The vision of a champion by Anson Dorrance. Quotes IX

-A good team is comprised of a community of human beings respected for  their humanity that accepts players of all ranges of ability, and that can figure out a way to handle all their differences, so that despite them, they still connect and bond.
-A team is defined by its chemistry. How the players click as a unit. Chemistry is established by the individuals.
-The measure of good chemistry is the melding of two extremes: the best and most popular player on the roster, and the worst and least popular. If the super stars can figure out a way to make even the most average player feel she is an important part of the team, that's a critical step.
-She gave so much without getting anything back.
-To be courageous is an opportunity that sooner or later is presented to all of us. You don't have to do anything, but if you do, you are a leader.
-Don't you understand Mom, Kristine is just better than I am?
-We won the World Championship later that year, and Tracey was a big part of that. Underneath her photo in the media guide, in answer to the question 'Who do you most admire?' Tracey had said: 'Kristine Lilly'. That's class. That's honorable. That's depth of character. It's also rare.
-I think every person has a secret passion to be a certain type of player.
-Two basic criteria to determine the quality of the coach: first whether you are enjoying the game, and second whether you are getting better.
-I am not outwardly really close to people, except for a select few. Tisha Venturini.
-Coaches should treat everyone the same, whether you are the star player or never get in the game for a minute.
-I waited for every pregame speech of Anson's. They would get me so fired up.
-You have to try to have a good relationship with your coaches. I think you have to listen to them, follow what they are saying, and believe in it. Show respect. Outwardly, you need to demonstrate that you believe in the coach  and the team, and that you are a team player. Every coach is different, with a different philosophy, and you are going to have a different relationship with each one.
-It is easy to pick out the player who doesn't show respect, who rolls her eyes when the coach says something. Other players see that and it destroys the team.