As I’ve been watching the group play of the 2015 Women’s World Cup, I can’t help but think about how much hard work, grit, and dedication it took me to make it to the top collegiate level. I think, wow, these women participating in the World Cup took that to a whole new level. Whenever I thought I did everything I could that day to better myself as a player, these women did 3 times more. However, what is even more impressive is that most of these women achieved this by being full-time moms, full-time students or holding full-time jobs, no excuses made. There is no other world stage where the athletes competing in it wear as many hats as these women whilst being elite athletes. I don’t think I will ever forget Joy Fawcett in all of her World Cups, bringing her kids along, or playing in the Olympics weeks after giving birth. These women are true heroes and warriors!

 

So how did they get to where they are? Well, how does anyone that is the top 1% in their field get to where they are at? It’s simple:

1.) While the world sleeps they work

2.) When life presents an opportunity they seize it, no hesitation

3.) They create routine and hold themselves accountable

4.) They fill their bodies with proper nutrients and a lot of it

So let’s start with the first one. How many times do you catch yourself saying “I just ran out of time today,” making an excuse for why you didn’t go to the gym or go for a run? I know I have. Well here is your solution… Get up early, 5:00/6:00 am, and get it done first. I promise you all Fortune 500 CEO’s and Olympic athletes don’t sleep in or watch 4+ hours of TV a day, or waste hours on social media.

Think about it, do you want to be someone who reads about other people’s greatness or does you want to be someone that others read about your greatness? You decide. I think you will find that the morning calm before the world wakes up is a magical and spiritual time, and there is no greater feeling in the world than heading off to school, or your work day, knowing that you have already achieved something great… a long run, gym, or yoga class.

 

Opportunity, we all know what that means– “a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something.” I am sure you all are recognizing the big opportunities– an invitation to ODP camp, ID camp participation, etc. But let’s really break it down and focus on the little opportunities that you may be overlooking that have the greatest impact. The opportunity to practice once a week with your older age group, the opportunity to play kick around with your brother or older sibling’s team, the opportunity to hit the gym with your parents or friends, the opportunity to play indoor, the opportunity to reach out to a local collegiate player to train with them, the opportunity to stay late after practice and help a teammate or yourself work on your kicks, or fitness, or touch.

It is these little opportunities that will raise your game most profusely. Remember, “If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude.” (Colin Powell.) What he means by this is that if you are going to succeed on the grander scale you need to first succeed on a smaller scale. I always say, start your day with making your bed. It is a little achievement but it is nonetheless an achievement and a start.

 

We all know routine is important, but we all can get a calendar and map out our week and think, wow, I am going to get so much done this week. But what I want you to do is get to the END of your week and say, “wow, I GOT so much done this week!”

Look back and see how many actions you were able to cross off. This is accountability, and I promise you there is no one in your life that is going to force you to do anything. Your parents are great advocates of yours, along with your friends and teammates, but at the end of the day, the only person that can make you get up and run farther, or faster, or do a third set of squats IS YOU. This is a true testament to how bad do you want to be great? I guarantee all those women you are watching on TV never had to be told to run harder, run farther or lift more. They do it because they want to be great!

 

Fuel, cars need it to run, some machines need it to run, and we ABSOLUTELY need it to run. But you have to remember that it needs to be the right fuel. If you just went to the gym and worked out hard, then reward yourself with a healthy snack and some hydration. Don’t ruin everything you have achieved in the gym by getting drive through after. That is being counterproductive.

Remember that you are an elite athlete and may look a little different than your non-athlete friends. I am here to tell you that more is OK! You are strong, fit, and beautiful, and your body needs more because you are burning more. So don’t feel bad about finishing your whole sandwich, yogurt, apple and peanut butter, Cliff bar, banana, and huge water. You needed it! Because at the end of the day, if you thrive at the first three–getting up early, seizing the opportunity, and being accountable, then you will never reach your potential if your body cannot keep up. Eat healthy, eat often and hydrate all the time! Be that person in the class that always has a water bottle with them.

 

So now that you have been given the recipe for success and ultimately a road map on how to make the World Cup team, what are you going to do with it?

Will I be watching you on TV in 4 years, maybe 8 years? I hope so, and I believe so 🙂

We at SportsForce would like to congratulate Brock Theilen on his commitment to Montana State University Billings on a baseball scholarship. Here is Brock’s recruiting story and interview from after he committed. We wish Brock the best as a Yellow Jacket!  

1.) What school are you going to, and why did you choose them? I committed to Montana State University Billings at the end of April 2015. 2.) How did SportsForce help in the process? I started with Team SportsForce the beginning of last summer. They were very helpful, answered all my questions and whenever I wanted new film they were right on it. 3.) What advice would you give to other players and parents with the recruiting process (ex. start early, get a highlight video)? My advice would be get going as soon as possible, it gives you a chance to get video out for coaches you want seeing you early. 4.) How excited are you on your future in college? I am very excited to continue playing Baseball at the next level, especially in a place like Montana. 5.) Would you recommend SportsForce to any other student-athletes? Why? I highly recommend Team SportsForce, they were great, and if it weren’t for them I would probably still be in search for a school.   Our Mission at SportsForce Baseball: We are on a mission to help our select number of qualified and evaluated players maximize their recruiting offers and make the best college decision. Started by CEO & founder Andrew Beinbrink, SportsForce Baseball is a nationally recognized college recruiting advisory group with over 40 former college coaches, players, and MLB scouts in 10 different states. During the last 11+ years, we’ve helped over 1,000 players make their college commitments. Read below, why we are different from every recruiting group in the country. Why SportsForce is Different: * View our Home Page Video Unlike most recruiting companies, we do not just partner with anyone for our hands-on recruiting programs. Instead, we only partner with qualified players who meet our Five academic, athletic, and coachability selection factors. We evaluate between 10,000-12,000 players each summer and fall at top showcases and selectively advise, and advocate for only a limited number of players each year by directly contacting college coaches to help them maximize recruiting offers. Each of our expert college recruiters is limited to how many players they will advise so there is the best combination of hands-on guidance and personal recruiting outreach to college coaches. Social Media Exposure: We also utilize our growing Twitter following at @SportsForceBB which is followed by over 500 NCAA D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and JC coaches nationwide and growing fast. To Get Evaluated by Our Expert College Recruiting Staff: Option 1: Complete our Recruiting Questionnaire Option 2: Email us at scouting@sportsforceonline.com Options 3: DM us on Instagram @SportsForceBB or Twitter @SportsForceBB and share recent video, stats, or measurables (velocity, 60, exit speed, pop time, etc…) for our scouts to evaluate. Find out if Your Son’s Qualifies for One of Our Hands-On Recruiting Programs? Twitter Recruiting Education & College Needs Posts: We post ongoing recruiting education and post NCAA D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and JC needs year around. Follow us on Twitter @SportsForceBB account and join over 500 hundred NCAA D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and JC coaches nationwide that follow us and growing fast. Tagging us: If you have some good video to share with us, make sure to tag us @SportsForceBB or DM us and we will review it.