International Women's Day: Meet Coach Muffet McGraw

Today, International Women's Day is "a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women." I would like to take the opportunity of IWD to:

1. celebrate the example of one female coach and 
2. continue my call and quest for more female coaches...and how these might be related.

If I were to create Mt. Rushmore of coaches at the University of Notre Dame, it would be utterly incomplete without the face of Coach Muffet McGraw. Coach McGraw now in her 31st season with the Irish has a stellar record of 765-227 (.771) and one national championship title to her name. As written on the ND website

McGraw's post at Notre Dame was further enhanced on Feb. 16, 2015, when one of her former players, point guard Karen (Robinson) Keyes ('91) and her husband, Kevin, made a $5 million gift to their alma mater to endow its head women's basketball coaching position, now known as the Karen and Kevin Keyes Family Head Women's Basketball Coach. It's also believed to be the largest endowment gift of its kind in NCAA women's basketball history, as well as the first endowed coaching position of any sort in Notre Dame athletics history. 

According to the International Women's Day's website, March 8, also "marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity." This distinction for both the position of coaching at Notre Dame and to Coach McGraw was made possible through the ardent efforts of the Advancement Office of Irish Athletics (under the Development Office) What a wonderful way to advance IWD's cause.

The accolades on the coaching profile webpage for Muffet McGraw are prolific. On one hand, words cannot capture what she is and has been as a coach, a mentor and a face for women's hoops. The page opens with her record, her tenure, and the following:
"If we searched for an entire year. I don't think we would find anyone better suited for our program."

With those words, former Notre Dame director of athletics Gene Corrigan announced the hiring of Muffet McGraw as the third head coach of the Fighting Irish women's basketball program on May 18, 1987. Corrigan may not have realized it at the time, but he also ushered in an era of unparalleled success in women's basketball at Notre Dame, brought to life on the shoulders of a 5-foot-6 dynamo who accepts nothing less than the very best from herself, her players and her program. Ask anyone familiar with women's basketball about Muffet McGraw and her Notre Dame program and inevitably, you'll hear the same two words -- consistency and excellence. And it's no wonder, when you consider what McGraw and the Fighting Irish have achieved in the past 30 seasons: 

With all due respect to Mr. Corrigan, I think "an entire year" is an understatement. They would not have found the likes of McGraw in a lifetime. However, if it's up to Coach McGraw they can and they will again.

Every level of basketball--from high school on up to the league now has upwards of four, six or eight coaches on staff. Though puzzling to me, I know that each coach has his or her specialty and purpose. Unlike many womens' D1 sports program, all seven coaches associated with Notre Dame women's basketball team are female. This is not a new trend. Many are former players. Some are moms, others are wives, partners etc. In the past, some have left to become head coaches; others will in the future. This attribute ought to be linked to the legacy of Coach Muffet McGraw.

At Notre Dame, we already have a Grotto, a Golden Dome, two lakes--not one, and the best fight song in all of collegiate sports. The campus--the flora and fauna, the grounds, the architecture is resplendent in its beauty. Artwork and statues enhance the aesthetic and find their own way of telling the story that is Notre Dame. 

For example, outside of the Hesburgh Library, the imposing and prophetic Moses stands strong. He led the Israelites to freedom...and he calls attention to the fact we are number one. Father William Corby, two-time President of Notre Dame was also chaplain to the Union Army. He is captured blessing the Irish Brigade in the American Civil War. On game day, Irish faithful refer to him as "First Down Corby." Our Lady stands on top of the Golden Dome, outside of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart (as the protector of unborn children) and adjacent to the Alumni Welcome Center with her cousin Elizabeth. "The Visitation," designed by Holy Cross Priest, Father Austin Collins, signifies pilgrimage and journey, welcome and hospitality. On a daily basis, alumni, parents, fans, and tourists travel to South Bend, Indiana to visit what can only be seen, heard, touched and felt at Notre Dame. Making a sincere case for a Mt. Rushmore of our coaches would be futile. However, on International Women's Day, I would like to call attention to the fact were we to create such a monument, the Mt. Rushmore of Coaches of the Fighting Irish would include one woman among the four faces. And, her career is not yet over—the best, may be yet to come. Thank you, Coach McGraw, for your example, for sharing your gifts and for the legacy have created and are living!. 

