By Jordan Niespodziany
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| Photo courtesy of sueenquist.com |
Sue Enquist was not always a champion. She was not the biggest, smartest, or
strongest person in the room.
Reflecting back on her youth she remembers struggling academically and
having to read from the “special books.”
Although she had a rough start, her determination and ability to learn
allowed her to achieve success later in life. On Wednesday night Enquist took the stage in Kresge
Auditorium and shared her powerful message with DePauw athletes and coaches.
Enquist, a California native, attended UCLA where she played
softball and led the team to its first National Championship in 1978. She was UCLA’s first softball
All-American and later went on to coach the Bruins where her success continued,
winning 10 NCAA Championships while on staff. In 2006, she was inducted into the National Fastpitch
Coaches Association Hall of Fame with a combined 1,314 wins as a player and
coach. However, to Enquist, those
are just numbers and numbers do not measure success.
“Don’t get caught up in the numbers of wins and losses. Let your coaches worry about that,”
says Enquist. “Be your best. You are the one who knows if you are
cutting corners. You are the one
who has to answer to what you see in the mirror.”
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| Enquist compiled an overall record of 887-175-1 as the Bruin's head coach Photo courtesy of espn.com |
Enquist was privileged to have a close relationship with one
of the greatest teachers of all-time, UCLA men’s basketball coaching legend,
John Wooden. Wooden served as
Enquist’s greatest mentor during her coaching career. She used Wooden’s pyramid of success to frame her philosophy
at UCLA. The title of her talk, “Competitive
Greatness,” is at the top of the pyramid.
Enquist stressed that the ability to cope with struggling is a key
aspect to being great.
Additionally, Enquist focused on two particular blocks of
Wooden’s pyramid: industriousness and enthusiasm. She expressed the importance of being industrious in daily
activities and not cutting corners.
Social, academic, and athletic challenges face DePauw students almost
every day. Enquist encouraged the
audience to focus on getting 1% better everyday and to be disciplined in their
work habits. Additionally, she
believes that enthusiasm is the fuel for discipline. A good attitude encourages an enthusiastic approach that
will lead to the 1% improvement.
“Each one of you has a brand that defines you. When you leave DePauw the general
public will test you,” says Enquist.
“I hope that I can help you crystallize your brand in every aspect of
your life. With a crystallized
brand, you are ready to take on the world outside of DePauw.”
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| Enquist with her longtime friend and mentor, John Wooden Photo courtesy of speakersource.com |
Enquist focused a portion of her talk on what it means to be
a champion and how every team can get there. She introduced her idea of CORE, which stands for compete,
organize, recovery, and enthusiasm.
For each element of CORE, Enquist cited a significant influence in her
life. The idea of CORE can be
applied to every aspect of daily life and if acted upon correctly, anyone can
take the proper steps to being their own champion.
In addition to CORE, Enquist focused on the 33% Rule. This rule establishes three separate
groups into which teammates, or people in general, can be placed. “You have those people in the top third
who are the best of the best. Then
you have the middle third, what I call the windsocks. They just go with the flow. Lastly, there is the bottom third, the people who suck the
life out of you,” says Enquist.
“If you are in the top third, you need to protect your excellence and
rise above the other thirds.”
Enquist cited preparedness as one of the main factors that
separates champions from the rest.
She used the DePauw women’s basketball team as a model champion. The team was able to push through difficult
situations and battle through any adversity that arose. They accepted any fear and failure that
presented itself and did not let it become a burden. Enquist noted how champions have a superior ability to be
great in “plan B.”
“Fear and failure are part of the ride, you just have to
accept it,” says Enquist. “An
unchecked ego will bury you. You
need to be comfortable being uncomfortable. Show the game why you are great.”
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| Wooden's "Pyramid of Success" Photo courtesy of CoachJohnWooden.com |
In closing, Enquist talked about leaving behind a
legacy. As student athletes, the
potential to impact individuals is present in all areas. Opportunities arise in the classroom,
on the field, and in social settings on the weekend. In these moments, the way that people carry themselves
speaks volumes towards the legacy they are leaving behind. In comments directed to team leaders,
Enquist reaffirmed the importance of being a role model for the younger
players.
“If you are a leader sometimes and a follower others, you
are not a leader at all,” Enquist says.
“Leaders are leading all the time.
Whether it is on the field, in the classroom, or Friday night at a
party. The way you carry yourself
should never change.”
While Enquist’s talk was primarily for DePauw student
athletes, her message reigns true across the board. Every individual has opportunities to lead and to be great. Excellence is a lifestyle. We only get to live in the DePauw
bubble for a short time. While you
are here, challenge yourself to be great each and every day. If you prepare, love, and honor the
game of life, you will truly have the core of a champion.
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