Scoreboards change; effort doesn’t.

I remember the first time a kid on my team stared at the scoreboard and felt like the whole world had shifted. As your coach, I want you to know something simple and true: scoreboards change; effort doesn’t. That scoreboard at the end of a game, the grade on a test, the number of likes on a post—those things move up and down. What you bring every day—the effort, the kindness, the habit of trying again—stays with you and grows. When things feel heavy, a few short phrases can anchor you, like a whistle that calls everyone back to the center of the field. They are small, easy to remember, and they matter more than any final score.

When the noise gets loud, try these short reminders: - “Do your best right now.” - “Breathe and try again.” - “One play at a time.” - “Mistakes mean you’re learning.” - “Ask for help—that’s brave.” - “You are more than this moment.”

You can carry these phrases in your pocket—or say them quietly to yourself between plays, before a test, or when a friendship gets rocky. Saying “Do your best right now” doesn’t mean your best has to be perfect; it means focus on what you can control this minute. “Breathe and try again” gives your body a moment to slow down so your brain can catch up. “One play at a time” helps when the future looks messy; it brings your attention back to the next small step. When you repeat “Mistakes mean you’re learning,” you begin to treat mistakes like teammates who teach you, not opponents who shame you.

Effort looks different on different days, and that’s okay. Some days you sprint, some days you jog, and sometimes you rest—and rest is part of effort too. Keep a simple log or a jar where you drop a bead for each time you tried hard, helped someone, or kept going after a setback. Soon you’ll see a string of beads that reminds you that effort is a habit you’re building. Celebrate the small wins: a pass you made when you were scared, a paragraph you finished even though you wanted to stop, a time you said sorry. Tell your teammates, your family, or your coach what you did—sharing the win makes the work feel worth it.

I coach because I believe in growth. My job is to notice the hustle, the courage to try, and the kindness you offer others. If you ever feel lost, come find me or someone you trust and say, “I need help.” That short sentence is a powerful play. Keep these phrases in your heart and use them when the scoreboard tries to tell you who you are. Remember: the numbers change, but the effort you put in today builds the person you’ll be tomorrow. You’ve got this—one honest try at a time.