Lyndsey Fennelly -

The Summer Project

Lyndsey — Wed, 16 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The Summer Project

Ever seen this shirt? Ever worn a shirt like this? C'mon! We've all seen it before. But...Few players have a plan to specifically improve their game during the off-season to their level of aspirations!

This past week, I've offered up an commitment-based, individualized program for each athlete to utilize this off-season. It is a small step in getting the players to hold themselves accountable versus relying on a coach or skill trainer to put them through workouts. And we all know from legendary Coach Wooden, 'Failing to prepare is preparing to fail'. Players must have a specific plan for improvement this off-season or another year will go by with regret.

And it's not just about getting a ton of shots up or getting the dust off the jump rope. Some of the areas of improvement are related to the athletes' growth as a young person (Ie: required volunteer time or eliminating minutes of social media usage or reading a non-school specific book and learning about a topic that truly interests them).

COACHES and PLAYERS - You are welcome to use this Summer Project a reference for you this summer as well. (Do note the example is very broad). Make it your own, commit to your improvement, and give yourself a real PLAN for SUCCESS!

Droppin' Dimes,

Lyndsey

Check the Gauge

Lyndsey — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

CHECK THE GAUGE

While operating at FULL TANK every day is challenging, it's important as coaches to have AWARENESS of what level our athletes are at. Here are 3 areas to constantly be checking:

Physically - Is the athlete's body breaking down? Is the athlete able to go game speed each drill or is there a nagging injury that needs rest and recovery time? Is the athlete using cross-training and other forms of athletic development (ie: yoga, speed / agility programs) to improve body improvement off the court?

Mentally - Is the drill loading the athlete in a way that does not allow for proper footwork or form? Is the athlete experiencing routine 'brain farts'? Is the athlete showing any signs of depression or low self-esteem?

Socio-Emotionally - Is the athlete interacting maturely and positively with others? Is the athlete able to show respect, encouragement, and cooperation with others? Is the athlete using body language that expresses confidence?

Burn out is an issue that's often avoided and not talked about. A few months ago, I bought dodge-balls for a youth program and we competed in the fun, relaxed environment to teach this point. It's critical we have open communication with our athletes to ensure BALANCE and a HEALTHY, FULL TANK is doable.

What are some other key questions to consider while exploring this subject?

Droppin' Dimes,

Lyndsey

Coaches Are Looking For

Lyndsey — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Coaches are Looking For

The NCAA viewing period is just around the corner as this weekend (April 20-22) college coaches will be evaluating talent from across the country. Players have the potential to STAND OUT to coaches! Here is a brief (and not complete) list of what coaches are looking for:

Your RESPONSE after a mistake. Average players walk, droop, pout. Great players hustle, get energized, move on.

How you SHOW RESPECT to the officials. Do you thank the officials before and after the game? Are you unresponsive with them despite disagreeing with a call? Do you hustle after the basketball to help them out? Do you let them know 'nice call' a few times? Or...Are you average and roll your eyes at every chance?

Your POSITIVE INTERACTIONS with teammates. Great players, and people, have the ability to make those around them better. Are you a teammate who celebrates their big plays or do you selfishly only care about your success? Do you use great eye contact and speak with a respectful tone, or are you an anxious, loud barking dog with your voice?

Your BODY LANGUAGE and COMMUNICATION, especially with your coaches. Do you make eye contact with them on dead ball situations? Do you hustle to them during timeouts? Do you nod your head as they talk and show using active listening?

How you TREAT your parents. A BCS Division I head women's basketball coach told me a few weeks ago, "The #1 thing I watch for is how do players treat their parents. How they treat adults tells me a lot, and I want outstanding, respectful people around my program."

If you stay DIALED IN each possession. Do you pick and choose the times to play, or are you constantly active on both ends of the court? Do you easily get distracted by other games or people in the stands or are you PRESENT with your play?

You'll notice scoring, getting assists, and offensive rebounds aren't high on the list. Those are obvious. What you can do with the basketball on both offense and defense is obvious to any good coach. The little things are what stand out and what separate you from the rest.

And this does not just apply to a high school basketball player pursuing a career at the collegiate level. Any sport, any level, players are constantly evaluated by many of the above factors. Constantly ask yourself, 'Am I doing the little things that would make a coach BEG to have me on their team?'

