When I think of my time working with Carol, a quote from Benjamin Franklin comes to mind: “Tell me, and I forget, teach me, and I may remember, involve me, and I learn.”
And involve me Carol did.
Her hard work, ability to try new things, involve the players in personal and athletic growth and opportunity to have fun made it a fantastic experience because she involved me! And we had a lot of laughs along the way!
She taught me to care about the players — push them, hold them accountable. After an end of season banquet, I remember leaving and wondering why the athletes didn’t seem more appreciative of all Carol’s hard work and attention to detail. It was a time before technology allowed us to make easy end of season highlight videos, but Carol put the time in to create an impactful season highlight video. I will spare you the details, but let’s just say we had to use still shot pictures. The countless hours and devotion put into the season seemed missed by the athletes. But Coach said, “It takes time. Your impact as a coach my not be recognized at all or not for many years, but you are making a positive impact.”
Carol continues to be a motivator. I see a mentor as someone who doesn’t give you the answers but helps you find your own answers. She will listen, support and inspire through her words and actions. Of course, it is better to win as Carol does, but she has also taught me that the experience coaches guide players through is valuable, meaningful, fulfilling and with purpose.
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give,” Winston Churchill said. And I thank Carol for all that she has given to me and to the world of lacrosse; you continue to make the moments count! Perhaps you have a mentor who has done the same and would love to know their impact.
Congrats to the IWLCA 2021 Hall of Fame Inductees: Carol Cantele, Jane Smith and Sue Stahl!