Photo Credits

Two Words Every Coach Can and Should Say: Thank You

Every year, I attend close to half of all varsity boys' basketball games at St. Ignatius, where I teach. This year, a coworker/ friend and I picked a road game to attend, beyond the high profile Bruce Mahoney and Jungle Game. When the head coach caught word that we would be at the final regular season game, he invited us to the team dinner. I was touched that he thought to include us. He told me it is his way of saying "thank you." Those are two words that every coach can and should say.

In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a good penance will ask the confessor to pray for the one who has been hurt, to resolve the past and as we can, to right the wrong. I also think that every priest could add a simple task to Confession. Advise the penitant—male or female, young or old to say or write two words: "thank you." 
Ignatian Spirituality.com writes

St. Ignatius believed ingratitude to be “the cause, beginning, and origin of all evils and sins.” The quote is from a letter dated March 18, 1542, cited in this helpful article on gratitude by Brian J. Lehane, SJ. Fr. Lehane writes: Perhaps God doesn’t necessarily want us always to be saying “thank you” so much as to be noticing how much we are loved and cared for by Him and, in turn, to respond by living a life of gratitude. Grateful people tend to be more generous and magnanimous with others.

I think Fr Lehane is right, those who live a life with thanksgiving are easy to be around. They take less and give more, they notice others, anticipate their needs and appreciate their surroundings. Oh, and I think they say "thank you" and write it too.

At a faith sharing meeting, a co-worker mentioned another colleague who has been a source of grace in her life. She prayed in thanksgiving for her tireless support and generosity. She admitted how much more this mentor teacher has going on in her life—she is a mom, a wife, and a varsity coach. Her words resonated with me as I have turned to this coach during the height of our seasons seeking her insight and wisdom. My sport doesn't require half of what hers does and yet, she has never made my concerns or challenges feel insignificant. A third co-worker chimed in by adding "Haley is the only coach who has ever written me a thank you note for attending her team's game." I shouldn't have been surprised. I wasn't. And yet, I was.

I have never thought of writing a "thank you" note to my colleagues for attending a meet, match or regatta. Never. It's not hard to do and this gesture obviously has meaning.

I asked Haley about her practice. She admitted that she writes thank you notes or sends e-mails to colleagues for attending because "it means SO much to the girls when they see their teachers there. They love it when people show up for their games. And, it means a lot to me, too," she said. 

Her remarks only deepened my appreciation for Haley as both my friend and as another coach. She takes notice of what matters to her team and what matters to them, matters to her. Ignatius of Loyola writes that "love is shown in deeds." The love that Haley has for her athletes and her team is put into action in extending gratitude. She says "thank you" and writes it too.

I am going to consider how I can extend gratitude to those who support my golf program.I invite other coaches to do the same. It can start with an invitation to a team dinner or just  those two simple words....

Photo Credits
Written Thank you

How Coaches and Athletes Might Fast During Lent

Posted in the faculty workroom is the sign "Do you want to Fast this Lent" Funny question. Do I want to fast? No. Am I called to? Yes. At least during Lent, I am!

I'm not eager to renounce myself of much, but looking at the words of Pope Francis, I realize this spiritual discipline remains an important invitation for all of us who want to grow in our faith, become more like Christ and model God's love. I also believe these are words that could be furthered by every coach with his or her team. 

Pope Francis’ Words

Do you want to fast this Lent?

• Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.

• Fast from worries and trust in God.

• Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.

• Do you want to fast this Lent? 

• Fast from pressures and be prayerful.

• Fast from bitterness sand fill your heart with joy.

• Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.

• Fast from grudges and be reconciled.

• Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.

Take the Holy Father's eleven recommendations and let them speak to the challenges offered in your sport. Let your captains open up each one as it has resonated with their own experience. Let each student-athlete give their voice to how fasting in this way is necessary or important. Encourage them to consider how they might be different or the team might be better if it were to fast from hurting words, sadness, anger, pessimism, worries, complaints, pressures, bitterness, selfishness and grudges? Advise them to imagine a program that is filled with gratitude, patience, hope, trust, prayer, joy, compassion and reconciliation.

