Team attitude is important in all high school sports

Editor,

As a 2005 Polson High School graduate and previous volleyball player, last week's letter from Ms. Poirier upset me. Although I stopped playing volleyball after my sophomore year when I started to play soccer, I still have a strong respect for the sport and present coach.

Ms. Poirier and other parents seem to have completely misunderstood the message being sent by the Polson High School coaching staff. Polson teams are known for their good behavior and respect for the opposing teams and coaches. Some parents, students and community members have forgotten that sports are not meant to evoke the rude and angry side of people, but the competitive. Despite what people may think, there is a difference.

You do not have to have a religious background to be involved in athletics, but you should have a team attitude. Team: Together everyone achieves more.

I have encountered many players in the past that lack the team mindset and believe they are the most important player. With this negative attitude, they tend to think without them the team will no longer succeed.

Those individuals need to step back and realize one person does not make the difference in a team's success or failure.

Each member needs to put aside any differences they may have and work together. There is no reason to be upset if a student athlete is cut because of an attitude problem.

For as much time as the coaches and athletes spend together between practices, games and team gatherings, no one wants to or should have to put up with a negative person. It will only hurt the team on and off the playing ground.

Coaches try to do the best of their abilities to create a successful, maybe not always winning, but fortunate team. Their knowledge and love of the sport will hopefully help them make decisions that will always benefit the athletes and other members of the team.

Melanie Browning

Polson