Greatness

Inspired by the concept of greatness, i.e., aspiring for the best that one can be, is it excessive to use luscious descriptive narrative to effectively emphasize the joy of observing ordinary people committed to extraordinary achievement!

I think of the UCONN Women's Huskies Basketball Team. Their exceptional (far beyond the ordinary), accomplishments as an illustration of determination, discipline, willingness to work hard and accept every challenge as an opportunity to excel. I think of the system of their great coach that drives talented young women far beyond what they might otherwise achieve through his own disciplined use of his experience and understanding of what works in becoming consistently excellent.  I think of the way these young women live their lives on and off the court, becoming high achievers in their education, effective communicators in their articulate use of the English language that illustrates a fineness beyond their great feats of athleticism alone.  

Occasionally, we hear naysayers who say the Huskies games are boring or that others ought to be given the chance to win. Hogwash. The Huskies inspire us all to think of the best that we ourselves can be if we believe in ourselves.  

I thank Geno Auriema and his year in and year out performance in presenting the best that can be on the college basketball court and beyond. Others, in every walk of life and field of endeavor need to be aware that achieving greatness is not reserved for the few. Rather, it demonstrates that which everyone can strive to be.  

Connecticut can be so proud of this.  Perhaps we can be all be inspired by these college women to go and do likewise in our own jobs, businesses, institutions and policy-making bodies to make Connecticut as great as it can be!