The 60 Minute Interview of Rafael Nadal: Simply Beautiful

As much as I love watching professional tennis—perhaps you too felt a fortnight of Wimbledon withdrawal—it is hard for me to watch Rafael Nadal play the game. "Rafa" who is just one win shy of Roger Federer's record of twenty grand slam victories, has played on the pro circuit since 2005. As reported by L. Jon Wertheim: "Nadal doesn't play tennis so much as he works it. Blistering the ball with annihilating force, lacing it with somersaulting topspin and imposing his will on the opponent." But that intense style of play isn't why I have often felt I would rather NOT watch Nadal play. Nadalito is riddled with ticks. During a match he is always tugging at his shorts and placing his hair behind his headband. He has an elaborate set of rituals, such as placing his water bottle at just the right angle. Said tendencies have taken away from my enjoyment of his game and this is unfortunate. Why? "Rafael Nadal: The 60 Minutes Interview" reveals an additional perspective on this great athlete. Though his game might not be considered beautiful, those are the best words to describe who he is and from where he comes. 

Rafa is fluent in English but answered the questions in Spanish so he could express himself as freely as possible. I learned more than I expected and found in him an example of an athlete I truly admire. Here's why.

Home
Filmed on Mallorca, the island where he was born, lives now and has vowed never to leave,  Nadal admits that he loves being home because there, he  is just "Rafael Nada." When asked how many generations of Nadals have lived on this Mediterranean island, he says "Bastantes....no pocas." In other words, "Many....quite a few." Though he could make much more money if he lived elsewhere, he admits it would compromise his happiness—something money cannot buy.

His Temper
The game of tennis has had its share of temper tantrums. When asked how many rackets he has broken in a match, I made a guess. The answer? "Cero." When asked why he hasn't broken a single one, he says "my family. They would not allow it." I see a pattern here; Rafa is connected to two things much larger than himself....

The Importance of Self-Doubt
Like many sports, tennis is physically and mentally demanding. He believes doubt and success go hand in hand. Check it out. 

Jealousy
How can something like jealousy be beautiful? Listen to the type that Rafa admits to having. 

My Coaching Philosophy

Every coach is tasked with articulating their own coaching philosophy. While it is often a one to two sentence statement, the message that Rafa offered his coach—his Uncle Tony—during a rain delay of the 2008 Wimbledon final capture the spirit of mine. In what is considered by many as the greatest match of all time, Rafa said , “Relax, I’m not going to lose this match. Maybe Fed will win, but I’m not going to lose." He went on to win and to win. 

I think my task for my team is to help my athletes get to a level of focus and preparation that would allow us to compete in this way. 

Your Motivation

When asked "Why do you continue to play. In spite of the injuries, why are you still in the game? Rafa offers a simple, authentic and beautiful response. I can't think of a better reason to play.

Joy or Winning or the Pain of Losing

Tennis players get asked all the time which side the competitive coin stays with them longer. Rafa is slow to respond. He deliberates and then commits. His answer is consistent with his motivation. He closes his remarks in stating "Creo." ...."I think." 

His Rivalry with Roger Federer
Wertheim asks Nadal is he ever gets interviewed without a question about King Fed. "Do you ever get tired of being asked about Roger?" He responds "No. Encantado." Tan Bonito Rafa.

Hermoso + Bello + Precioso

The 14 minutes of this program reminded me of why I love sports and what I have been missing.  For example, take one look at what is deemed "the 2019 the shot of the year" and something will happen to you. Adrenaline will flow through your veins. Do you remember that feeling? For me, it was heightened by the camera catching Tiger Woods' reaction to the feat. Sitting in the box with his girlfriend and son, he reacted with the same fist pump we have come to know and love with him in red and black on Sundays. 

That moment is quintessential Rafa. He admitted, "I think I'm a very intense person, with a lot of energy. I live life and sports at maximum intensity. This is how I feel it." I heard his words and thought of how magnificent humanity can be. Here is this athlete I have watched for years battle it out on the tennis court. He gives nothing more than maximum intensity; it is an extension of his own life. I let distractions get in the way of focusing in who he really is and how he feels things. This interview allowed me to see with new eyes something and someone beautiful. 

