On Tuesday, October 26th, the varsity volleyball team conducted a very special “practice” of sorts, spending an incredible training hour in a zoom call with Dr. Larry Widman, author of the sports psychology book, Max Out Mindset. Generously responding to Coach von’s email thanking him for the many ideas the team had adopted throughout the course of the 2021 season, Dr. Widman offered to voluntarily meet with the team to discuss the four main ingredients shared by exceptional athletes, “ingredients that, if mastered, ultimately lead to the development of an elite mindset” (Widman).
As Widman introduced his “max out” theory, team members were encouraged to identify, discuss, and react to the four pillars: Commitment, Confidence, Concentration, and Composure. Sprinkled throughout his lecture were videos of outstanding volleyball players like Crissy Jones of the U of Washington, Madison Lilley of the U of Kentucky, and Jordan Larson of the USA Olympic team, along with featured clips of Patrick Mahomes of the KC Chiefs and Monty Williams, head coach of the Phoenix Suns. Each video reinforced the importance of role clarity, self-talk, visualization, mindfulness, and resiliency.One recurring theme throughout entire presentation was the power of “team” and the interconnectedness that develops among players who unselfishly strive for a common goal, something the 2021 KMVB squad has embraced since the doors of the gym opened for the first practice on August 23rd. As the squad begins its march into the post season, Widman’s visit takes on added significance because the stakes are higher and the spotlight more intense. Hopefully, with Widman’s wisdom packed into their gym bags right alongside their knee pads, the Firebirds can max out every moment on court by playing with commitment, confidence, concentration, and composure.