How many times have you watched a team play and said, “They play with a lot of heart”? Or, “That is a resilient bunch out there”?
Maybe you’ve even thought the opposite—watching a group that lacks heart and resilience on the court or field.
Either way, as sports fans, we know it when we see it. And when it’s real, it stands out.
An Inspiring Story of Heart and Resilience
Recently, I came across a social media post by Coach Missy Sperle of Lancaster, Wisconsin, about the girls JV basketball team she is coaching this season. The post immediately caught my attention—not because of wins or losses, but because of what it revealed about the character of this group.
Here’s what Coach Sperle shared:
“Want to give a shout out to my JV girls basketball team. We started the season with 9 kids, many of whom have limited basketball experience. We lost one of our most experienced kids to back surgery early in the season. Another has been unable to compete in games all season. Down to 7, one being a foreign exchange student who has never played the game. Two weeks ago, I lose two more—one to a broken finger and the other a sprained ankle.
The five I have left keep showing up. Keep working to get better. We don’t win a lot of games and recently haven’t even been able to play full games, but their attitudes remain positive and they are doing their best.
I appreciate the middle school kids who have been showing up for us all season so we can have productive practices. Today we mixed my JV kids with some middle schoolers who will be their teammates next year, and it was fun to witness.
This season has had its challenges and it won’t get easier anytime soon, but they are looking at each day as an opportunity to get better—and as a coach, that’s all you can ask.”
The Power of Showing Up
I found this story encouraging and inspiring on many levels, but the most powerful part is simple: these girls keep showing up.
No matter the wins or losses.
No matter how hard it is to play with five players.
No matter how easy it would be to walk away.
In today’s world, it’s easy not to show up—to disappear into screens or choose what’s comfortable. But these girls are choosing effort. They’re choosing commitment. And that matters.
Coach Sperle shared with me how proud she is of this group—how they approach each practice and game with great attitudes and a willingness to keep improving. They may not see it yet, but their consistency is planting seeds that will pay off in the long run.
Being intentionally consistent in everything you do—that’s the Ball to Life way. And these girls are living it.
Heart and Resilience That Last a Lifetime
These young ladies don’t fully realize it yet, but they are making a difference. People are watching. Teammates are watching. Younger kids are watching.
They’re inspiring others—honestly, they’re inspiring me. But most importantly, they’re inspiring their future selves.
One day, when life gets hard—and it will—they’ll be able to look back on this season and say, “I’ve been through tough things before. I didn’t quit then, and I won’t quit now.”
Coach Sperle told me she hopes these girls understand the impact they’re having. At the end of the day, wins and losses fade—but heart and resilience doesn’t.
Lessons in Appreciation for the Game
One thing that stood out in my conversation with Coach Sperle was how situations like this affect injured athletes. As someone who’s been there, I know firsthand—being injured is one of the hardest challenges an athlete can face. But sometimes, those moments create something powerful: a deeper appreciation for the game.
We say “play because you love it,” but we don’t talk enough about appreciating the opportunity. Too often, athletes assume the game will always be there—until suddenly, it isn’t.
Cherish the chance to compete. Cherish the practices, the bus rides, the teammates. These moments are fleeting, and before you know it, they’re gone.
Heart and Resilience Reflect the Coach
I hope other athletes find inspiration in this story. I also hope coaches do, too.
This story says a lot about the athletes—but it also says a lot about the coach.
It takes a special coach to keep kids locked in and motivated when nothing seems to be going right. It takes a special coach to help athletes look beyond the moment and see what’s possible down the road.
I commend Coach Sperle and the entire Lancaster Flying Arrows Girls Basketball program for the growth and development these young ladies are showing every single day.
Inspired to Inspire
This story inspired me, and I hope it inspires others as well. I know this isn’t the only program facing adversity, and Coach Sperle isn’t the only coach doing incredible work.
When we see it, we should acknowledge it.
When we feel it, we should say something.
These kids—and so many others—are doing something special. Let them know. Tell them they matter. Tell them they’re making an impact—because they are.
The game has always been bigger than wins and losses. It’s about building people.
And while you’re at it, thank a coach who made a difference in your life. Parents matter most—but great coaches can leave a lasting mark. If you’ve had one, let them know.
BtL
Take a moment today to recognize effort. Tell an athlete you see them showing up.
Thank a coach who’s making a difference. These moments matter more than we realize.
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At Ball to Life, we believe stories like this are what sports are all about.