While you can't watch many live sports right now, enjoy this highlight reel and when Rafa returns to the court, for me, it will only be that much more special. 

Photo Credits

Smile
Por espana

Shot of the tourney

With Moya

Jocks and Chicks

To teach is to learn. That Chinese proverb captures why I love being a teacher. Learning sustains me.  I value the time, opportunity and importance that my career places on it. Learning is not without effort. At times, it will lead to confusion and frustration. To learn demands patience, diligence and clarity. There really is something to be said for accuracy, especially when it comes to the words we use. Why? According to William O'Malley, the author of Building Your Own Conscience: "the first step toward wisdom is to call a thing by its right name."

Nomenclature "the devising or choosing of names for things, especially in a science or other discipline" can help us call someone and something by its right name. This is something we teachers give attention to and must learn. Why? O'Malley contends, "Then, you'll handle it as it deserves." I also know that words have power. Language is necessary for communication and understanding, promoting respect and dignity. If you don't agree, please consider how you feel when another calls you by the wrong name...or something you are not. 

Thus, the purpose of this blog post is to offer two pleas, two recommendations for calling another by the right name.

Jocks: I have no doubt that when you hear this word, a strong visual comes to mind. I hear my colleagues—other teachers—referring to their own students as jocks and I cringe.

While Dictionary.com defines jock as "an enthusiast or participant in a specified activity," Urban Dictionary captures what I believe most people really mean when they refer to an athlete, in particular football players, as "jocks." According to Urban Dictionary, a jock is "rude, arrogant, stupid, beats up people, dates only cheerleaders and hangs around other jocks." 

interesting that the term is being used more often....

Though less common, (young) women are also referred to as jocks. This term is used to describe a female who is extremely athletic. She is not rude or crude. While the male jock is never considered intelligent, the female jock's GPA is of no consequence. In either case, I don't know why we can't simply refer to students who play sports as student athletes? If a person is outstanding in sports, why not just refer to him or her as a great athlete?  

I hate the presumption that football players are stupid. I despise the assumption that any athlete is. In "Success is a Journey" Bill Russell writes, "Actually, in any sport, I've never met a great athlete who was dumb. It is no coincidence that the two greatest guards in the game, Oscar Robertson and West, are also the two smartest." 

Athletes ought to remind us there are different intelligences. Though I may have excelled in the classroom, I stopped playing basketball after seventh grade because my basketball IQ was subpar. I didn't take to understanding plays quickly. I struggled to determine pace and space, the intricacies of timing, and how it all comes together to complete a task. To this day, I value the unique intelligence and physicality that is demanded of basketball players. 

I'm afraid that using the term "jock" sets an athlete up for a self-fulfilling prophesy: one that discourages excellence in learning on and off the court, and good sportsmanship. I would prefer that this term be one of the past. 

Chicks: According to the New York Times, The Dixie Chicks Change Their Name, Dropping the ‘Dixie’ 

The platinum-selling country trio will be known as the Chicks, the latest example of sweeping cultural changes brought on by nationwide protests spotlighting racial inequality. 

In a brief statement on its new website, the band states simply: “We want to meet this moment.” For the Dixie Chicks, the pressure had come over its use of the word Dixie, with commentary in the news media pushing the group to change its name just as the country debates issues like removing Confederate monuments.

To me, this country trio missed an equal opportunity. Why stop at "Dixie?"

I do not refer to myself, to any of my friends, to my nieces, my female students or my golf team as "chicks." In stating the obvious: a woman is not a chick—never has been, never will be. 

This is a term that I find men use to refer to women more than women refer to other women. I seldom find the word "chick" being used in a professional or personal setting. Chicks often describe women in social venue, usually from afar. About thirty years ago, some men referred to women as "broads" instead of, or in addition to chicks. Perhaps women did too. Regardless, let us call women by their proper name: women. I no longer refer to myself as a "girl." Though the term may be an affectionate one, I am making strong efforts to call myself and others by the right name.

Some have made claims that band "The Chicks" are the ones who chose the name. Why bother? While I am not losing sleep at night over this debate, I believe we all have to do our part toward growing in wisdom and treating one another as we deserve. Thus, let's a person—an athlete, a woman, and so forth by it's right name.

