Driving to Episcopal Academy, Coach Caroline couldn’t help but take in the beauty of Newtown Square. The scenic route added to her excitement for the day ahead – a second session with the girls’ basketball team. The first session had been such a hit, full of energy, laughter, and meaningful moments, and this time, she had even more planned. To top it off, Strive’s very own Sports Challenge Coach, Sasha Williams, is one of their coaches, making the experience even more special!
When the students walked into the room and settled down, we started off with a “fuel tank check.” It’s a simple way to gauge how everyone’s feeling, and after a long day of school and practice, many of them admitted they were tired. But what stood out was their positivity – they were still showing up and ready to engage, which we loved!
Coach Caroline jumped right into a fun, lighthearted game to get everyone moving. It was all about body language and non-verbal communication skills that are way more important than we sometimes realize. The students perked up, the room buzzed with energy, and you could see their excitement building.
From there, we dove into a favorite activity: identifying “fuel tank fillers” and “drainers.” The students wrote down things that give them energy (grades, sleep, sports) and things that drain them (injuries, homework, driving). This led to a thoughtful conversation about how to lean into the fillers and use tools to manage the drainers.
We kept the energy rolling as Coach Caroline introduced a creative twist – asking the students to come up with their own personal “brush it off” ritual. The idea was to create a physical gesture they could use to shake off setbacks, mistakes, or any negative vibes during a game (or in life). The room was filled with laughter as students shared their unique moves – some were funny, others dramatic, but all were undeniably effective at lightening the mood and bringing the team closer together. These rituals are simple and easy to remember in-the-moment. At the team’s next game, Coach Sasha witnessed the players using their rituals in action!
After wrapping up the classroom portion of the session, it was time to hit the gym for a Strive classic: Craters and Volcanoes! The game had two teams racing against each other, flipping cones while running, strategizing, and communicating nonstop. It’s fast-paced, competitive, and so much fun. The gym was alive with energy – students shouting encouragement, coaches joining in, and everyone completely in the moment. By the end of the game, everyone was a little out of breath but smiling ear to ear. This session was filled with joy and learning, which is always a success in our eyes!
