Creating Resilience & Growth
Our 4-year-old daughter has been passionate about hockey ever since we first brought her to Kenyon Arena at Middlebury College. For several years while we lived in Vermont, she had the opportunity to watch the men’s and women’s teams in action almost daily. Whether it was in season or out of season, practices or games, she was always drawn to the energy on the ice. Perhaps the excitement of the Middlebury Women’s Ice Hockey team going 27-0 and winning the DIII National Championship in 2022 fueled her interest as well. Tomorrow, the #4 Panthers will be hosting #12 Nazareth University in the quarterfinals and our girl is excited to be able to watch via the livestream!
After our move back to Texas, it didn’t take long for her to find the rink again, and we have loved supporting her enthusiasm for the sport. Ice & Field at The Crossover has quickly become her favorite place.
Just the other day, as I was tying her skates, she enthusiastically introduced herself to another hockey player. To help ease the conversation and break the ice for both of them, especially for the teenage boy she was speaking to, I asked him about his team and their season. His response stuck with me: “We didn’t have the season we wanted, but it gives me more to work on.”
That simple yet mature perspective reminded me why we love this sport. It is not just about the game itself but about the resilience, growth, and mindset it fosters in those who play. The opportunity to reframe failure as a motivating force for growth is a powerful tool for any student athlete. Kudos to the coaches that have influenced this young man via his playing experience with the Austin Metro Hockey Association. As parents of younger children, it’s been great to see the organic trickle down of leadership in moments like that.
As a former school counselor with experience in a variety of academic settings and with diverse student populations, one question remains constant: How do we develop the whole child in a way that fosters adaptability and a growth mindset? Coaches, teachers, parents, and other mentors play a crucial role in this process by providing the guidance, support, and encouragement needed for students to navigate challenges and embrace learning opportunities. Their ability to model resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous growth helps shape a student’s perspective on success and failure. By fostering an environment where effort, perseverance, and self-reflection are valued, these mentors empower students to develop the skills and confidence necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world.
The lessons learned through sports extend far beyond the ice. They shape character, instill discipline, and teach the value of perseverance—qualities that will serve young student athletes well in all aspects of life. As we support our daughter’s journey, we are reminded that the greatest moments in sports aren’t just the wins, but in the mindset and resilience she builds along the way.