Feel free to weigh in on these terms and more. 

Photo Credits

NCAA Photo

Student Athletes
Women are not chicks

Question: Smile or Mugshot?

Like you, COVID-19 prompted me to organize files I didn't know I had. When I decided against tossing the one labeled "future blog postings," I paused. Was that a bad idea? I asked. The interior debate raged on. To keep or not to keep, that is the question. Well, this posting reveals the answer. It shouldn't have taken eight years to write and yet, it doesn't matter. The topic is timeless. It's one every athlete must choose on picture day: smile or mug it?

very happy to see so many smiles among student athletes

Although a relic by today's standards, I still have a penchant for a sports program. To this day, I purchase them at sports contests if they are available and I loved that the Athletic Department of St. Ignatius College Prep created one for fall, winter and spring sports. As an upper division teacher, I would look at each varsity team to find out (in case I missed it) what sports my students played.

I saved part of the Spring 2010 program because the baseball squad caught my eye and prompted my question. Every single player opted to mug it, except one boy. I knew him well and wasn't surprised he flashed a warm, good looking smile. I did however begin to wonder from whence the serious shots hath come. I know I am not the only person who wants to know.

A friend and regular reader confirmed my suspicion when he wrote to me about the shot featured in my bi-weekly newsletter: Sports and Spirituality Synopsis. Via e-mail he wrote:

Whether the kids decided it or were directed to it, they're all giving the "serious, competitive look."  With individual and team photos (in sports and in families), many people choose various different "looks."  Some smile, some serious, etc.  I wonder,  when everyone is giving the "competitive look," what positives does that convey about sports and what does it miss?  While the competitor in me loves the photo, the educator in me wonders, Where's the joy? the fun of sport?  I'm sure these kids, in this photo, love and enjoy their sport and their teammates.  I'm not worried about them. It just struck me when looking at these kids (14-18 year olds) that they seemed awful serious in the photo.  Would love to hear what you think.

I thanked him for framing my questions and concerns so well. I wonder, Are student athletes imitating what they see? Is that a good thing?  The students with whom I have discussed this photo love it. Several have indicated that the athletic department at St. Francis should update it every year. They want to be the model athlete of their sport. I get it.  Knowing their appreciation of this poster, would they hold back their excitement? Would they Smile or mug it?!

In my last blog posting, I noted that when I did a mental inventory of how many athletes have a great smile, I realized just how many do not smile, period! Most are very serious. I get it; competition is serious. But athletes are gifted with amazing talents, beautiful bodies and artistic abilities.  They ought to reflect what St. Iranaeus believes: the glory of God is the human person fully alive. I hope that participating in sports, playing on a team, engaging in recreation, learning from mistakes and achieving victory does amount to a person fully alive!

As you prepare for your next season, encourage your athletes to smile. And when you are confronted with the question: Smile or Mug it? let it not be a question.

Here are but five passages of Scripture that speak to the spirituality of a smile!

Proverbs 31:25

Strength and dignity are her clothing,

And she smiles at the future.

Proverbs 15:30

Bright eyes gladden the heart;

Good news puts fat on the bones.

Job 29:24

“I smiled on them when they did not believe,

And the light of my face they did not cast down.

Psalm 34:5

They looked to Him and were radiant,

And their faces will never be ashamed.

Numbers 6:25

The Lord make His face shine on you,

And be gracious to you

Photo Credits
Mother Teresa

Best Smiles in Sports

Sitting in the dental chair, I tried to remain positive about the work being done on my pearly white as possible. Out of no where, my front tooth chipped and decay set in. I needed that enamel back. Like the little orphan Annie, I believe I am never fully dressed without my smile. That front tooth is an essential element of that wardrobe. 

I let the dentist and her assistant do the work and when they showed me the finished product, I smiled. I thanked them they asked how I was doing. Feeling both relieved and grateful I said, "Do either of you like soccer?" Surprised by my question I said "the reason I ask is because the coach of the Liverpool Reds, Jurgen Klopp has these majestic teeth. A sports writer described them as 'the Hoover Dam.' As you were working, I channeled my inner Jurgen." The assistant went to the computer in the office and pulled up his smile. "Is this him?" she asked. "Yes!" I said, "I think he has one of the most remarkable smiles in sports." And with that comment, the idea for this blog was born. 

