Science teacher, Girls Basketball Coach, MakerEd consultant, Father, Maker, AAPT STEP UP Ambassador Lead, AAPT UTOP Co Program Designer
This year I have returned to the realm of Varsity High School basketball at The Webb Schools taking over the girls team. I am overjoyed at the coming challenges and the opportunity to help guide these young women in not only basketball but as outstanding human beings. So I reworked our team handbook and I wanted to share my final statement of that I provide the students and parents in that book. "Embracing Failure as a Path to Success Our reaction to setbacks often determines whether we will ultimately reach our goals. As Henry Ford wisely said, “Failure is only the opportunity to begin again, more intelligently.” We must recognize that failure is an essential part of any process—it is crucial for our growth as individuals. Mistakes are inevitable. They occur in the classroom, on the court, and in life. Failure does not discriminate; it touches everyone. Because of this, we must first accept that failure will happen—and not just once, but repeatedly. However, these mistakes do not define us; they help to refine us. They provide opportunities to rebuild, challenge us to look deeper, and push us to focus more intently—if we choose to believe in our potential. We must believe that we are capable, resilient, and destined for success. As your coaching staff, we believe in this wholeheartedly. Even in the face of our own failures, we remain steadfast in our belief in ourselves, our philosophy, and most importantly, in you. This journey is not easy. But do not shy away from failure. Don’t retreat into the safety of your comfort zone. Instead, embrace risk. Take chances. Fall, and then rise again. When you feel you don’t have the strength to get back up, this team will be there to lift you. We will carry you until you find your strength again, and when you do, we will always be by your side. Remember, failure is not a permanent outcome—it’s just a rest stop on the road to success. "When we fail, we are given opportunities. I see them as chances to break free, to rebuild ourselves into something greater, to discover true freedom beyond the constraints of others’ expectations—like a phoenix rising from the ashes, renewed." — Coach Kays" #coaching #basketball #failure #team #leading
Richard Belcher
7mo
Good luck to you and your team Brian!
The Webb girls are incredibly lucky to have you as their coach 👏🏼
I appreciate your thoughtful approach to reframing failure as a catalyst for growth, especially for young athletes. As Mike Krzyzewski once said, "You don't just play a game, you play a season, and the season is made up of many games." Your emphasis on embracing risk and perseverance will undoubtedly serve your team well throughout the season. How do you plan to reinforce this mindset in your players during particularly challenging games or setbacks?