Defining success can sometimes be a bit tricky when it comes to athletics. It's tempting to think that success is all about wins, celebrations, and championships. I always want our Mercy teams to be victorious every time they step onto the field, into the pool, or onto the court, but success isn't always that straightforward.

Last Friday our varsity tennis team traveled to Golden Gate Park to face off against The Urban School. This complex held a special place in my heart because it's where I played many of my collegiate matches while attending the University of San Francisco. I was thrilled to see the complex had undergone a $15 million renovation since my time on the Hilltop. Just like back in college and high school, my parents were there to support us every step of the way.

With Mercy leading 3-2 and only two matches left to play, something unexpected happened. The complex had to kick us off the courts due to other rentals. I did not want our match to end and after some maneuvering, was able to find two open courts to resume play. The fog rolled in, and so did the renters on our next set of courts. The match eventually ended in a 3-3 tie, with our final match scored as "did not finish."

It's moments like these that remind me of a quote from one of my favorite coaches, Ted Lasso. He said, "For me, success is not about wins and losses. It's about helping these young fellas be the best versions of themselves on and off the field." This quote emphasizes something more important than any win – character development. It's about learning to win with grace and lose with dignity.

While winning on Friday would have been fantastic, what truly mattered was the growth and improvement of our team, and the memories that were created. Success isn't just about the score on the board; it's about the journey, and the lessons learned. So, let's continue to strive for excellence, not just in the game but in the people we become through sports.