Droppin' Dimes,

Lyndsey

Constant Improvement = Consistent Success

Lyndsey — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

CONSTANT IMPROVEMENT = CONSISTENT SUCCESS

There is one constant ingredient that all successful coaches, players, and people have: CONSISTENCY.

Consistent energy amidst fatigue. Consistent encouragement amidst failure. Consistent leadership admist challenges. Consistent hustle amidst hurdles. Consistent approach amidst obstacles.

But where does this consistency come from? There's numerous factors, but daily improvement is a large piece of the puzzle. If we always do what we've always done, we'll continue to achieve the same results. We have to train our bodies and minds to function at the highest and best levels as often as possible.

My ask of the players is to add at least 30 - 60 minutes a day (time dependent on age and stage) of daily improvement. And I challenge them to stretch beyond just their physical improvement on court. For example, it could be 40 minutes of on court training, 10 minutes of deep stretching to improve flexibility, and another 10 minutes of studying leadership via books or online resources.

As a coach, I too spend daily time improving my physical, mental, socio-emotional, and spiritual strength to be a better teacher, mentor, and role model to the athletes.

Success does not happen overnight, and nor have we ever arrived as beings. To be great, we must practice being great each and every day. Improvement is not an option if we want to achieve consistent success.

Droppin' Dimes,

Lyndsey

Talking to the Media

Lyndsey — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Talking to the Media

With the college basketball season officially complete, there is so much to learn from the past few months, and especially the recent weeks of March Madness. What jumped out to me is the amount of media attention teams, players, and coaches receive during this time of year. It can be such a positive platform for various reasons, and it's a great way to stand out from the rest.

I was fortunate during my time at Iowa State to have coaches and administrative personnel who taught me how to speak with the media. I also have 2 great parents that had taught me at an early age to shower others with praise. Here are some simple reminders when talking to the media:

Introduce yourself and find out their name along with the source they write for (ie: website, newspaper, magazine)
Smile and give lots of great eye contact
Shower your teammates with praise and avoid using the word 'I'
Highlight your coaching staff with specific plays or a great game-plan
Thank the fans and those who support you (ie: family)
Answer in complete sentences and talk with confidence / enthusiasm
Show great respect for the other team by acknowledging their play
End with a 'thank you' while using the reporter's name

If there are others key points I should add to the list, please do let me know!

There are so many great ways to stand out and look special, and your interactions through the media could separate you from the rest. More importantly, praising others, thanking people for their time, and communicating at a high level are great habits of highly successful people!

Droppin' Dimes,

Lyndsey

Has COMPETITION > CHARACTER in Sport?

Lyndsey — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Has COMPETITION > CHARACTER in SPORT?

When the New Orleans Saints were busted for the bounty fees, much of the sports world was in an uproar. ‘Too harsh.’ ‘Goodell is as stricter than my 6^th grade English teacher.’ ‘It’s nobody’s fault. Everyone’s doing their own form of cheating.’ All these comments popped up in the media or scrolled along my Twitter feed.

I am, was, and will forever be stunned by these remarks. From an early age, I was taught that sport is a vehicle to transcend important life lessons. Yet sportsmanship is more celebrated than expected. Heck, news of NCAA violations are as common and unsurprising as the sun coming up. And that’s wrong.

Did I want to play in the WNBA for a long time? No question. Was I going to poison my teammates’ water so I could have a better chance? No way. Yet, many people adopt the ‘whatever it takes’ model to achieve their life-long dreams. However, ‘doing the right thing’ will be the approach myself and every player I ever interact with will take.

Bruce Brown, the director of Proactive Coaching which conducts nationwide workshops to encourage character-based coaching had some enlightening points in a recent Southwest Airlines Spirit magazine. While it’d be easy to blame the collegiate or professional sports landscape, he made this great point, “As a coach, your athletes will rise and fall to your level of tolerance.” The ownership falls on us, as coaches; each of us and at all levels to hold our athletes to the highest moral, and value-based standard possible. Even at the expense of losing a game? Absolutely. Because in the end, the lessons we teach will be far greater, and a lot more influential on the athletes lives’ than the end of game scoreboard results.

