Leadership by Rainee Meeker (Sibley)

Have you ever met someone who never seems to have a bad day? They always seem happy to see you, and always are filled with enthusiasm and energy. Rainee Meeker (Sibley) is one of those people. She has the ability to change people with her enthusiasm. Leaders have the ability to influence others, and indeed, Rainee has that ability.

Going into Rainee’s sophomore year, at the beginning of the summer we went to University of Tennessee Team Camp. We had just converted to the “system” style- pressing all over, running, and shooting lots of threes. Our varsity team was struggling in games. Jason Shay was an assistant in men’s basketball at Tennessee, and he sat on the bench with me for a couple of games. Jason and I talked about our lack of success. His observation was that we had girls who worked really hard but we just needed more athleticism, and just a little more energy to make it work.

As Jason and I talked, we walked over to watch our sophomores play. About 10 minutes into the sophomore game Jason commented, ”That little guard may be what you are looking for- she is quick and she has energy.” He was talking about Rainee. Rainee was not close to the best shooter or the best ball handler on the sophomore team. That afternoon I put Rainee in the mix with the varsity. As a tiny sophomore, she changed the entire team with her energy. And that is what leaders do, they have the ability to change the team!

Here are Rainee’s thoughts on leadership…

"Leaders set the tone.  They hold themselves accountable to a high standard first, and then expect the same from the rest of their teammates." 

"Leaders aim to work the hardest. (Whether it’s on the court, in the weight room, team fundraising, making the grades for eligibility, etc.)"

"Two more big ones in my eyes:  THE BEST (most effective) leaders are coachable & humble."