We are Driven to Excel
Commit yourself to being the very best that you can be – the best player, teammate, student, and daughter. Set ambitious goals, develop an unquenchable thirst for improvement, and do not be satisfied with mediocre. Uphold high standards of excellence and demand the very most of yourself and your teammates at all times. That is how greatness is achieved and champions are made.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”
- Aristotle
We Put the Team First
Being part of a team takes dedication and self-sacrifice. You are part of something bigger than yourself. Be unselfish. Play for your teammates with whom you share a common history, a common goal, and an uncommon bond; know they play for you. Those who truly give of themselves know the reward is worth the sacrifice.
“I am a member of a team, and I rely on the team, I defer to it and sacrifice for it,
because the team, not the individual, is the ultimate champion.”
- Mia Hamm
Hard Work is Our Passion
There is nothing more rewarding (and difficult) than giving 100% of yourself. Some things in life are not within your control, however effort is a choice. Elite effort should be the expectation, not because you are forced to work hard, but because you want to work hard; your insides tell you that you must work hard; hard work is all you know. When all is said and done, take comfort in the fact that you have given everything you have.
“Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard.”
- Tim Notke
We Support Our Teammates Unconditionally
We are a family. A family relentlessly supports one another; trusts one another; loves one another. Take initiative to develop a harmonious group dynamic in which these characteristics are demanded. Establish a community of respect and loyalty. Positive relationships breed positive outcomes and powerful memories.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
- African Proverb
We Take Full Responsibility for Our Actions
Do not make excuses; own your actions. Admit to and make yourself accountable for mistakes. Never pout or whine or blame others. Understand your responsibilities and recognize that you are a difference maker. When problems arise, look in the mirror and change yourself first. Lead by example; only then can you legitimately hold others accountable as well.
“Mistakes are always forgivable, if one has the courage to admit them.”
- Bruce Lee
We are Great Communicators
Communication eliminates mistakes. Being a passive participant is simply not an option. Recognize when and how to lead and communicate. Be honest. Understand the importance of tone and timing. Realize that communication is not just talking. Be a great listener; make good eye contact; be aware of your body language. Elite communication is not optional, it is mandatory for us to achieve success.
“The single biggest problem to communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”
- George Bernard Shaw
We Compete Fiercely and Fairly
Life is full of competition. Do not shy away from it; embrace it. Challenge yourself and your teammates daily. Demonstrate a burning desire to achieve success. Don’t be afraid to be strong, tough, relentless. Keep score and play with edge. Be proud of your triumphs and disappointed in your failures. But never allow yourself to take shortcuts or compromise your standards simply to win. Hold yourself accountable to winning the right way.
“Sports do not build character. They reveal it.”
- John Wooden
We Demonstrate Pride in the Uniform
When you put on the North uniform, you no longer represent just yourself. Your actions represent your team, your coach, and your school. Recognize that not everyone gets the opportunity to wear that jersey. It is an honor and a privilege. You must uphold the standards of the jersey and the many great players that came before you. You are not only part of a team, but also part of a tradition. Respect the history of the program and recognize the responsibility that goes with this honor. Be proud to be a Cougar!
“Pride is a personal commitment. It is an attitude which separates excellence from mediocrity.”
- William Blake
Adversity is Our Asset
Everyone is faced with adversity. In and of itself that is insignificant. What matters is how you respond. Be daring and courageous. Do not be afraid to fail. When faced with adversity remain resilient and mentally strong. Recognize that challenges are opportunities for growth; adapt and overcome them. Embrace every challenge that is thrown your way with the confidence that it will only make you stronger.
“When mind is weak, a situation becomes a problem. When mind is balanced, the situation becomes a challenge. When mind is strong, that situation becomes an opportunity.”
- Anonymous
We Aspire to Inspire
Actions and words have impact; consider yours wisely and lead by example. Demonstrate courage in the face of fear; Confidence in the face of doubt; Composure in the face of uncertainty; Determination in the face of adversity. Love and support your teammates. Be enthusiastic and passionate. Recognize the power you have to make a difference through small daily actions.
“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.”
- Jimmy Johnson
We Conduct Ourselves with Integrity
An honest person strives to do everything right all of the time. Demonstrate excellent character both on and off the field. Carry yourself with pride and confidence, yet conduct yourself with grace and humility. Focus on what is important, both in soccer and in life. Challenge yourself to be better. Hold yourself to the highest of standards, do the right thing -- especially when no one is looking.
“The vision of a champion is bent over, drenched in sweat,
at the point of exhaustion, when nobody else is looking.”