If you are passionate about coaching please do share this piece or chime in and give me your thoughts on how we can better COMPETE at the highest of levels while never losing the CHARACTER it takes to be SUCCESSFUL!

Droppin’ Dimes,

Lyndsey

Sh! You're...

Lyndsey — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

SH! You're LEADING!

Great leaders are constantly in servant-mode. How can I serve my team? Can I help my teammates get up extra shots after practice? How can I help my coach? What can I do in this moment to make my family better? What are some ways to enhance the community I live in?

Everyone has an ego, and I've always believed this world lacks great leadership because it's filled with big egos. Most people want credit. Most are unwilling to sacrifice their name for the team's name. Most people play for the name on the back instead of the name on the front.

Leadership is certainly not being the loudest player in the gym, nor the loudest voice in the room. Oftentimes, a subtle pat on the back or text message to check in with your teammates is a lot more effective than just being the most vocal player. Constantly ask yourself as a leader, 'What can I do RIGHT NOW IN THIS MOMENT to serve my team?'. You'd be surprised at how subtle, quiet, yet powerful your actions will lead to making the people around you better.

If you're leading to 'be the leader' or 'be the loudest player' or 'stand out to a coach', then your leadership journey is certainly off to the wrong start. Start with the beautiful intention to make other people better.

Droppin' Dimes,

Lyndsey

Bridge the Gap

Lyndsey — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

BRIDGE THE GAP

My husband sent me a great article regarding the Michigan State men's basketball program and why it's been CONSISTENTLY so successful each year. The greatest piece I took away was the concept that leaders bridge the gap until the newer / less experienced players figure it out. Coach Izzo has a tough coaching style, holding his men accountable each day, each possession. For a freshman, this could be challenging or difficult to adapt to. However the juniors, seniors are constantly there to let the new players know how it's done.

So isn't this a microcosm of what our society should be doing? The older, more experienced people ought to bridge the gap for the youth. We have to show them 'how it's done'. We have to patiently help them understand the challenges ahead while giving them lessons along the way. We have to give them a glimpse of what to expect. We have to inspire them to keep fighting through social norms and barriers. We have a responsibility to take care of the people after us, not to mention those ahead of us too.

Each time I step on a court, I remind myself of a great quote a mentor, Dena Evans, shared with me years ago: 'At any moment, you have the possibility to change the trajectory of a young person's life.' And to think we as coaches can do it through the game of basketball is even more rewarding, not to mention ridiculously fun!

If we are going to demand the most of our players, we as coaches, as grown ups, must too demand the same of ourselves and show our athletes the way, give them the tools to be as successful as possible. Coach Izzo has built a tremendous program built on passing on the important messages and lessons, so we all too should continue to bridge the gap of what could help young people the most!

Droppin' Dimes,

Lyndsey

Learning from March Madness

Lyndsey — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 06:00:00 GMT

After being on court for 14+ hours this past weekend running a variety of practices for All Iowa Attack, the top AAU program in the state, I was inspired to write this piece for athletes. Simple: Players need to STUDY the game more. Within the next 4 weeks, there will be over 100+ televised games for men's and women's college basketball for the NCAA tournament. That doesn't include still remaining conference tournaments or the NIT. Point being, there are many games to learn a TON!

As you watch games throughout March, do the following:

Watch the SHOT SELECTION, as this can often be the difference between winning and losing games
Observe end of game situation and TIME MANAGEMENT
Look at the teams who win the most HUSTLE PLAYS
See if you can pick up on the TEMPO and what team controls it for most of the game
Notice who has UN-RUFFLE-ABILITY through adverse moments
Pick players who exude PASSION, ENERGY, COMMUNICATION, LEADERSHIP and emulate them in your upcoming practices and games!

Oh, and ballers. Do me a favor. Put your phone down when you watch games. Have your journal out. Listen for key phrases or good teaching points. And let this month INSPIRE you to want to take part in one of the greatest sporting events of the year!

Droppin' Dimes,

Lyndsey

The FACTORY

Lyndsey — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Mold. Harden. Strengthen. Isn't that what takes place in the FACTORY?

This summer, I'm excited to announce I'll be working with athletes on becoming more of the TOTAL PACKAGE.

Tire throws. Sand running. Intense core strength training. Endurance work. Flexibility and hip opening exercises.

