Team Effort

Dear SwimFast Teammates and Families.

Recently I was asked about our championship caps. (The BLACK CAPS!)

We have used these for several years and they signify something special.

Championships are a CELEBRATION. And on the side of the cap it says “TEAM EFFORT”.

Because that is what we are celebrating. 

Everything in life that is achieved is a team effort.

When an athlete does well, it takes the hard work and commitment of the ATHLETE, THE FAMILY, THE COACH AND THAT INDIVIDUALS TEAMMATES.

None of us will achieve all we can without those around us, our Teammates.

Second Immutable Rule of Improvement: “Honor Your Teammates With Your Effort.”

We speak of it almost every day in practice.

And a Championship is all about the EFFORT THAT THE TEAM HAS PUT INTO PREPARING EACH OTHER. Athletes, Parents, Coaches and Friends are all part of the team that it takes to make a good swimmer, a good student, a good human being. None of us can “do it ourselves.”  It takes a TEAM EFFORT.

It’s impossible to go around that.   If any of our children think it’s all about  “ME” , they are simply wrong. None of us can achieve our best selves in life without the team around us. NOW is the time to learn that.  EVERY “NOW”. Today, tomorrow, always.

Our society is inundated with examples of “I”, “me”, “mine.” We NEED to focus on “We”, “US” and “Ours”. In our swim team, our schools, our community, our country and our world.

Selfishly thinking that anything is about “I”, “Me”, “Mine” is simply misguided and will not lead to success in life, long or short term.

I do not allow individual names on team caps. I never will. It’s not about any one of us, it’s about ALL of us.

Hence, the special Black Caps with “TEAM EFFORT” for Championship meets. (and not to be worn outside of the Championship meets, please.)

All the Best,

John Leonard