Coaches might use this poster as a prayerful Examen. We can speak to about each one with a narrative of our own. Examples include:

1. When we are tested, tired and pushed, it's just so easy to say hurtful words to our coaches, teammates and the referees. Sports and athletic competition is no stranger to all of it. Sometimes jealousy and resentment cloud our vision and we spread gossip, snide remarks and jeers. Instead, during Lent let us commit to finding the good in one another—and say it!
   
2. What athlete or coach hasn't felt sadness at some point during the season. Injuries get us down. Other times, things don't materialize as we had hoped—the team doesn't gel, the athlete isn't developing, the thrill is gone. Fast from sadness and count your blessings. What are you grateful for? Thank God for the very fact you can compete...you have a team...you have the chance to lead.

I coached a Spring sport for but two seasons of my coaching tenure. Undoubtedly the longest of the three sports seasons, Spring sports offer time and opportunities for prayer and reflection unlike the Fall and Winter seasons (not a value judgment; it is true for each one!). Though I do not want to return to coaching rowing, were I to coach crew again or coach track, swimming or boys golf, I know I would tap into all that Lent can offer by way of Sports and Spirituality. Pope Francis' words are but one way to do that.

He really is something, that Pope Francis...In our Lenten Lunch reflection, I also read these words: Life is a journey. When we stop, things don't go right. Let us walk together during these 40 days of Lent...asking questions and fasting in the way he invites us to do.

Photo Credits
Do you want to fast this Lent?

Five Lessons Learned from Bubba Watson's 10th PGA Victory

On Sunday, February 18, 2018, Gerry Lester "Bubba" Watson—one of the original Golf Boys and a two-time Masters champion secured his 10th win in the Professional Golf Association (PGA). As a longtime fan of the now second winningest lefty in the game (Phil Mickelson is #1 with 42 PGA wins), this victory illuminated five truths that resonate with Sports and Spirituality.

1. The importance of staying loose.
It's no secret that Watson is one of the more tightly wound golfers in the game. His nerves are visible, nearly palpable. And, his inability to control them at times has led many to deride him for his treatment of Teddy Scott, his caddy of 16+ years. 

Having played on the tour for 15 years now, Watson has had to figure out ways to stay loose and manage his demons. Perhaps playing the in the NBA All-Star shoot-around on Friday, February 16 enabled him to loosen up. Watson, who played basketball in high school (and is married to a woman who played at UGA as for the  Canadian National Team) had his shot easily blocked and put up a big, bad airball in this contest! 

In spite of it all, Watson has never been afraid to laugh at himself. I have a feeling this is one of the more effective ways to take the edge off of golf, a game that is both mentally and physically taxing. Whatever it takes for you to "stay loose" is worth considering!

2. Never be afraid to let it all go
On the final hole, Watson's ball was "away"—meaning that he should have putt next. Instead, his opponents took their putt so that he—the winner—could have and hold that final moment. I loved this gesture.

The minute that 7-foot putt went in the hole, Watson let it all go. Waterworks. Bubba fans have seen this before, especially upon winning the 2012 Masters where he hugged his mom, a recent widow and held her tight.

Many might question his tears; "What's the big deal? Why get so choked up?" and on one hand, that's fair. On the other, however, Bubba affirms what so many golfers know is true: it's so hard to win. Golf is one of the few games where the winner has beaten everyone else in the field. For example, tennis players or football teams play only those in their bracket or league. There's no defense in golf; one doesn't play tactically against another golfer. It man or woman vs. the game. Damn, it's raw. Furthermore, those tears are a sincere reflection of who Watson truly is. He very sensitive. He's masculine and "all guy" at times—AND not but—he is in touch with his emotions and feelings. He wears his heart on his sleeve and though not everyone is a fan of that, I am.

3. The questions we ask ourselves
Through the tears, Bubba said: 

There's so many emotions going through my head right now, never know if you're going to play good again, never know if you're going to be able to lift a trophy again. 

"So many things, I thought about retirement. I mean there's just so much stuff going through my head right now. I can't believe I'm going to lift the trophy."

Athlete or not, I don't know a single person who can't relate to those words. We all face questions and have doubt. We say "the struggle is real" too often in jest and yet we know it IS real. I appreciate that in this moment of victory, Watson was able to share the difficult road and the questions he asked himself to get there. By no means does it compromise what he achieved. In fact, his honesty only enhances the #10.

