. For the next few weeks we will be scratching our heads wondering how, why and why not. We will do our best to consider what went right and what not wrong, but what was missing. No, I'm not talking about March Madness, although said comments and questions apply. It's admissions season, which means colleges are sending their decisions—yay, nay and maybe. For some students, a decision has been made for them. Others have options. Like any important decision, there is much to discern and important questions to answer, such as: What do I want to study? How much can I afford? Where do I want to live? And who do I want to be? 

I believe one of the best places to find an answer amongst the students in attendance at a college you are considering. Seek to find out: Who are they? What do they value? And how is the university shaping, challenging, assisting,  forming and informing them? 

Another place is among the alumni. The spiritual life speaks about the "fruit" of one's labor—or the practice of faith. The "fruit" of a school community are the men and women who have lived on campus, graduated and moved on. Talk to them. What themes and threads emerge in common? Who are they at both their best and their worst? I imagine the truth is somewhere in the middle.

For those considering the University of Notre Dame, it's true—you won't have any trouble finding an alum eager to share his or her experience. Many of us love nothing more than to talk about our alma mater...but that's not true for everyone. At our worst, Domers are annoying and in your face. I'll keep this brief as I don't think it fair to say much more. However, at our best, ND alumni are what Father Sorin hoped we would be: a force for good. We are loyal and loving, smart and passionate people. I'll keep that brief, too.

But something you might not know about Notre Dame alumni is that we are storytellers. It's those Irish roots and that Catholic heritage. We love the fight—whether is be on the gridiron on Saturday, the hardwood on Sunday or in providing answers to that question: "What would you fight for?" And yes, what though the odds be great or small—we love to defy expectations and assumptions.

Therefore, as I was reading "A Course Called America" by a great alumni storyteller, Tom Coyne '97, I couldn't help but pause after reading about his caddie at North Shore Country Club, Jackson Wrede '18. To me—Jackson is the perfect profile of Notre Dame alum as I've described here. Coyne writes, 

Four days later, I would meet another caddie full of surprises in Chicago. North Shore was a level layout by the prestigious design firm of Colt, Mackenzie, and Alison and had hosted the U.S. Open in 1933, when Johnny Goodman became the last amateur to ever lift the trophy. Today the club was a Catholic golf haven (I was surprised to find that Chicago’s private clubs remained organized along religious lines), and it seemed as if half the membership was there to welcome a fellow Notre Dame alum to the course, including my caddie who are just graduated that spring. 

Jackson was looping his way through graduate school, and by the look of him he was pursuing a master's in the bench press. He was a block of a dude, with a chiseled jaw and thick brown hair with a careful part. He had to roll up your sleeves to let his biceps breathe, and his shoulders were like side tables on which he rested two bag straps. I don’t think he put down our bags once the entire around; I doubted whether he noticed they were even there.

I wondered aloud if he had played football at Notre Dame, and he explained that no, he had been a boxer. Notre Dame’s boxing club had been around for 90 years and was one of the campus is more celebrated intermurals. Jackson had been it’s captain. God bless your sparring partners I thought. I asked him what he was studying in grad school, and when he said fine arts, I checked my ears and asked him to say that again.

"I’m doing a master of fine arts. I’m a painter," he said. "Wait a second. I have a master of fine arts. You don’t look like any MFA student I’ve ever seen."

He laughed and showed me some of his work on his phone. He specialized in pop art paintings, and his oil-on-canvas collages were good—outstanding really. I looked forward to adding one to my art collection. Well, I looked forward to starting an art collection, with some work for my friend Jackson Wrede, the caddie–painter–pugilist.

Perhaps you would think a blog on Sports and Spirituality should also reveal that Jackson has also considered a vocation to the priesthood or that I met him while he did his six-week summer service project working at St. Anthony's in the Tenderloin. Yes, I would love to that to be true but that's not what this story reveals. Furthermore, that's missing a bigger point.

This story—a shared experience between two alumni—speaks to me of what saying "yes" to a school like Notre Dame means. For those who are not sure that it's the school for you, I can offer but one more example. The relationship is one that does not end upon graduation, unless you prefer otherwise. It means that you will study, learn and live among people who will surprise you, who will impress you, and a whole lot of people ready and willing to share their gifts and talents with you. In this case, I came to find out Jackson did send Tom one of his paintings. And Tom, promoted Jackson's work among his many followers.  

