Research by Robyn Fivush at Emory University shows that about 90% of teenagers and young adults can remember a family story when asked, even if they seemed uninterested at the time it was told. Family stories have the power to create connection and meaning while building identity and resilience, all of which support personal growth and mental health. So keep telling that crazy story about the time your uncle got stuck in his deer stand.

I recently heard someone use the portmanteau Respondability. It was the perfect word to describe the attitude I'd like my athletes to adopt. With spring break upon us, I took the opportunity to create a new infographic to explain how to accomplish this.

Parker Byrd has been a life-long fan of East Carolina University. When they offered him a baseball scholarship in 9th grade, he committed on the spot. In the summer of 2022, a boating accident required the amputation of his lower right leg (and a total of 45 surgeries). When thoughts of playing baseball arose, he noted that there had never been a Division I player with a prosthetic leg, to which his mom responded, "There always has to be a first. Why not you?"

Once Parker identified his goal of becoming the first Division I baseball player with a prosthetic, he quickly moved on to asking, "How?" As Parker puts it, "Quit making excuses on why you can't, and figure out how you will." In the last edition of The 90%, we discussed the importance of asking, "How?" as a key part of goal-setting. Demonstrating the importance of social support, the Byrd family put together a team of supporters who shared the belief that he would play again, a step that Parker called key to his recovery. Soon, he was taking pitches in his wheel chair while visualizing hitting. He progressed to one handed swings while sitting on a stool, to leaning on a crutch, to his first swings with his new prosthetic. All along, he reminded himself, "You always have a chance."

On February 16th, Parker became the first player with a prosthetic to appear in a Division I game, earning a standing ovation and a pinch-hit walk. Reflecting on the experience, he expressed his great gratitude for the opportunity.

To learn more about Parker's journey, check out this interview (7:03) or follow his Instagram.

How many times have you heard someone say, "Someday?" Someday, I'll start exercising again. Someday, I'll travel abroad. Someday, I'll get organized. Big or small, there are more somedays than can be counted. Unfortunately, someday never seems to arrive. As the saying goes, “There are seven days in a week, and 'someday' isn't one of them.”

Instead of thinking someday, think about N.O.W. - No Opportunity Wasted. Today is an opportunity to get started, an opportunity to take the next step, an opportunity to build momentum. Every workout, every practice, and every game is an opportunity to improve. People tend to overlook what can be achieved in the moments of the day, yet even  short periods of time present opportunities. For example, at the United States Military Academy, cadets are provided with examples of how to use their very limited free time. Use the following as inspiration for how you can make the most of your opportunities.

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