Be Magnanimous

Be Magnanimous

When you step onto the lacrosse field, something changes and that’s a good thing. You put on your game face. You focus. You compete. You give your best effort every single play.

Lacrosse is a fast, physical sport. It asks a lot of you. You have to be aggressive chasing ground balls, battling for position, defending your space, and taking your shot when it’s there. You don’t hold back from the challenge. You play hard, you play smart, and you play with courage. That’s part of respecting the game, your teammates, and yourself.

But here’s the part that matters just as much as anything you do during the game: what happens when the final whistle blows.

When the game ends, the scoreboard stops mattering. What people remember, what really lasts, is how you treat others. That’s where being magnanimous comes in.

To be magnanimous means to be strong enough to be kind. It means you can compete fiercely, and still show respect and generosity when it’s over. When you win, be gracious. The other team worked hard too. Look them in the eye, shake hands, and let them know they played well. A few sincere words, “good game,” “nice hustle,” “great shot," can mean more than you think.

If, on the other hand, the game doesn’t go your way and you lose, be proud of your effort. Hold your head high. Congratulate the other team, because they earned it. There’s strength in showing respect, even when it’s tough.

And always remember: every player on that field is just like you. They practice. They get nervous. They try their best. They care about their teammates. When you lift others up, especially after a hard-fought game, you show what kind of player you are, and more importantly, what kind of person you are becoming.

So play hard. Be aggressive. Compete with everything you’ve got.

When that final whistle blows, be magnanimous.

• Dad