Universities and colleges say "yes" to students they hope are a good fit. They accept men and women who will support the mission and thrive in their academic environment. And students who say "yes" to a specific school have those opportunities and many more.... so the story goes!

Best of luck to the Class of 2022 in your next step!

Photo Credits
Alumni Spotlight
Pugilist
Force for Good

The Best Way to Pray during Advent: Can you name a sacred place?

The liturgical season of Advent offers an abundance of beautiful, creative prayer resources. I can't think of a single religious organization that doesn't try to make its mark during this holy time. Is there one that stands out among the others in your inbox?  

For me, it's "Sacred Places of Notre Dame: An Advent Journey." Every afternoon, I receive a text message with a link to a video featuring a student, faculty member, or administrator who names and describes a campus location sacred to them. As written by the Alumni Association, "These places range from chapels and courtyards to libraries and locker rooms—and each one invites us to strengthen our faith and deepen our appreciation for our beloved campus." For those who love Notre Dame, these are a treasure trove of profiles and people, memories and messages. For those unaffiliated with ND, I think it's fair to ask, Are they relevant and relatable? Absolutely. Is their meaning lost? Definitely not. Here's why.

The very question—asking a person at any age to name a sacred place and articulate how/ why it is holy ground— is important. To me, hearing how an everyday place like the locker room, volleyball court or a small meeting room is the space where a person connects with God is both interesting and inspiring. Every testimony offers me spiritual nourishment. Each speaker raises questions we are all called to consider. What a great way to be with the Word of God during this season of waiting.

If I were featured (yes, that's a hint!), it wouldn't be hard for me to name a sacred place at Notre Dame. However, I say that because I've witnessed fellow alumni give their own testimony for the past three years. If I had been asked before viewing and praying with this resource, I hope I would know. But would I? Would you?  

While this Advent production is rooted in Notre Dame, it's bigger than that. It has to be. Why? The students will come and go, but the campus will remain. And yet, that same campus is ever changing, always growing. It is both tradition and innovation, history and what is to be. God's Word and God's presence, however, do not change. You could ask this same question in your school community or parish—and I do. It connects my own students to their campus in a special way. 

So let me share the three videos that I have played in class for my seniors. From them you will see why this is not only my favorite Advent prayer resource, it is also my favorite way to conclude the Fall semester of Sports and Spirituality. I have shown what is posted below and I invite my students to pray with the questions...and create their own. On our final day of class, we will join other Religious Studies classes for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Maybe one priest will be available in a small meeting room too. Peace.

Charity McDowell, a sophomore and science pre-professional major from Indianapolis, brings her faith to the courts on the Notre Dame volleyball team.

“To me, this is home, the place where my team and I work together as we strive toward our goal of excellence. Every day, we show up to improve and compete, but doing so as one team. These are lifelong friendships that we are building on this court, and that is very special to me. In a similar way, this place also allows me to strengthen my relationship with God.”

As we celebrate this Advent season, consider the places in your lives where you spend the most time. How can we transform these places, however familiar they might be, into our own places of prayer, so that we may glorify God in all that we do?

Josh Lugg, graduate student offensive lineman for the Fighting Irish.

“Putting on my knee braces, pants, pads, jersey and cleats can be a process, but it gives me time to mentally rest and spend time with God before flipping that switch to a fearless, competitive mindset. In a similar way, just as I have strengthened my relationship with God here, it is also a place for me to build relationships with my teammates.”

As we prepare for the birth of our Lord this Advent season, where are our places of preparation? How do they strengthen our courage and perseverance to take on the daily work we are given, so that we may glorify God in all that we do?

Assistant Director of Pastoral Care Outreach Rev. Joe Corpora, C.S.C., brings the sacraments to the students of Notre Dame.

“When I come to this room, I quiet myself down in preparation to hear confessions and to reunite those seeking reconciliation into God’s unconditional mercy and grace. At this moment I am able to help each student more fully accept God’s relentless forgiveness. Being with the students in this way is a great and wonderful blessing for me. It is to journey with them on their path towards holiness. The short time each week I have to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation in this simple room is a gift.”

