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October 21, 2021

AHA Blog: Essential Elements: Building a Team

It happens every year. The exceptional coaches at the Academy of the Holy Angels build successful teams, bringing out the champion in each individual and promoting genuine cooperation. The results include a staggering list of league, county, state, and national titles, and countless friendships. 

 

What are the “secrets” of their success?

 

“There is really no secret when it comes to winning championships,” says AHA Head Dance Coach Jenny Sweet. “I have found that it takes persistent sacrifice, intense focus, and trust in all teammates. We spend a significant portion of our time on building the team dynamic so that when they are performing together, magic is created. Each dancer must trust and believe that the dancer next to her is dancing as full out as she is, and contributing equally to the success of the particular routine. 

 

“The hardest part about winning six national championships is staying on top year after year. The pressure can be palpable at times, but we do not focus on what our competitors are doing. Our main goal is to compete with ourselves year after year, setting the bar higher than we did the previous season, and evolving.” 

 

Coach Susan Liddy stresses the importance of team unity and trust. 

 

“You will have a team when there is one heartbeat,” she says.

“Lid” should know. She has served as AHA’s head varsity basketball coach for 47 years! Her players have earned numerous Bergen County and league titles, a state championship, and have finished several seasons as state finalists. She also coaches JV tennis and varsity softball. Her softball teams have earned two league championships, and are five-time state sectional finalists. 

 

“Our success with the tennis team begins with the utmost support from Mrs. Gorsuch (AHA’s athletic director), who knows so many rules and has served as one of the only women athletic directors in the state,” AHA Varsity Tennis Coach Meaghan Williams says. “Secondly, our trainer Julia (Moschetti) is always available to examine and tend to the ailments of every student athlete.” 

 

Since she stepped into her coaching role three years ago, Williams has helped her players improve their game every day through drills and conditioning. She chooses music to motivate her Angels during practice, and the Angels’ individual and team achievements have been stellar.

 

“I remind the players that they have the power within to find calm between figuring out the strategy to win each point,” Williams adds. “God has blessed us with these athletic talents and motivation which I encourage the girls to use well in representing their team, school, and family.” 

 

AHA Athletic Trainer Julia Moschetti points out that successful teams begin with good health.

 

“If athletes prioritize their health and well-being and taking care of their bodies, then they have a better chance at staying healthy and uninjured throughout their season and, hopefully, all the way to a championship!” she says. 

Patrick Dunne motivates his varsity golf and bowling teams with growth mindset positivity. He begins by reminding them they should never be afraid to fail. 

 

“It is not about whether you get knocked down, but rather whether you get up again,” Dunne says. 

Playing it safe is not an option. Dunne coaches the students in skills and techniques, and encourages them to take strategic risks. 

 

“One hundred percent of the shots you don’t take don’t go in,” he notes. 

 

Some years, Dunne begins the season with students who have limited experience in their sport. Each year, they rise to the occasion. Why? This coach recognizes that the one thing athletes can control is their effort, and his bowlers and golfers put their best effort into each event.

 

Howard Schuman, head track and cross-country coach, understands the importance of establishing a caring connection with his athletes.

 

“It doesn’t matter how much you know if an athlete or student thinks you don’t care about him or her,” Schuman adds.

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