On senior night, play for each other

As we discussed today, you’ve acknowledged that Friday’s game against Cal is not just “any other game”.

You are aware this game will be special and different: It’s a night game in front of friends, family, and alumni; you’re playing against Cal; you’re playing as the 12th ranked team in the nation – the highest ranking this program has achieved to date; the outcome has implications for conference standings; and, it’s senior night. You’ve acknowledged the existence of many external influences on this game that aren’t usually there.

As you approach this game I ask you to revisit your team values – the words that describe your team identity so strongly you chose to include them in your mission statement: Close-knit, relentless, and underestimated. One particular value that is especially pertinent to the senior night game on Friday is “close-knit”. Yours is an especially close-knit team. The senior players are a primary reason why your team is so close-knit. Your team embodies this value very strongly.

Senior night is special for all teams – changing the normal pre-game routine to formally recognize and celebrate the contribution of teammates makes it so. But for your team, senior night will be even more special. The senior players on this team have put forth three-and-three-quarter-years of effort and sacrifice to bring this program to where it is today.

Being “close-knit” is at the core of your team spirit. So, embrace senior night.

Build a wall around yourselves. Don’t let external influences affect how special this night will be for your team. This night belongs to you, and you alone. On Friday night you are not playing to beat Cal or live up to a ranking. You’re not playing to satisfy your family or your friends or your coaches. Friday night represents an opportunity to play for each other, to support each other, and to trust each other. This alone is where your attention should be.

Individually, you are responsible for getting yourself mentally prepared. Come ready to play with trust, alertness, poise, and freedom. In preparation, think about the great things that will happen. Visualize yourself getting to your own best level of intensity – not too high, not too low. See yourself executing confidently, and quickly moving beyond your mistakes.

As a team, resolve to be as poised as you ever have. Be tough. Have killer instinct. Trust your preparation and believe in your collective ability. It is superior to that of your opponent.

On Friday night, play for each other. Everything else is less important.