In Bruce Brown’s “Captains: 7 Ways to Lead Your Team” booklet, Leadership Principle #4 states, “Be the first to praise others and the last to brag or draw attention to yourself. Praise those who contribute in ways others may not notice but do the team skills.” Whether she has read the booklet, or not, Paige Bueckers, of the UConn women’s basketball team, has mastered the concept. After she and her teammates beat USC in the Elite 8, to earn a place in the Final Four, Paige was sought out for an interview. With 31 points, 6 assists, 4 steals, 2 blocks, and 3 rebounds, there was much to be congratulated for. Bueckers quickly gave credit to other players on the UConn team. “It’s an honor. I’m extremely blessed and extremely grateful that I even get to play at UConn… But people see the points, but like a large attribution to Sarah [Strong], Jana [El Alfy], Ice [Brady], the way they were screening for me, getting me open, getting me looks. Like everybody sees the points, but nobody sees the screens set, the passes that were found to me. So it’s, I guess, an individual point total, but it’s really a team effort.”
In March, Caitlin Clark went home to West Des Moines, Iowa, and made a surprise visit to her alma mater, Dowling Catholic High School. As she was walking down the spotless hall, she noticed a familiar person mopping the gym floor. “Is that Mr. Russell?” Caitlin asked her former assistant coach. James Russell, 80-years-old, had been the janitor at the school for over 60 years. Clark was surprised that he was still working. She said, “He’s the kindest man I’ve ever met. Always made us laugh. Always stayed late to lock up after games. He deserves the world.” Caitlyn found out that Mr. Russell still needed to work in order to pay his bills and keep his truck running. Caitlin asked to meet with Principal Theresa Madden and the financial coordinator. She made arrangements to fund a full retirement package, healthcare coverage, and a new Ford truck for Mr. Russell. She also gave a $50,000 bonus so he could finally take the big fishing trip to Montana that he had talked about for years. Caitlin planned to be quiet about the gifts. Madden commented, “But how could we not celebrate such a gesture? It’s not about money. It’s about gratitude. Caitlin didn’t forget the people who helped shape her.” When Mr. Russell was surprised with his retirement package, he trembled as Clark gave him a big hug. She told him, “You’ve always taken care of us. Now it’s our turn.” Russell said, “I never expected this. I’ve watched Caitlin grow from a little girl with a big dream to the most incredible young woman. I thought she would forget about this old janitor. But she didn’t. That means more to me than I can say.” Russell then showed a picture with Caitlin from 2018. “Back then, I told her she was going to change the world. Guess I was right.” A news reporter responded, “Caitlin Clark has made her mark in sports history, but perhaps her most powerful legacy is being written not through points scored, but through lives touched. In a world hungry for role models, she didn’t just honor a janitor – she elevated an entire generation’s understanding of what it means to be human.”
May we, too, remember it's always the right time to honor others with our words and deeds.
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:10
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
1 Timothy 6:18