Another former Iowa State athlete (Kyle VanWinkle) and myself will take athletes of all ages and sport through some high intensity training. If SWEAT, INTENSITY, ENTHUSIASM, or HARD WORK GRIND are words that make you excited, come join us.

Click here for more information - and I can't WAIT to see you there!

Droppin' Dimes,

Lyndsey

No - No - NO

Lyndsey — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Can you imagine how many times Jeremy Lin was told 'no'?

Are you getting a college scholarship? No.

Did get drafted? No.

Do you have a NBA contract? No.

And that's just the SHORT list. You'll be cut from a team you should've made. You'll be rejected to a school dance. You'll get turned away at your first job. You'll be told 'NO' your entire life. But you're going to let someone else decide when you give up on your dreams and your goals?!

I love the story. And it has nothing to do with his new apartment digs or his new-found fame. It's been his rise to the top and the shining example he can be for all of us.

The old adage is so true: "When one door closes, another one opens."

Quickly get over rejection, being turned away, failure, and focus on new opportunities!

Droppin' Dimes,

Lyndsey

PS - Here's a great read for those who want to learn more about Jeremy Lin and his remarkable story.

Would You Rather...

Lyndsey — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Would YOU rather drive

OR
99% of us would unquestionably chose the slick, sharp, clean looking Benz over the Jalopy!

However, we too often fail ourselves by not taking care of the most important vehicle that guarantees great success on the road of life: our BODY. If a 'hood check' was performed on our car (ie: body), we might not get the best check-up numbers. Here are some important, simple ways to improve the oil in your tank:

Consume the appropriate amount of water
Ensure the proper nutrients are entering your body and remove unhealthy choices from your daily routine
Get the right amount of sleep (studies show 7-8 hours)
Create some downtime and better balance amongst the business of life
- EX: Go for a 30 minute walk with your parents and leave the cell phone at home :)
Take care of your body and mind through visualization, mediation, prayer, reading, daily stretching, and / or yoga

Only so many cars can fit on the road. Only so many athletes will make it to the top. With a continually more sedentary generation than ever before, one sure way to stand out is to treat your vehicle with the best care.

Start the ignition each morning with a wide smile and 10 minute stretch. Back out of the garage by spending some great quality time with your family at breakfast rather than scouring social media on your phone. Welcome the road bumps and detours that school presents you with and get to the fast lane by staying ahead on homework and meeting with teachers. Enjoy life on the open road when you're at practice and soak in as much new knowledge as you can. And when you pull back in, reflect on the day, slowly shut it down, and give your body some rest so you can have another great day tomorrow.

Droppin' Dimes,

Lyndsey

Self Talk

Lyndsey — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT

SELF - TALK

While developing a great step-back jumper and quick release is important, beyond the physical skills, it's just as important to develop the mental side of the game as well. Monitoring and improving your self-talk is a key step to becoming a more high level player. The time to improve your self talk is in practice and training, but not in games.

Step I is creating awareness of what you currently say. Listen to your thoughts during your training and practices. One of the great uses of your basketball journal is writing down what came to mind during your workout.

Step II is identifying key words and teaching points to remind you to stay positive amongst frustration, fight through fatigue, and keep a consistent follow through. Learning to teach yourself is a habit that will serve you years beyond the last buzzer going off.

Step III is constantly improving your self talk. Finding out from great coaches and players what you should be feeding your mind as you train and play. We are in constant evolution with improving this area, so study how to get this important piece of your game better.

Because remember, what you say to yourself is 10x more important than what others say to you.

Droppin' Dimes,

Lyndsey

Mental Toughness IS...

Lyndsey — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

MENTAL TOUGHNESS IS:

Focusing on the things and thoughts you can control.

Responding to criticism the same way you do to praise.

An unshakeable belief in your abilities.

Insatiable desire.

Thriving on competition and high pressure vs shying from the spotlight

Resilience. Determination. FIGHT.

Study mental toughness. Find out how to become tougher. We have never 'arrived' when it comes to our mental acumen, strength, or control. Gaining this key intangible will foster additional success on and off the hardwood.

Great basketball analyst Jay Bilas wrote this outstanding article on 'Defining Toughness' 2 years ago, and it's definitely worth the read!

