Luck + Preparation

By Alexis Hornbuckle

Twitter: @Hornbuckle14

Instagram: @Buck1422

Having a champion mindset is something that will follow you everywhere. It applies to more than just athletics, it applies to everything you do in all aspects of your life. Every tool that you learn helps teach you, shape you, and molds you into not only a champion-caliber competitor but it also makes you more mentally tough. Ever since I can remember, my dad had been training me to be a champion. He constantly encouraged and pushed my brother and I to: stay focused, work hard, be resilient, to persevere, to give it your all, to be selfless… the list goes on. As a kid, sometimes these lessons are hard to grasp. As a kid, sometimes you get frustrated and can't comprehend why your coach (in this case my dad) pushed you so hard for so long. As a kid, you can't understand, until you have a moment like I had in the 2008 NCAA Final Four game in Tampa, FL.

April 6, 2008

NCAA Final Four:

Tennessee Lady Vols vs. LSU Tigers

That day, I had the worse offensive game of my Tennessee Lady Vol career, I mean I did not make one shot the entire game and the clock was winding down to the final seconds. Not only did I not make a shot, but I also committed a dumb foul that sent the LSU tigers to the foul line where they took the lead with seconds left in the game.

Now at this very moment I had to options:

1. I become a mental midget and claim defeat, or

2. Remember that I am a champion!