Skip to content

Building Relationships Through Family and Sports

Building Relationships Through Family and Sports

Last week I had the opportunity to attend a Leadership Lubbock class. This month was sports and recreation day. The class toured Texas Tech University’s United Supermarkets Arena, Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock Christian University’s Rip Griffin Center and more. At each stop we heard from a coach or former student athlete, such as Lady Raiders basketball Coach Marlene Stollings and Olympic High Jumper, Bradley Akins. I was excited about the opportunity to attend sports and recreations day because I love Texas Tech Athletics. I wanted to hear more about their leadership models, and it didn’t hurt that we got to see a lot of cool facilities.
 
 I grew up in Plainview, a short 45 minutes away from Lubbock, with a dad who graduated from Texas Tech University. Being so close to Lubbock meant my Red Raider loving and season ticket holding dad could take me to as many football games as he pleased. I have been attending Texas Tech football games since I was six-years-old and I have cheered on many teams over the past 16 years.



Attending college and sitting in the student section was a completely new atmosphere and my love grew not only for Tech football but all Tech athletics in general. For the past four years, win or lose, rain or shine I was in the stands cheering on our Red Raiders. Being able to get a behind-the-scenes look and walk on the football field was an exciting way to end my time at Texas Tech. During Leadership Lubbock the entire class had the chance to go on the field and participate in kicking practice with former Texas Tech Kicker, Keith Toogood. I enjoyed seeing the class let loose and have fun trying to kick field goals. I could tell the class had formed friendships as they cheered each other on and poked fun at those who didn’t quite reach the field goal.



Each speaker that day spoke on leadership within athletics and within their team. I loved getting to hear about the team dynamic of each sport from the Lady Raiders basketball team having a 3.0 club; encouraging good grades, to the Texas Tech volleyball team implementing committees to promote ownership of their team. Even though I love Texas Tech Athletics I was not an athlete in high school, unless you count playing on the Junior Varsity tennis team with three other athletically challenged students. Due to my lack of athleticism I didn’t have a very good picture of a team dynamic which made it interesting to learn how the coaches structure their teams.



By the end of the day I developed a new love for Texas Tech Athletics, and was able to see team work in action. I observed each of the class members interacting with one another and it showed me that true team work doesn’t have to lie solely within sports. As long as you have someone cheering you on you will be able to reach any goal.

Leave a Comment
* Required field

Scroll To Top