Shoot me some other bullet points on what mental toughness is, and let's add to this list!

Droppin' Dimes,

Lyndsey

The Free Throw Routine

Lyndsey — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Dribble. Dribble. Knee Bend. Spin the Ball. Dribble. Dribble. SHOT

A free throw routine. A physical free throw routine. By the time most players are in middle school, they’ve got their routine. If you’re anything like me, you went to bed re-working it, making it better, and then woke up with a new idea after watching a HS idol or NBA superstar.

Asking if you have a physical free throw routine is a bit rhetorical. I know many players do and most youth coaches teach players to have a consistent approach. But the most important free throw routine is your mental mindset.

Shot thoughts are words that relax and remind you while on the foul line. Come up with 2-3 simple words that connect you to the best feeling you have. And tweak your mental free throw routine the way you have done your physical. Find one until it really sticks and feels great. Average players are often distracted while at the foul line and this will help eliminate and create an increased focus. To start, practice saying them out-loud, and then overtime, you'll find yourself repeating the 3 words like you repeat your ball routine when at the line.

Here are some common words I’ve heard players use:

RELAX
BREATHE
FINISH
FOLLOW THROUGH
KNEES
FLUID
SWISH

Dribble. Dribble. FOCUS. Knee Bend. FEEL. Dribble. Dribble. FOLLOW THROUGH.

Droppin' Dimes,

Lyndsey

Becoming Great

Lyndsey — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Becoming GREAT, OUTSTANDING, SPECIAL, ABOVE THE REST is going to require a lot. If it was easy or simple, everybody would do it. It's certainly going to take these two intangibles:

ACCOUNTABILITY

Accountability is defined as (per Meriam Webster) an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one's actions. It's quite simple. Eliminate blaming and accusing others and look at every situation with the mindset of: What can I do to make this better? What are the things I can control to enhance this environment? I hear too often during the season comments like, "My coach doesn't talk to me enough." "My coach should play me more." An accountable young person would approach the coach, deal directly, and ask what steps need to be taken to earn more playing time. Quite simply if you're the hardest working player, you make those around you better (leadership), and you have a great attitude, chances are you'll always have a high spot on the team.

COACH-ABILITY

Being a coach-able young person is one of the first skills I look for in players. Can a player do EXACTLY what the coach just asked of him or her at game speed and with a high attention to detail? Coaches can't stand repeating themselves. Coaches also can't stand justifying to players why they are right. If you are a player who questions your coach, get a job this summer and coach a team. It's not as easy as it seems. Be the player who listens with great body language (unwavering eye contact, ready stance, light head nods) and focuses on each teaching point so you can maximize your time in practices and games. One day you'll have a boss and while you might not agree with 100% of what he says, you ought to develop the habit of doing your job and doing it well now as it will serve you years beyond the hardwood.

Coaches, bosses, managers love people who are accountable and coachable. For the rest of January, focus on what you can do to add more doses of accountability and coach-ability in your life, both on and off the court.

Droppin' Dimes,

Lyndsey

Pre-Game Routine

Lyndsey — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

The Pre-Game Routine

Routine can be defined as 'a regular course of procedure'. Routines make you efficient. Efficiency is a trait that can lead to greatness. I often challenge young players with this question during hoops season: How efficient are you with your time leading up to a game? Do you use that time wisely and eliminate simple distractions like your phone? Do you visualize what the first 3 possessions for your team can look like? Do you encourage a struggling teammate?

Or do you do what most young players do: random nothingness. Those two words will get you nowhere both on and off the court. At this point in your season, if you haven't already done so, develop a pre-game routine. Stick to it. Use the time wisely. Listen to the same few songs to relax your mind while getting you 'hyped'. Review your playbook. Research what great players do. Ask an older teammate. Be resourceful.

DO SOMETHING and MAKE IT YOUR HABIT! You will find this so helpful as you increase the mental focus you approach each game with. If you have some already great routines, do share!

Droppin' Dimes,

Lyndsey

10 Fingers? Try 4.

Lyndsey — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT

How Many Fingers Do You Have?

Most of us have 10. For the next few minutes, you have 4 fingers. Two on each hand. Imagine tying your shoes. Imagine shooting a basketball. You think learning to throw a football is tough with 5 fingers on one hand as a kid? Try doing it with 2. Or how about something simple like eating with a fork or grabbing a glass. Next time you’re at the table, only use two fingers. It ain’t easy. Trust me, I’ve watched it my whole life.