NB: I figured it had been written about before,
but I was curious to see how my list would compare.

I did a mental inventory of athletes and their smiles. I invite you to do the same before you look at my list. I realized, it's not something a lot of athletes do; they're quite serious. But, a great smile lights up a room. It is tough to extinguish. 

We love smiles because, like the eyes, they reveal something about our soul. They can be forced, they can be fake, but we know....you know....when it's not. Furthermore, smiles emanate from a reservoir of joy, which makes them all the more interesting to me. What makes a person more joyful than another? And how can "bad" people still be joyful? Can I become more joyful? Can I smile more often? These are worthy, universal questions!

I invite you to consider your own and please share them with me, post on this blog. For example: Whereas I wouldn't write about the best legs in sports (or buttocks, other body parts) I can write about the best smiles (or eyes...or hair) and no one is offended? What makes them so different? 

I received a postcard that says: "Your day will go the way the corners of your mouth turn." Smiles might be contagious....so look at these athletes and coaches and let me know if it makes you smile, too. Undoubtedly, I will forget more people than not. In the interim, here's a list.

1. Jurgen Klopp: As the inspiration for this post, I had to start with the German coach. Much to my disappointment (not sure why) my dentist revealed to me what is probably obvious to you. Klopp has veneers. I would contend that smile is much more than the teeth, it speaks to one's spirit. But I would be incredibly naive to think that's all it is. Together we looked at the before and after photos. It's hard to deny his smile is not of epic, megawatt proportions now without those teeth. Still, knowing his persona, he and his smile still make this list.

2. Cam Newton: I wonder if Patriots' fans were smiling when the Carolina Panther's quarterback signed with New England in a one year deal. They lost one NFL MVP when Tom Brady took his talent to Tampa Bay but managed to pick up another Newton. He is still smiling.

3. Mary Lou Retton: Retton appeared on the cover of the Wheaties Box in 1984 because she was the first-ever American woman to win the all-around gold medal at the Olympics. I'd like to think her great smile had something to do with it too. I write that because Retton reminds me we can also smile with our eyes. She competed with joy, which is just one reason the Olympic Games in Los Angeles were so memorable.

4. Carl Lewis: While on the topic of the 1984 Olympic Games, I think I would be smiling too if I won four golf medals in track and field. This historic feat matched the achievement of Jesse Owens at the 1936 Games in Berlin. I mention Lewis, because he has had me smiling in his willingness to put himself out there. His ceremonial first pitch is one of the worst I have seen as is his rendition of the national anthem at the 1993 NBA Finals is horrible. Smiling and laughing go hand in hand.

5. Chris Webber: I am certainly missing my annual sojourn to Lake Tahoe for the Celebrity Golf Classic. A group of friends and I travel to casually watch golf and the many athletes who participate in the tourney. They are fun to talk to, giving autographs and posing for photographs. In search of a way to connect with C-Webb, my friend said "I will say Go Blue!" I looked at him and said "Why not tell him he has a great smile." It's true. She did and the result? a fantastic photo. Smile included. 

6. Tiger Woods: This is more than great orthodontia. Woods' smile is one of the best.  For a long time Tiger didn't smile. We get it. And even now, when he does, I know a lot of people who can't even look at him. However, his smile—which is often quite authentic—reveals something about his humanity. Yes? No?

7, Megan Rapinoe: When I picture the US Women's National soccer team captain, I see a woman who is pensive and serious. She is often caught in a moment where it appears as though she is looking off in the distance. But quite often she smiles beautifully—laugh lines and all. She's an important face—and smile—for the game!

Many athletes give their mug shot, instead of a smile. This is also a fun topic to debate with other coaches. Why are our athletes NOT smiling? Aren't sports a source of joy in their lives? Should they be serious? Next time you're in the dental chair, talk to your hygienist and dentist and get their thoughts. 