In this season of Advent, how we can serve those around us as a representative of Christ’s mercy and grace in the everyday surroundings where we may find ourselves?

Photo Credits

Sacred Space of ND

Report from an ND Home Game Part II

Whether or not it's your first visit back to campus in ten years or your third in five years, what Notre Dame alumni and fans should know that what they see today, will not be here tomorrow. The University's "Campus and Development"report states 

Never a campus to be accused of “dreaming too small,” Notre Dame has $300 million to $400 million of campus development projects in progress or on the horizon. They include a center for executive education, a social sciences building, a student activities building, two residence halls, a multi-disciplinary research building, and an art museum.

My immediate reaction says "that's a lot of money." My friend was right—the University is rolling in money these days. But I also believe after my visit this past weekend for the Michigan State game that it's soul is not for sale; it will not be bought or sold. If they do it right, and I think they will, Notre Dame can and will only get better. 

And yet, I say that with humility. My basis for judgement is not scientific. I hope that my experience as the co-leader of the Catholic Identity Accreditation for WASC qualifies for something--anyone? anyone? But I'll also be the first to admit, I am not a professional consultant. I did not work for Arthur Andersen as many of my classmates did upon graduation (remember the full page ad in The Observer they had congratulating their new ND hires?).  But everywhere I go, I wear the lens of sport and spirituality.  And ND is rife with growth in both domains.

State of the Holy Family

It's easy to report just how many new buildings and structures have sprung up on campus. And the athletic department has benefitted as much, if not more than others.  Although I have often heard about the new softball, soccer, track and hockey facilities, no one has once commented on the increased amount of religious art on display throughout Notre Dame's 1,250 acres.  

A sculpture of the Holy Family stands at a central intersection. A replica of The Visitation by Holy Cross priest and sculptor, Anthony J. Lauck, CSC is appropriately placed next to the Eck Visitor's Center.  Outside of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart stands a statue of Our Lady in remembrance of the unborn.  And a beautiful Sant'Egidio Icon hangs inside as a reminder of our call to ecumenism. In 2009, Pope Benedict met with artists to affirm their talents as gift from God and the importance of their trade. He said "Sacred art is a living catechesis. The richness of religious art, shows that the Church has always been a source of inspiration." Notre Dame has affirmed this sentiment.

And yet, what I love about Notre Dame is the integration of the holy or sacred into the ordinary.  Every classroom, every dining room and yes, even every athletic facility has a cross that hangs to bless the space and to identify what we believe.  God, Country, Notre Dame aren't just words on the north door of the Basilica, it is echoed in the signs and symbols that hang in every athletic facility.

One dedication that I found particularly intriguing is the "Homage of Holy Cross" placard that hangs in the Compton Family Ice Arena. Everyone who has been to this state of the art facility for the ND hockey team has told me I have to see it.  Even though I'm not a big hockey fan, I am glad I did. WOW.  Perhaps the appropriate word here is—legion?! It may serve as a different take on Mother Teresa's maxim "something beautiful for God" and yet, it certainly is. In a small way, I think it was made even more beautiful by the message of gratitude to the members of the Congregation of Holy Cross to foster the community that is Notre Dame.

The changes and growth at Notre Dame aren't without oversight.  For example, when I saw the newly constructed towers on the football practice fields, I knew why they were there. In 2010, Declan Sullivan tragically died when the cherry picker the team had used for taping practice collapsed in a wind storm. I wish the University had placed words in memoriam to Declan Sullivan outside of the football gate. I hope they will...

I hope someday these fields will be dedicated to Declan Sullivan

T.S. Elliot wrote "home is where we start from" and returning to Notre Dame reminded me of what started there. No matter how many new building or statues rise and fall, the spirit of Notre Dame is constant. Why? because of its roots.  I think my experience and the words of theologian Ron Rolheiser affirm that belief. He writes "The pain of transience and impermanence in our lives also helps point us toward the things that don’t change, namely, faith, hope and love. These can never be bulldozed under, replaced by grain fields, burnt down by fire, expropriated and knocked down to make way for a new freeway, or rendered obsolete by newer software. In this world, Scripture tells us, we have no lasting city, but we are already inextricably bound up with things that do last forever. No wonder we sing "and our hearts forever, love thee Notre Dame!"

Photo Credits
Dome