"Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable."
— Quote by John Wooden,
legendary UCLA basketball coach
By Keith Gibson
Head softball coach
As members of the North Fort Myers High School softball program:
• We will never forget that we are student athletes, not athlete students. The pursuit of classroom greatness always is paramount. An above-average student who's an average athlete will have more doors open than an above-average athlete who's an average student.
• We recognize and respect the past successes of the great coaches and players who honored Bobbie Dewey Field before us. Our legacy is proud, our tradition is rich.
• We promise that we will not cheat our coaches, teammates, parents, teachers, friends and, most of all, ourselves by not realizing our individual and collective potential. We believe there is no substitute for doing the work.
• We realize that we must not be afraid to make mistakes. Instead, we should fear not trying hard enough to make mistakes.
• We know that the only throw, catch or swing that matters is the next one we make or take, not the one we just made or missed. There is no lesson greater than experience, good or bad.
• We embrace the honor of representing our team, school and families with dignity, class and respect wherever we go, whomever we play and whatever happens. First impressions are lasting impressions.
• We acknowledge there are reasons, but never excuses. We control much of our destiny.
• We understand that winning games is but one measure of success, a by-product of doing things the right way. We do not deviate from our lasting beliefs and values to pursue something as fleeting as victory.
• We will not lose sight of our priorities. Softball is only a game ... one that we love and play with all our heart and soul, but when it's over, it's over.
• We are committed to becoming well-rounded people as daughters, students, friends and teammates. There is no greater satisfaction than making someone for whom we care proud that they know and love us.
• We play with the pride of a team that understands our status as scholastic softball players is an honor and privilege that we earned. Not everyone can do what we do.
• We play with the purpose of a team whose members prepare to succeed on the field, in the classroom, in society and in our future. After our final game, we are ready for the game of life.
• We play with the passion of a team that gives everything it has collectively and individually ... every game, every practice, every pitch. We will never have regrets.
"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."
30th president of the United States