My older brother by 1 year, Bryan, was born with a condition that stands him at 4’9” and with physical anomalies such as 4 fingers instead of 10, hips for knees, yet normal-sized features like a head and feet.

I often get asked where did I develop such high mental toughness or how was I able to achieve the goals I did. Bryan has always been a large part of that answer. When you grow up next to someone who has persevered through the most simple tasks like opening presents or typing on a computer, you can’t help but become stronger. While growing up, Bryan never allowed his condition to be an excuse as he competed in sports and found various ways to stay involved and positively contribute to the communities we lived in.

And credit to my parents for having the love and support to raise a family of 4 kids and use Bryan’s condition to make each of us better. We would have dinners where we could only use 2 fingers. Developing loyalty was part of it too as being in public would require each of us other 3 siblings to have his back at all times to curious onlookers and young kids without filters. Rather than tell us to feel sorry for him, they expected us to protect him, learn from him, and support him however he best needed. But the best part about that was they never said a word. We learned through watching them and knowing what would make Bryan most comfortable.

So ask yourself as you prepare for this New Year, what’s your excuse? And if you have something you’re struggling with, remember we all see life through different lens. You can be average and complain or blame those around you for the situation you’re in. Or you can take the cards you’re given and make your best hand. Average people complain about the hand they’ve got. Be blessed you’ve got 10 fingers on those hands and go make life happen!

Droppin’ Dimes,

Lyndsey

BUSY?1

Lyndsey — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT

BUSY?!

So is everyone else, especially during the holiday season. Join me in a 10-day challenge to remove this word from our language, and then for good.

It has a negative connotation. It sounds like we don't know how to make priorities. It makes us sound average. We are all busy. We all have emails, phone calls, homework, gifts to wrap, etc. Becoming great is requires great attention to thought. Give attention to the JOYS of this time of year, not the stress. Giving, sharing time with close friends and family isn't busy-ness, it's a BLESSING.

I'm done using the word. How about you?

Droppin' Dimes,

Lyndsey

I Sacrified

Lyndsey — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT

I Sacrificed:

High school social outings for EARLY MORNING WORKOUTS

Sleep-overs for TOURNAMENTS and TRAINING

Prom for an ALL STAR BASKETBALL GAME

Going to a college near home (CA) for THE PERFECT FIT AT IOWA STATE

A job for MY MARRIAGE

Lesser Desires < DEEPER DESIRES. Someone shared this with me one time, and it's always stuck: "We must be willing to sacrifice our lesser desires for our deepest ones." For the young people reading this blog, find mentors, teachers, or experienced people to learn how to separate your lesser vs. deeper desires. What are YOU willing to give up to achieve your GREATNESS?

Droppin' Dimes,

Lyndsey

@ISUCOACHFEN

Lyndsey — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Coach 1. Cancer 0.

For 4 years, my teammates and I were constantly told, "You hit a road block. A detour. You just find a way. It's life. You'll get stopped. You won't have it perfect. Just find a way. Keep fighting." Or, "Take obstacles and turn them into opportunities. Don't be average."

And then early October came of this year. Cancer. Beginning of the season. No voice. 28 straight days of radiation. Big XII Division I team to run. Players to recruit. Staff to manage. Organizations to speak to. Football team to support. Cardinals World Series Run. Family to love.

Cancer was his road block. Did he quit? No. Excuses? Heck no. Apologize? Yes, he apologized to many people! A man with cancer is apologizing to others for his health changing their comfortable lives. Humility, kindness, care at his core. Heck, he will probably make me run the Hilton steps for posting something like this as his daughter-in-law. But it's bigger than him. It always has been. It's the message, the learning that's important. Something we can all take from.

As head coach, he's given his team the best example of everything he preaches, what he stands for, and what he's created - a program bigger than basketball, much more important than wins and losses. Teaching young people how to be accountable, responsible, positive members of society.

