Julia Sims: March Madness lessons

This is the time of year when anything seems possible. For three weeks, no matter where you go, it’s as if the energy in the air is electric. The gasps and exhales that accompany the wins and losses can be heard throughout offices, in local eateries and at home.

I grew up with a love for ACC basketball (I credit my mom with that!). It’s only grown through the years. I like to think I’m passing that passion for the sport along to Will.

And, if you think about it, there are a lot of lessons to be learned this time of year.

The heartache during March Madness is palpable. Gut-wrenching losses reduce the toughest of players to tears and understandably so. Will watched the highlights of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County's, historic win over top-ranked University of Virginia, and then I showed him Virginia Coach Tony Bennett’s postgame interview. He was quick to compliment UMBC and then went on to say:

“A week ago, we're cutting down the nets and confetti is falling," said Bennett, whose team clinched the ACC championship. "And then we make history by being the first one-seed to lose. I'm sure a lot of people will be happy about that, and it stings. But, trying to tell the guys in there, this is life. It can't define you. You enjoy the good times, and you got to be able to take the bad times."

Now that Will is getting older, his sports teams are becoming more competitive. We constantly talk to him about our expectations and the value of being a good sport. My husband recorded the now infamous “hip” check by Grayson Allen during the ACC Tournament and showed it to Will, explaining that’s not acceptable under any circumstance.

During the NCAA tournament, we’ve pointed out to Will time and time again examples of good sportsmanship. We tell him, "Your actions will define you. Make them worth remembering."

It doesn’t get any better than the NCAA tournament to find examples of what you can accomplish if you work together towards one common goal. Carolina's Joel Berry and Theo Pinson have got to be two of the most likable players in college sports. Will sees their unselfish play and wants to emulate that. He’s watched a Wolfpack team picked to finish the season at the bottom of the pile, put in hours of grueling preparation and play as a team to get further than anyone predicted. He understands you have to put in the work to get the results.

And, of course, March Madness reminds all of us that anything is possible if you just believe.