Leadership important to Falcons success
Story written by Jasmin Bowers for CUWFalcons.com
MEQUON, Wis. -- Leaders are found when they show their worth. When they are followed, they become a chosen leader. This is the case in this year's Concordia University Wisconsin Women's Basketball team. With the most freshmen in program history on the roster, three players have stepped up and taken charge after being chosen by their peers.
"Coming in to the year, I knew there weren't going to be any seniors," junior Madelyn Landgraf stated. "When talking to coach [head coach Stacey Brunner-Jones], she mentioned that it was going to be a young team, and we were going to have to step up and show the freshmen what to do."
Despite the major change in what the program is used to, juniors Landgraf and Megan Coenen, along with sophomore Taylor DeLong have been what the team needed to get them to their 19 wins heading into Saturday's NACC Tournament game against Concordia Chicago.
"I became more comfortable with everything as the season progressed," Coenen said. "Coach and I have good relationship, as well as with the other captains. If I need something I know I can talk with them."
"We have learned what to do in many situations and know how to guide the freshmen," Landgraf says when talking about growing into her captain's role. "Sometimes I have to tell the younger players to relax and watch the ball go through the hoop and it will be alright."
Though attaining the role at a younger part of their career than normal, they all remain very humble about their leadership role. "My freshman and sophomore years I learned a lot from the leaders in the program," Landgraf expressed. "It's definitely exciting to be a captain, but it's all about working with each other. It's one through 24. We wouldn't be where we are without each other."
Having 16 new players, Brunner-Jones was very nervous with the captains prior to the season. Getting that many 18- year-olds on one team can be a challenge for anyone. With time, everything fell into place and things now run smoothly.
Despite the large number of players, the team dynamic is great. With it, there have been a lot of teaching moments, especially for Brunner-Jones. Fans can often see her pulling aside her youthful players during games, telling them this is the correct way to run a play or defend the opponent. Nearly her entire roster is comprised of freshmen and sophomores and those teaching moments are important for this team today and going into the future.
For the Falcons, this season has been all about learning a different way of doing things. "This semester has been the toughest; it's all about time management," Landgraf said. "I wouldn't change anything about it. To sum it up I learned dedication, experience and how to have some fun."
Brunner-Jones has definitely seen growth in their positions. Confidence has grown in the trio since the start of the season.
"I expect them to be me when I'm not there," states Brunner-Jones. "They have to have that high expectations when our coaching staff isn't around; whether that be on-campus, off-campus, on the court or in the locker room. They also need to know how to handle their peers."
The past years are always referred to when needing to figure what to do next in leadership. Without that extra year to prepare for that captain responsibility, the trio heavily relies on one another. When the freshmen have them outnumbered, it can be hard to relay those important messages and lessons that are critical.
Coenen, while a quiet part of the team, makes a huge impact in how to be a team player.
"In a huddle I will say a few pointers and then Maddie or Taylor will chime in and know exactly what to say the get the point across clearer," Coenen said when talking about being a vocal leader,
This trio of captains on this year's team is just a part of the greater whole. Landgraf is more vocal in what she does, whereas Coenen is the quiet in speech but active in example. DeLong at times can be a mixture of both. The captains on this team direct their teammates in the right way. Thanks to the help from previous alumni, the three were groomed to do great things for this team. This will be evident in the seasons to come as new leaders grow from the successes of this year and year's past.
