Susan Ford Lacrosse Hall of Fame Remarks
Induction Address – National Lacrosse Hall of Fame
November 10, 2007
There are so many reasons why I would not be here without you, Val. Thank you... That we are still such good friends after all you’ve been through with me is a wonder. One thing I know for sure, because of you, these ‘60’s are lots better than the last ones! Peace and Love. Congratulations to the 2007 anniversary Class. This night is about a game around which teammates gather to warm themselves as around a fire; to tell stories and renew friendships. May we all do our best to give back to the sport what the sport has given to us. Thanks to the team at US Lacrosse for this very special occasion. As my little grand nephew would say: two thumbs up!
To be recognized as a contributor feels like all the best give and go’s . Which means teammates past and present are up here with me tonight. People who have filled and shaped some part of me, so that I could give back. Thank you. What can I give you? I offer these few lessons, from the Book of Inside Out.
One day during my sophomore year while I was on the tennis courts at The Ethel Walker School, lacrosse coach Mary Knapp came across the road from the field to find a player because it was game day and the team was short.“Get the ball,” she said, “and give it to someone who knows what to do with it.” That was my introduction to lacrosse and sums up my playing career. Lesson #1: When giving advice, keep it simple and direct. Lesson #2: Everything happens for a reason.
My next experience in the game was as an umpire. It was fantastic. I loved to run and be in the games without having to play. Over time, I learned how the 4 C’s: competence, concentration, confidence and composure opened up co-operation and connection. Lesson #3: Being on the third team was finally fun.
As a coach at Concord Academy and Wellesley College the players gave me another ‘C’: commitment. Even with their demanding academic schedules, lacrosse was a top priority and all seven ‘C’s’ were operating full blast. That made for effective practices, high spirits, good fun and a special place in all our lives where WIN meant What’s Important Now. Lesson #4: Live in the present. But take the long way home.
In the boardroom, give and go sometimes takes on other meanings. You give. You go, anyway. To believe beyond what you lose is to have faith in the future. There is an old adage that encourages parents to give both roots and wings to their children. My hope is that we can do that for lacrosse: that we can find ways to nourish the roots so that the wings are strong enough both to soar and to settle. Lesson #5: Look for balance.
“In life,” said Mr.Woody, over 40 years ago in his Existentialism course at Connecticut College, “there’s no time-out. You’re always already in the game.” Only within the last few years have I realized that’s good news. Because when you are actively engaged in being part of, and contributing to, something bigger than yourself, you have a chance to make a difference: to a team, a family, a friend, an enterprise. Lesson #6: No matter what else happens, stay in the point.
End of the day, as Colin, an 8 year-old boy playing with his older sister’s team the other night in Traverse City (MI) said, “I’ve never had so much fun. I think I’ll play girls’ lacrosse for one more year.” That’s the best kind of give and go. Lesson #7: Play it forward.