Team 16 Blog: Six Pillars
10/30/2015 12:00:00 AM | Water Polo
Teamwork. Leadership. Culture. Accountability. Respect. Communication. These are the six pillars of the water polo team. Each pillar is significant because it represents a unique aspect to our team. Team 16 exemplifies each of these pillars day in and day out in the pool, in the classroom, and in the community. I believe that this is a strong set of characteristics that displays who we are as a team.
Teamwork: Every team exemplifies teamwork. What sets us apart from most other teams is the level of togetherness we have as an overall group. One major aspect of our team is cohesion. In practice we aim to find our chemistry within our playing units. We continue to have team bonding experiences (like tonight's dinner and pumpkin carving event) to continue to improve how our team functions together. Michigan water polo puts a purpose behind everything we do to create a high level of cohesion.
Leadership: Leadership is a vital characteristic at the University of Michigan. As a university, we pride ourselves for being the Leaders and Best. I believe that the water polo team has a great showing of rising leaders within each class that starts from our strong senior class leadership. Our team has a great variety of leaders (vocal leaders, lead by example leaders, and followers) that provides a balance to our team.
Culture: I believe this is the most important pillar for any team to succeed. Culture impacts the functioning of our team. We have established a winning culture through the teamwork and leadership we have on our team. Our culture continues to thrive positively by the norms and standards we are creating right now.
Accountability: Accountability, respect, and communication are new additions to our team pillars this year. This is a key pillar to include because it is crucial that we hold our own selves, the team, and the training staff accountable. We continue to check our own selves to make sure we are putting forth quality effort in the pool, in weights, in recovery, and in our classes.
Respect: This is a major characteristic that everyone must have in life. Our team displays respect in the way we interact with one another. I am fortunate to be a part of a team that supports and loves each other in and out of the pool. Respect has allowed our team to function as a sisterhood.
Communication: Michigan water polo continues to improve our communication skills in every aspect. Our team contains certain key terms that everyone must know while we practice drills and plays to all be on the same page. Each position must communicate in the water to be effective against our components. We are able to continue to improve our communication skills during our practices and team bonding events which is crucial moving forward and winning.
These six pillars stand out daily throughout our practices. Each pillar demonstrates an aspect that will allow our team to succeed. Each member of the team, whether it is a player, a coach, or a trainer, is expected to display and work towards these pillars. I am most excited to see how our team has shaped up this fall semester as we get closer to the Collegiate Cup!
Hail,
Emily Sejna #3
