Part 2- Positive Coaches and Unique Abilities
She is competitive and talented, but has a BAD attitude! She’s going to do things her way and tune out the coaches! But hey, she’s really good!
These are some of the things they’d say, and by “they” I mean other parents, coaches, and even players. Yet, my ways were acceptable because I was talented. At this point, i’m thinking why are people even coaching me? But let me tell y’all something, this all changed drastically when Denis Aidoo committed to my personal and athletic development as a young girl.
For those of you that aren’t familiar, my brother was pivotal in my growth as an individual and an athlete. He committed his young adult life to my 10 year old lifestyle. Let me remind you he was maybe 18 or 19 and in college at Louisiana State University (LSU) during this time. This means his commitment required him to make casual drives from Baton Rouge to Slidell countless times a week for practices and games, which is approximately 5 hours per day and maybe 20 hours per week. He was a college student! Honestly, I should confess that I’m not sure if I would have been such a great role model if I were the older sibling.
However, he recognized I had a passion for sport at my young age, and that I was very critical about how I performed it. This probably confused most people, which deemed the phrase “she has a bad attitude”. However, my brother was able to recognize I wasn’t malicious in my “bad attitude” but more so frustrated with the outcome of my performance. His efforts to skillfully work on my talent and also check me when I negatively responded was incredible.
Simple moments would exist in practices. He would teach basic moves like the triple threat. This is basically the black hole to any offensive move in basketball (apologies for the lingo shift). In the triple threat position you’re able to dribble, pass or shoot in the most creative ways possible. It was also in those moments he was able to sense the triggers that would veer me towards frustration. He was pause for a moment. Then, talk through the move, and ask if I understood and was open to trying again. Now imagine for a moment repeating this technique over and over and over again. It teaches patience and the will to overcome challenges. Through this technique my attitude was redeemed over a period of time. Therefore, by my college playing days I was able to better manage my frustration and be a bit more patient with myself.
This is one of MANY examples I may share from my lifetime. However, I also want to share that to this day my brother continues to manifest the greatness in SO MANY young girls through the power of sport, specifically basketball. He has driven and flown across the world to watch his current and former players perform. He tutors his players in core classes and even the ACT/SAT. He supports college visits. He connects with their families. He supports his peer coaches. He expends his own personal resources to ensure his players are more than okay.
He paved the way to understand what a great coach should exemplify. I must say I received nothing but great coaches in my corner because of the model he created.
This is a special thank you and happy birthday to my brother Denis Aidoo. Also, a special thank you to the many coaches that have paved the way and manifested my personal and athletic talents. I appreciate ALL of you!