One Phone Call

Randy Williamson, whose daughter Allissa just finished her sophomore season here at UCC, called me yesterday morning and I've been thinking about his call ever since. (Allissa, originally from McKinleyville, CA , was not one of our leading scorers or rebounders and like most competitors did not always play as much as she really wanted to, but she worked hard, was always ready when we needed her, and contributed any and every way she could.) Randy didn't call to compare Allissa to anyone else, to express his disappointment because UCONN never called, or to complain that she wasn't the star game in and game out. Instead, he called to thank me! He thanked me for coaching her, for pushing her beyond her perceived limits, and for helping her to grow and mature not only as a player but as a person as well. He said that he appreciated that his daughter could be part of a winning program and could experience what "real basketball" is all about. Randy assured me that even though Allissa's career here is over he will always be a fan and follower of the program. I hung up the phone with a new enthusiasm and couldn't wait to get back to the gym.

To those of you reading this - take a minute and call or email a former coach, whether it be club, high school, college or YMCA, and tell him thanks. I promise he'll walk a little taller, smile a little more, and think about that one call all day. I know I have!