I’m not a professional athlete, but that doesn’t mean I would be opposed to hearing an inspirational Rocky Balboa-esque speech that sends chills down my spine. In fact, although it is often associated with sports, “motivation” has no boundaries. Anyone can be motivated to do anything in any field. Thus, I looked forward to hearing Silviu Tanasoiu, head coach of Cornell men’s tennis, deliver a jaw-dropping speech that would leave me… speechless. Did he do it? Well, that wasn’t exactly the reaction I had. Does that mean I went in with high expectations and left disappointed? Absolutely not. In fact, it was quite the opposite. I left thinking to myself, “The guys on the tennis team should be grateful to have a coach like that.”

Coach Tanasoiu told us about what it takes to thrive not only as an athlete and student, but also as a person in general. First, time is our most valuable asset. The life of a student athlete can be extremely demanding and rigorous. One must be able to strike a balance between academia and practice/play. The only way to do this is by being wise with how we use and spend our time. Second, adversity is your best friend. It is through challenges that we learn what our limits are. As a result, we can improve and possibly even overcome our limits. This would enable us to reach our maximum potential. Third, the relationships we have with others (e.g., teammates, family, etc.) is critical in all aspects of our life. If a recruit consistently screams at their coach, it will seriously effect their prospective value. Coach Tanasoiu mentioned that he would do his best to communicate with a potential recruit’s family members in order to fully evaluate the new prospect. I thought this was very admirable, as it shows care and concern for those who made the recruit into the individual they are.

“Be nice to yourself.” This is what an Olympic gold medalist told the coach’s team. I feel like this is some advice that I could really use myself sometimes. Throughout the whole event, Coach Tanasoiu consistently used the word “grateful.” He reminds his team to be grateful for being able to play at an Ivy League institution, given how extremely competitive it is. He was grateful when his dad sold his own car so that he could leave Romania and play tennis in the U.S. He remains grateful for being able to be in the position that he’s in now. In fact, he can’t even believe that he gets paid to do what he loves. So, no, Coach Tanasoiu did not comes across as Rocky Balboa (i.e., in your face, very passionate, etc.) during this particular evening. I wouldn’t be surprised, however, if he personifies him in front of his own team.