Desperate Measures

Speedy is going to drop out of college. Life has thrown, yet, another obstacle in Speedy's path and he has finally reached his peak. I felt bad as he relayed his latest challenge to me. He looked defeated. Hearing all of this was especially disappointing since I watched Speedy turn the corner academically, raising his GPA (grade point average) from a 1.6 in high school to a 2.5 at the college. He even has an offer on the table to attend a four-year college in the Fall. While dropping out isn't etched in stone, it seems likely that Speedy will have to work a ton of hours in order to support his family.

A couple of days ago I showed up to the athletic center expecting to work Speedy out. A few minutes before the scheduled workout, Speedy texted that something was going on with his mother and that he wouldn't be able to attend. Based on my past experiences with Speedy in our team practices, I thought it was bullshit. Let's just say Speedy hasn't been the hardest working player I've encountered here.

Like a majority of players I've coached, Speedy talks a great game about wanting to BE better but he has shown little desire to BECOME better. I've talked to him frequently about his awful work ethic over the course of two years, but it seems to go in one ear and out the other. As I gave it more thought, I finally concluded that Speedy probably didn't know how to work hard at anything because it had never been modeled for him.

I offered to help Speedy work on his game by personalizing a regimen that would help him elevate his game. Much to my delight (and suprise) Speedy showed up on time for five straight sessions and didn't complain once during the workouts as he did during practices. I was very pleased with his new approach to improving.

Unfortunately, Speedy had to pull the plug on the workouts because of some family drama.

Speedy: Coach, I can't do the workouts no more. As a matter fact, I might not even be able to do the school thing next year.
Me: Why not?
Speedy: Memba when I told you that something was going on wit my mom?
Me: Yeh.
Speedy: Well, she might be going to jail.
Me: For what?
Speedy: Bank fraud. It's a long story. She supposebly did something with her taxes that was shady so she's facing 20 years.
Me: Damn, man! Are you serious? 20 years?? I'm assuming this is a first offense. Can't they let her off with a slap on the wrist?
Speedy: Actually it ain't her first offense. She did two years for something similar when I was younger.
Me: I'm sorry to hear this, man. I don't even know what to say.
Speedy: I always figured something was off. She work at a convenience store yet she's always buyin me new kicks and all these other nice things. My mom's my heart. I don't know what Ima do if she has to do 20.
Me: Why do you have to drop out, though?
Speedy: They took all her money so we ain't got shit now. I gotta pay all the bills.