To the Editor:
Jon Roetman should have titled his front page article ("Confident or Cocky"? - The Connection, March 26, 2015) "Hard Work Plus Perfect Practice Equals Champions." There is no arguing that cocky teammates can be the downfall of a successful sports season. However, training tirelessly to become so good you have the right to become cocky....that's another matter.
As the mother of an elite softball player, I know the innumerable hours of repetitious practice, the personal training to stay in top physical condition for the sport she loves, and the mental fortitude it takes to be a fearless champion....all that plus handling intense high school course work and being a part of family obligations...that is what is missing from Jon Roetman's article.
The Robinson lacrosse team deserves to have a better headline.
In Northern Virginia, the pressure on high school students to be the best, work the hardest, aim for elite college scholarships, and make a name for themselves amongst the thousands of students here is very high. Whether it's an added sport, band, debate or theater, there is outside training involved that is intense and time consuming. These students achieve their goals through sweat, tears, and life lessons beyond their years. It is amazing to me that when a team reaches their goal both as individual athletes and incredibly successful teammates, they are referred to as perhaps "cocky"? What a negative word to use on young men who have handled everything so well and found success on the field they love. The word should have been "congratulations" for a team who has found the right members, the right coach, and the right chemistry to have a season to remember for the rest of their lives.
Nancy Ohanian
Burke