Photo Credits
Klopp
Newton
Retton

Lewis
Webber
Woods

Rapinoe
Best Smiles in Sport

A Poem for Women's Crew: Demanding and Beautiful

The era of COVID has been characterized by tons of numbers, stats, polls and more. Some require critical interpretation and others, well—not so much. I would like to read one that reports the number of Americans who have organized and reorganized their closets, desks and drawers. Is it nine out of ten? Ten out of ten?!

The varsity program at ND is for women's crew only. They are outstanding athletes.

A friend shared an article—clever title and of little surprise. SF Gate reports, One of the hottest reservations you can get right now isn't for a restaurant. Where might that be? Goodwill, Salvation Army and so forth. Tessa Mclean writes, "The last time David Watterson saw people donating this much clothing was in the heyday of Marie Kondo. Driven by the Japanese organizer's message to only keep the items that spark joy in your life (first with her book in 2014, then a Netflix show in 2019), thrift stores across the country saw a huge uptick in donations." I dropped off a box of housewares yesterday. 

I took a fairly fine tooth comb through my files and came across a file labeled "ND Crew." A four year rower at the University of Notre Dame, I loved my experience as a (club) student athlete. My affection for the sport was made visible in what I read and what I wore. One of my most cherished awards is the "Most Improved Oarswoman" from my sophomore year on the varsity squad. Through crew, I made lifelong friendships. I am so grateful for the opportunity afforded by rowing to travel throughout the eastern and southeastern United States. Ah the stories.... Thanks to rowing, I was hired to work at St. Ignatius College Prep where I coached girls' crew for two years (which made me appreciate my rowing coaches that much more....not easy!!). It seems that a lot of college students give rowing a shot—and I'm glad they do. Some stay, more leave. It's a demanding sport but it's a beautiful one. 

And if I had to describe rowing in two words it would be: demanding and beautiful. I suppose that is why I wrote this poem. Scratched onto a large Post-In Note (2 pages), I wish I had taken a photo of this ode to Women's Crew. Instead, I captured the text for this blog. All the rowers out there will understand the language I speak. Those of you who were my teammates, this was our vernacular. I would like one more 7:00 a.m. breakfast together at the head table in South Dining hall to share these memories. I don't feel like thanking COVID for anything right now, but the time and space to organize, read and reflect, how can I not say that is a most (un)welcome grace. Enjoy

Poem for Notre Dame Women's Crew

Ready all…row!…Ringing alarm clock at 5:00 a.m….Run to the parking lot and back…R-u warm yet?...Row huge…Row like this is your last piece of the day…Row like HELL…Row easy…Relax… Run it out….Rivalries…Requirements: dedication and determination….Rigorous workouts…Rock solid…Raw power: Women’s Crew.

Ongoing commitment…On the water…Open blister…On this one….One seat up, let’s go for two seat….One more, you know you’ve got it in your, now let me see it. On fire with primal power. Out of our puddles….off the water. Women’s Crew.

What a feeling….Wonder….Wow! What a rush! Wake off bow…What a row! Willpower…Weights…Working together—all eight as one….Waiting for results of a race…Who are our biggest competitors? Which schools are we going after in this race? That a glorious morning to be out on the water…Willingness to give it your all…Wanting it more than other crews….  Women’s Crew.

Intensity….In two and one on this one....In our puddles, give me more. I want to see more! Internal struggles…Injuries…Internal concern….In your head picture victory….Into the last 500 we’re going up for 10….In your face…Inspiration….Intelligence… Insanity? If it is as easy everybody would do it…In your legs, feel the burn….Women’s Crew.

No holding back—give it all you’ve got. Nerves of steel…Not tonight, I have crew in the morning. Nowhere to run to, nowhere to hide. Never took back…Noticeable…Nobody does it better….No one person is the team….Not one bad stroke…No dipping at the catch….Never before have you seen such power….Women’s Crew.

Going for more….Getting up in time to see the sun get up. Gearing up for races—carbo loading…Give me bow woman in three….Getting stroke rate up…giving 110%…GUTS, Glory, goin the extra mile, get tough, get crewed. Women’s Crew.

Photo Credits
ND Women's Rowing