A blog sharing what I learned from Coach could be a novel. Now a coach myself, one thing we can all learn from him is the simple practice what you preach, walk the talk. He's preached it for years and has never stopped living it either. That's one of the many reasons that make him so dang good, year after year. He is a benchmark of excellence. This quote from Steve Jobs is a great illustration of what he's brought to Ames, to Iowa State, to every human being he interacts with, "Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected."

Oh, and Go Cyclones. Let's Beat the Hawks tonight!

Droppin' Dimes,

Lyndsey

If YOU. . .

Lyndsey — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT

IF YOU ...

Are GIVING
Are HARD WORKING
Are KIND, CARING, COMPASSIONATE
Are HONEST
Are RESPECTFUL
Are GENUINE and REAL

Are a combination of any of the above (or all of the above), why does this question halt your GREATNESS:

WHY DO YOU CARE SO MUCH ABOUT WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK ABOUT YOU?

You ought to focus on how YOU think of YOU.

Droppin' Dimes,

Lyndsey

1 Minute Motivation

Lyndsey — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 06:00:00 GMT

1 Minute Motivation

If you have EVER used an EXCUSE at some point in your life, watch this 1 minute video. The end will GRAB you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEHQ9tzJpYA&feature=related&noredirect=1

Thank you to Nike and the athlete in this video for sharing this great reminder!

Droppin' Dimes,

Lyndsey

The 'Thank You' Checklist

Lyndsey — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 06:00:00 GMT

The ‘Thank You’ Checklist

“Well, Coach, can’t we just send them an email or say thank you?” was the most common response. I challenged the athletes to write at least 1 thank you note per day for the 10 days leading up to Thanksgiving. 4 days into the challenge, I had completed 27 and felt behind. Their response: I was too busy. Right. We’re all busy. We make time for the things that are most important to us. 5 less minutes browsing on Facebook and this challenge would be complete!

Yet, when I think of how many doors I’ve held open, basketballs I’ve chased across the gym, and workouts I’ve conducted, I shouldn’t have been too surprised. Many of the before mentioned examples are rarely met with a simple ‘thank you’.

Why? We are entitled now more than ever. Heck, my first job of out college, I expected more than people 20 years prior could have ever imagined. Technology is making life easier for each of us. But that should never replace two of the most under-used, yet powerful words. And power isn’t in felt through a screen. Verbal or hand written appreciation is always more impactful.

Most coaches, teachers, and parents all keep one thing: notes. Everyone wants to be appreciated. Let me help you young people out. Here is a simple check-list:

After every meal, THANK YOU to parents or whoever provided.
After every practice, THANK YOU to your coaches.
After every game, THANK YOU to the officials.
After every school year, written THANK YOU to your teachers and school administrators.
After every gift, written THANK YOU.
After attending college visit, written THANK YOU.
After every job interview, written THANK YOU to the interviewee for their time.

At 26, I’ve been blessed to have and now create my dream job. And how did it all begin? A thank you note. They will open doors and make you stand-out in ways above and beyond your peers. More importantly, you will develop a life habit of sincerely appreciating what you’re given on a daily basis.

If you haven’t done so already, join me in the challenge and get at least 5 written before Thanksgiving. And put your phone away during the holidays and enjoy spending the time with the people you are around. Let the Oklahoma State tragedy be a sad reminder we are not guaranteed anything.

Be blessed. Be thankful.

Droppin’ Dimes,

Lyndsey

INTRO

Lyndsey — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Be the B.E.S.T You!

Welcome aboard and thanks for joining along! This website was designed for YOU - the athlete, the coach, the parent, the casual observer who wants to take your LIFE to another level. Each of us are destined for greatness, and we hold the keys to driving towards higher success in any given area. The acronym B.E.S.T. was created around 4 key pillars that I've collected over the years in my traveling, studying, and researching how the most dynamic, energetic, and successful people not only do basketball, but do LIFE. The blog page will be collection of videos, words, and pictures that illustrate how we can make a better, and ultimately, the B.E.S.T. you!

Future blogs will write out each of the 4 pieces of B.E.S.T:

BRAND YOU
ELIMINATE EXCUSES
SPONGE TO SUCCESS
TRAIN YOUR THOUGHTS

Please don't ever hesitate to reach out if there's something I can do for you, your game, or your life. Let's make each day our masterpiece and embrace the process of becoming our B.E.S.T!

Droppin' Dimes,

Lyndsey