Coach G's novel plan: Yvonne Anderson
Dec. 15, 2009
Every year, Texas Women's Basketball coach Gail Goestenkors hand-picks reading selections for all of her student-athletes. Goestenkors carefully connects each one to the individual, choosing books that can educate and inspire - and impact the Longhorns on the court, and in life. Throughout the season, TexasSports.com will visit with Goestenkors and the Longhorns to learn about the books that were read, and what everyone learned through the process. Coach G gave me The Alchemist purely because of the message, and the message was one that resonated with me -- don't let anything block you in pursuit of your dreams. Sometimes, I think even Coach G can see that I block myself. I'm a perfectionist. But you can't let anything or anyone get in your way. Just keep trying your hardest, and you will reach your goal. The Alchemist was a lot about choosing and chasing your own "Personal Legend," and that's all about the idea of having a dream. We should dream. There was a line that really stood out to me, and it speaks to everyone: "To realize one's destiny is a person's only obligation." I really thought this book would be good for Yvonne. It's about finding your own truth, and pursuing dreams. It's also about trusting that the world will unfold in such a way that you can reach your dreams. Yvonne is somebody who has great dreams, and she works so hard. I want her to trust a little bit more that it's all going to work out. She over-thinks and analyzes everything. Basketball is a game of mistakes, so you have to be OK with making mistakes sometimes. If you dwell on the past, then you won't be ready for the future and all the good things that are coming your way.
For Yvonne, I just want her to play and stay in the moment. |
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