4. The power of setting and meeting a goal
Watson's first words in his post-win interview were "My goal has always been to get 10 wins, and so, this got me to my 10th win." At that moment, I realized the significance of meeting that goal, the journey it took to get there, the doubts he shared/temptation to talk away and ultimately his commitment to persevere made this win that much sweeter. 

I think that goal setting can be contagious. When I heard of his accomplishment—beyond the win—I began to consider the goals that I have. What are they? What steps am I taking to achieve them? Who have I talked to about my goals? I hope hearing people share the goals they have achieved cause you to consider the goals you have too.

5. Gratitude and Humility
Watson has been outspoken about his Christian faith. He said, "Obviously, God's given me a gift to play golf and I'm not too good at anything else." In this moment of both humility and humor, he recognized the One who enabled him to stay "in it to win it" and concluded his remarks by thanking his wife and kids and Teddy. 

His gratitude, his unconventional swing, his emotional game, his fear and doubt, his confidence and his triumphs made me hope for...another 10 more?! Congrats to my favorite Golf Boy: Bubba Watson.


Photo Credits
NBA All Star 
el Champion
Fist Bump

Coach Jim Harbaugh and the Soul of Youth Sports

Even before he was hired to serve as the head coach of the University of Michigan Wolverines' football team, I held mixed feelings for Jim Harbaugh. A Michigan alum (boo), a practicing Catholic, a man who has been outspoken about the dangers of specialization (thank you!), a true coach and competitor, I have never known quite what to do with him. At his best, Harbaugh demonstrates a deep passion for football and competition. I respect how fiercely loyal his players are to him. Showing up to practice when he was with the 49ers, just hours after an ablation of his heart (which I do not consider a routine procedure) one would never doubt Harbaugh's commitment to coaching. I believe it when he yells "who's got it better than us?! NOBODY!" and yet over time, I have seen how the answer to that question changes. At his worst, Harbaugh's relentless pursuit of the W is polarizing. He had crossed the line of respect toward officials in too many games AND among other coaches (admitting he never wants to shake hands with another coach after a game). Part of me appreciates and values much of what he stands for and the other part of me has been happy to critique and criticize what he has done or failed to do. So, when I saw Coach Harbaugh listed as the keynote speaker at NCEA's Soul of Youth Sports Conference, I was anxious—no, almost nervous, to discover what I would learn....not just about him but about myself. This is what I have gained.

No Khakis
Every single person with whom I told that Harbaugh was the Keynote at the 2018 SOYSC in Kansas City had the same reaction/response/remark: commentary on his khakis. Mr. Khakis....I bet he will wear khakis...that's the coach who wears khakis. On one hand, it's surprising to me that this coach who has a lifetime record of 44-19-1 has been reduced to a pair of pleated, or no longer pleated pants. The other part of me gets it...it's branding, he's human, and those khakis have characterized more than a singular news story!

No, Coach Harbaugh showed up in a handsome navy suit with a Michigan tie (not a surprise). He was leaner than I expected (I think weight fluctuates for a significant number of coaches....in-season weight and off-season lbs!). He was as high energy and present as I expected he would be. All parties are aware that Coach Harbaugh is in a room because, with his excellent posture, he stands tall. He holds a laser focus on whatever is in his sight. Make no mistake about it, the man holds a powerful presence, khakis or not.

I Heart Football
Coach Harbaugh's love for football is infectious. "My goal as a player was to play as long as I can. My goal as a coach is to coach as long as I can....and then die." A number of attendees commented on his charisma, which is undeniable, but this quality combined with his sheer love of the game is compelling. He said, "football is the greatest game, ever." It's fair to say he had every single person considering these words as truth. He added, "I've heard too many athletes say I regret not playing football but I've never heard one say I regret playing football." 

Given the state of high school sports today, I wish more athletes would consider his words and his belief in football. At Michigan football will take you to places like South Bend (this Fall!), a bowl game in January and in 2017, to the Vatican. "I wanted my players to experience a new culture, taste new food, hear other languages. My players had the chance to meet Pope Francis. I think it's important to learn about other faith traditions and for many of my players and for me, more about our own." For Harbaugh, football is the vehicle whereby young men compete, feel good about themselves and learn to put others (the team) before themselves. The fuel for all of it? Love.

