The Teams That Stay With You

This week brought some really special news. I was on my way to see my mom and received a call that our 2016 Mason City girls basketball team that I wrote about a few weeks ago will be inducted into the Mason City Athletic Hall of Fame this fall. It’s an incredible honor, and one that immediately brought back a flood of memories.

That team was unique.

Eight seniors who had played together since 3rd grade. Younger players who embraced their roles and contributed in meaningful ways. Coaches who were great teachers and brought the fun factor reach day. A group that truly understood what it meant to be a team—supporting each other, celebrating each other, and competing together.

They were talented, no doubt. But what made them special was how connected they were.

On Tuesday afterI got the call, I had the honor to send out a group text to players, managers, and coaches to share the news. Almost immediately, the responses started coming in.

“I’ve been thinking so much about all of the good times and the hard work we put in together… I would do it again in a heartbeat!”

“What an honor—can’t wait to see everyone again!”

“But now I feel so old… but looking forward to it and seeing you all soon!”

Reading those messages was as rewarding as the honor itself-I must admit, I got a bit choked up seeing all of the notes come in.

Because what stood out wasn’t just the accomplishment.

It was the connection they had with each other and with their coaches.

Years later, what those players remember isn’t just the championship. It’s the journey. Some remember the practices. Some remember the challenges they or the team overcame. I’m certain that they all remember the relationships they built and the feeling of being part of something bigger than themselves. Ultimately, it’s the memories of the journey that lasts.

As coaches and leaders, we often spend too much time focused on results-the wins, the titles, and even the recognition that comes from success. And those things matter—they’re part of the experience.

But moments like the hall of fame are a reminder to me that what matters most are the relationships we build along the way.

The conversations.
The shared effort.
The trust that develops over time.

Those are the things that stay with people long after the final game is over.

It was also a reminder this week of how important it is to stay connected. Social media has definitely helped us keep track of the lives of many people we have come across but it isn’t the same as a personal connection, a phone call, or even a text. I must admit that the texts this week were some of the first contacts I have had with some of the players in the 10 years since we won state.

We all know that life moves fast and people go in different directions. But taking the time to reach out, to reconnect, and to celebrate shared experiences brings it all back in a meaningful way.

Those relationships don’t just disappear—they just need a time to be revisited and to be reminded what it all meant.

This fall, when we gather again with the state championship team, it will be about more than recognizing a team. It will be about reconnecting with people who shared something special.

And maybe that’s the real takeaway I would like you to get from this week: the best teams don’t just create memories for a season-they create connections that last a lifetime. And in the end, that’s something worth celebrating.

I hope you will each stop and take a look at a “team” or individual that you connected with in the past and will take a moment to reach out and reconnect with that group/person. I promise it will mean the world to the others involved and invoke strong, positive emotions in you. The experiences you’ve shared will connect you always but will be a distant memory without finding the time to check back in. I promise it will be worth the time taken!

Have a great week!

Coach K