Thoughts from Dr. Joe: Key factors in teamwork

I don’t believe sports analyst Heywood Broun’s contention: “Sports do not build character, but reveal it.” However, I do believe in the scientific presumption, from Greek cosmology, that nothing comes from nothing.

Participation in sports can build character, but it doesn’t just happen. There must be a first cause, an ethos that initiates from parents and coaches, and then permeates into the souls of the players. For synthesis to occur, it’s typically necessary the players themselves embody a semblance of character. The process is not a one-time thing, but instead, its alchemy is continuous.

My analysis does not evolve from the emphasis of my doctoral studies in sports psychology, but instead, it evolves from my experiences as a platoon commander in the Marine Corps. Survival! Winning! However you choose to define it, it is always a matter of character.

This season I became an avid fan of the La Cañada High School girls’ varsity basketball team. Their winning season is incidental to something greater and more significant than a score. This team will be remembered by who they became and not by some random standing. Unbeknownst to those who worship at the altar of the outcome, it is the journey that sustains life.

Last week I spoke with players Sarah Kurdoghlian, Kristina Kurdoghlian and Alexi Nazarian. In a simple statement, I understood the culture of the team. We are inspiring young kids, they told me. Assistant coach Morgan Savage epitomizes the magic of the season when he says he can’t believe his daughters could see this team play.

Sarah, Kristina, and Alexi were given a gift of intuitiveness because they recognized the true essence of sports. “What we do goes beyond the team,” Kristina said. That profound statement transcends all endeavors.

Throughout our conversation, the players expressed a consistent theme, trust.

“Regardless of the pressures of being the point guard, I have faith in my teammates,” Alexi said. “They give me confidence so I can do my job.”

These intuitive young women understood that trust is foundational to any human covenant.

Sarah Kurdoghlian explained the essence of the team. “Without the team’s support, we would not be where we are. We are sisters! Everyone brings something different.”

Phil Jackson once said, “The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.”

So, where does the ethos I previously mentioned originate? Sarah, Kristin, and Alexi unanimously expressed that it came from coach Sarah Beattie, a first-year varsity coach! They explained that “Coach Beattie” is like their sister and a role model. They feel they can talk to her about anything. The players paid their coach the greatest compliment, saying Coach Beattie believes in them.

I also spoke at length with Beattie. “What’s so special about this team?,” I asked.

“They play for each other,” she responded.

I found the alchemy of the team in that comment.

Beattie’s coaching philosophy: “I want the girls to be the best version of themselves.” She borrowed from the philosophy of coach Mike Krzyzewski, “If you work hard and play hard together, winning takes care of itself.”

Coach Beattie then expressed the quintessence of mentorship, “I want to be a positive influence on these girls by creating a culture of caring. Regardless of their job, everyone is important.”

Our conversation ended abruptly; Beattie left for LCHS to help the team prepare for the Southern California Regional Championship against first seed, Antelope Valley High School.

Before she left, Coach explained the influence the nonstarters have on the starters. “Everyone is happy for each other; everyone cheers for each other.” Coach’s last comment was regarding Emma Stroben, one of the nonstarters. “This is a team effort. When I substitute Emma, she always finds a way.”

There you have it! That’s what makes a miraculous team.

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JOE PUGLIA is a practicing counselor, a retired professor of education and a former officer in the Marines. Reach him at doctorjoe@ymail.com. Visit his website at doctorjoe.us.