For the Win

I have to admit, I am not a sports fan. I don’t follow any sports except when the Olympics roll around. But I managed to find the story of Sloane Stevens. She is a tennis player who was ranked 934 in the world two weeks ago. Did she let that stop her? She went on to win, win mind you, the US Open.
 
I love this story for two reasons. First, she didn’t let her past affect her future. How many of us think that way?  We almost apologize for our place at the table. We are defeated before we begin because we don’t truly believe in our own dreams. We need to own it. We need to treat our dreams as if they are the very air we breathe- we may not be able to see them, but they are real and ours for the taking.
 
The second reason why I love this story is what she did when she won.
 

1. She didn’t cry. She showed us she deserved to be there.
2. She congratulated her opponent and took the time to have some words with her.
3. She thanked the official. Just as she probably has done a million times, but in something so momentous at this, it could have been forgotten. It showed class.
4. Her eyes said it all. She was delighted with her performance and raised her arms to let the crowd celebrate with her. It wasn’t an all-about-me, I’m-so-great moment, it was a “we” moment with the crowd.

 
I know nothing about Ms. Stephens, I do know a role model when I see one. I look forward to finding out more. 
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