Leadership by Jenna Wesselhoeft (Bicego)

Jenna Bicego started for the Streaks in 2003 and 2004. Those two seasons, the Streaks went 61-8. As point guard, Jenna she set single season record for assists as a junior and then reset the record as a senior. These are still the top two single season assist totals for Galesburg.

While Jenna was fantastic as a point guard setting up our offense, as a leader she set the tone for team in terms of competitiveness. She shares her thoughts on being a leader….

I was new to the game years after others found it.  While those players had acquired the skills were quickly identified as top performers in camps and members of the starting line-up, frustration found me.  I was not good at not being good.  Luckily, that fire lead to a drive to prove myself instead of quitting. 

The time on the bench allowed me to focus on the basics and learn the game by listening to the coach’s instructions and observing as well as asking questions of those who not only I admired but had gained the admiration of their teammates.  Instead of rushing to catch-up, I attended to the ‘right-way’ and the ‘why’ behind what we were taught. 

I studied my position, but also volunteered to step-in to other holes on the court even if it was just for a run through.  This allowed me the vision into the struggles and strengths of the other positions as well as the interplay between them.  Often, it highlighted how a half-second pause or a solid screen versus a slipped one would make all the difference.  It showed me how focusing on the role you were in while understanding the connection of each position on the court contributed to greater success and also lead to gratitude – maybe not always from the articles and the box scores, but from the coaches, from my team mates, and those who knew the game. 

That willingness to grind, curiosity in understanding of why, and visibility into the different positions on the floor lead not only to success, but also the respect of the team.  As I grew into new levels and teams evolved, I noted this respect was not an entitlement through reputation or previous performance, but a privilege that needed to be actively maintained.  

Leadership is not always in being the top scorer on the court, to me, it is centered a lot around those who continually educate themselves on the game and on their teammates’ to build a supportive, resilient, confident, humble group.   A player can be an effective leader on their team by:

-       Being prepared.  Know the game and the game plan – study each position on the court and their role in each play.  Do not silo yourself into your role or skimp on the basics.  Be brave in asking questions – this understanding does not come only through individual study but through conversation.  This knowledge will help with empathy and vision as well as flexibility during difficult match-ups.  

-       Understanding their teammates – focusing on their success by knowing their strengths to instill confidence and pushing their weaknesses during practice.  This takes open, honest communication and a desire to learn.  It takes a humble passion for the greater good of the team and the game as well as curiosity about the individual and what drives them. 

-       Knowing themselves – be honest with yourself regarding your current capabilities and roadblocks that come-up in getting to that next level.   Open yourself to the perspectives of others while remaining confident in your skillset.  This allows you to be accountable to your team while having a vision of what you want to be ahead.  Then, use that desire that drives you to push through, to remain focus, and to get to a level you never thought you could while bringing your teammates there with you.

Some of what I have written above requires time on the court, but much of it also requires introspection and connection with your teammates.  It is the simple act of getting to know each other.  Work your way through your teammates understanding why you guys play, what keeps you running (literally), and how you believe you will come together for even greater success.  Also, take a survey of yourself while identifying leaders you admire – ask them to connect or, if they are famous, read their book.  What better time than now in this ‘stay at home’ era to focus on connecting – to your team and to yourself?