Faith, Family, Football
Harbaugh recognized and thanked his mentors in the game. Of no surprise, his father— Jack—a former coach and now his next-door neighbor in Ann Arbor came at the top of his list. Next, Harbaugh said his coach at UM, Coach Bo Schembechler drilled just two words into his players' psyches.  The team! The team! The team! was the mantra. Harbaugh confessed that his own immaturity as a college athlete got in the way of fulfilling this charge. He admitted the challenge to understand and embody those words, however, was a noble and worthy pursuit. He strives to help his own players understand the importance of The team! The Team! THE TEAM! today. 

This team, however, is not as important as two other priorities. Before he married his (second) wife Sarah, her father told Jim he must live with his focus on faith, family, and football— in that order. Jim said that list is easy to remember but our actions can make it easy to forget. He said, "when I keep my priorities straight, I know I am living right." Not everyone needs to be a football coach to understand the truth of that matter.

Leadership, Competition, and Fun
I was able to ask Coach Harbaugh a question during a brief Q & A that followed his address. I told him I am from San Francisco and wanted him to know we have missed him, but things are also on the up and up (it's true! Thanks, Coach Shanahan and GM John Lynch). I inquired how he develops leaders and what he does to have fun with them.

Harbaugh responded by stating his looks for leaders when he recruits athletes to Michigan. He said, "with technology today, a coach can see—athletically—all they need to see. However, when he talks to coaches, he wants to know what kind of person they are. Do they have integrity? Describe their work ethic? Do they maintain a coachable attitude? Are they hungry? honest? trustworthy?" These are the qualities Coach Harbaugh is seeking. He broke this down by sharing what he learned from Judge Judy of all people. "You know when you buy a basket of blueberries and there's that one blueberry that is moldy, right? Well, what happens if you keep that blueberry in the basket? The other ones begin to mold as well. You have to remove that blueberry or in this instance, don't buy the basket with the moldy blueberry to start. Leadership is no different"

Though honest, I found his response unsatisfactory. I think there is a lot that a football team, even on the D1 collegiate level do to form leaders. Young men who are 18, 19, 20 and 21+ years of age are not fully formed. Coaches, graduate assistants, and captains can and ought to play an important part in their formation. Feel free to disagree, but I left with a deeper appreciation for Brian Kelly after hearing Coach Harbaugh in this regard. I truly DO believe that BK and his staff take the formation of Notre Dame football players very seriously. I think they do much more than recruit leaders. The Irish have failed to become the leaders, alums like myself expect from those representing Our Lady's University; they have been held accountable. Others do so much to make us proud. And, when I heard Brian Kelly speak a few years ago, I heard him mention these players by name. This is something Coach Harbaugh did not do.

Coach Harbaugh did not answer my question on how he has fun with his players. I'm not sure I needed him to, for I think I know the answer. He has fun in competition. No one loves the thrill and challenge of competition more than he does. And that fact remains a bone of contention for all of us who watch him work. The word competition means "to strive together." A good competitor will raise the level of play for all those involved. Competition has come to mean winning...or victory...sometimes at all costs. I'm not convinced Harbaugh doesn't see competition the way I do. I wish we had more time to talk.

The Power of Friendship
Coach Harbaugh came to Lenexa Kansas to speak to 200 coaches and athletic directors at the request of a friend. These two men became friends through the context of football, but I came to understand the nature of their friendship is rooted in so much more.

One of the most life-changing experiences for Coach Harbaugh has been his missionary efforts. Again, he traveled to this rural village of Piura, Peru at the invitation of a friend. Friendship for Harbaugh is a two-way street. Fortunately, we have learned of the mutual benefits and gains from those parties.

Coach Jim Harbaugh began his keynote address with an invitation for us to consider how athletics can and do serve as the cornerstone/foundation of building community. True Christian community is never inclusive of people who "think like me or act as I do." No, in Harbaugh, I came to see a man who has committed to building community—albeit it differently at times—in his own unique way...with passion, with commitment, with friends and family through football, with or without the khakis. Looking forward to seeing you again on Saturday, September 1 at Notre Dame stadium.

Photo Credits
Brothers Harbaugh
Faith and Football
Khakis
Rivalry
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