These characteristics are key to your athletic development.

• Works constantly; makes things happen; gives a little extra when it is important.

• After a mistake, a defeat, or a coach's criticism, comes back strong; makes corrections; tries harder to correct or make up for a previous mistake.

• Never gives up!

• Plans, evaluates, and corrects with teammates and coaches; encourages others.

• Takes tips, ask questions, listens, admits to errors and corrects them without excuses; show that he/she wants to learn. Pursues activities both in and out of season to maintain conditioning and improve skills (i.e. strength training, cross training, and aerobic activities, etc.)

• Learns to perform in the big competitions as well as in the routine competitions; come through in tight situations or in tight competitions; makes the big play when needed.

• Learns to stay motivated, comes back, and performs well after a setback, mistake, missed opportunity, or a bad call against him or her.

• Learns to control temper (i.e. keeps their mouth shut, does not needlessly retaliate against opponents cheap shots).

• Learns to react to referees, coaches, teammates, and fans in a mature and positive way, particularly in important competitions.

• Learns to adapt to the stresses of success, travel, morning workouts without negative effects on attitude or play.

• Learns to stay cool and confident under pressure (i.e. is not moody and not a worrier; can maintain concentration on getting the job done in a pressure situations).