- Anson Dorrance
Commit yourself to being the very best that you can be – the best player, teammate, student, and daughter. Set ambitious goals, develop an unquenchable thirst for improvement, and do not be satisfied with mediocre. Uphold high standards of excellence and demand the very most of yourself and your teammates at all times. That is how greatness is achieved and champions are made.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”
- Aristotle
We Put the Team First
Being part of a team takes dedication and self-sacrifice. You are part of something bigger than yourself. Be unselfish. Play for your teammates with whom you share a common history, a common goal, and an uncommon bond; know they play for you. Those who truly give of themselves know the reward is worth the sacrifice.
“I am a member of a team, and I rely on the team, I defer to it and sacrifice for it,
because the team, not the individual, is the ultimate champion.”
- Mia Hamm
Hard Work is Our Passion
There is nothing more rewarding (and difficult) than giving 100% of yourself. Some things in life are not within your control, however effort is a choice. Elite effort should be the expectation, not because you are forced to work hard, but because you want to work hard; your insides tell you that you must work hard; hard work is all you know. When all is said and done, take comfort in the fact that you have given everything you have.
“Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard.”
- Tim Notke
We Support Our Teammates Unconditionally
We are a family. A family relentlessly supports one another; trusts one another; loves one another. Take initiative to develop a harmonious group dynamic in which these characteristics are demanded. Establish a community of respect and loyalty. Positive relationships breed positive outcomes and powerful memories.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
- African Proverb
We Take Full Responsibility for Our Actions
Do not make excuses; own your actions. Admit to and make yourself accountable for mistakes. Never pout or whine or blame others. Understand your responsibilities and recognize that you are a difference maker. When problems arise, look in the mirror and change yourself first. Lead by example; only then can you legitimately hold others accountable as well.
“Mistakes are always forgivable, if one has the courage to admit them.”
- Bruce Lee
We are Great Communicators
Communication eliminates mistakes. Being a passive participant is simply not an option. Recognize when and how to lead and communicate. Be honest. Understand the importance of tone and timing. Realize that communication is not just talking. Be a great listener; make good eye contact; be aware of your body language. Elite communication is not optional, it is mandatory for us to achieve success.
“The single biggest problem to communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”
- George Bernard Shaw
We Compete Fiercely and Fairly
Life is full of competition. Do not shy away from it; embrace it. Challenge yourself and your teammates daily. Demonstrate a burning desire to achieve success. Don’t be afraid to be strong, tough, relentless. Keep score and play with edge. Be proud of your triumphs and disappointed in your failures. But never allow yourself to take shortcuts or compromise your standards simply to win. Hold yourself accountable to winning the right way.
“Sports do not build character. They reveal it.”
- John Wooden
We Demonstrate Pride in the Uniform
When you put on the North uniform, you no longer represent just yourself. Your actions represent your team, your coach, and your school. Recognize that not everyone gets the opportunity to wear that jersey. It is an honor and a privilege. You must uphold the standards of the jersey and the many great players that came before you. You are not only part of a team, but also part of a tradition. Respect the history of the program and recognize the responsibility that goes with this honor. Be proud to be a Cougar!
“Pride is a personal commitment. It is an attitude which separates excellence from mediocrity.”
- William Blake
Adversity is Our Asset
Everyone is faced with adversity. In and of itself that is insignificant. What matters is how you respond. Be daring and courageous. Do not be afraid to fail. When faced with adversity remain resilient and mentally strong. Recognize that challenges are opportunities for growth; adapt and overcome them. Embrace every challenge that is thrown your way with the confidence that it will only make you stronger.
“When mind is weak, a situation becomes a problem. When mind is balanced, the situation becomes a challenge. When mind is strong, that situation becomes an opportunity.”
- Anonymous
We Aspire to Inspire
Actions and words have impact; consider yours wisely and lead by example. Demonstrate courage in the face of fear; Confidence in the face of doubt; Composure in the face of uncertainty; Determination in the face of adversity. Love and support your teammates. Be enthusiastic and passionate. Recognize the power you have to make a difference through small daily actions.
“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.”
- Jimmy Johnson
We Conduct Ourselves with Integrity
An honest person strives to do everything right all of the time. Demonstrate excellent character both on and off the field. Carry yourself with pride and confidence, yet conduct yourself with grace and humility. Focus on what is important, both in soccer and in life. Challenge yourself to be better. Hold yourself to the highest of standards, do the right thing -- especially when no one is looking.
“The vision of a champion is bent over, drenched in sweat,
at the point of exhaustion, when nobody else is looking.”
- Anson Dorrance