Point Guards and DCEs

Hello, friends! I'm writing to you today while listening to the Drake-Sacred Heart women's basketball game. I've listened to or watched quite a few games this season, and there are a couple of names that come up very frequently. The first is Lizzy Wendell, the top scorer for Drake and the Missouri Valley conference overall. The second is a more interesting study - Caitlin Ingle, not top in points but in assists.

For those of you not versed in basketball terminology, an assist is attributed to a player who passes the ball to a teammate in a way that leads to a basket. Most players with many assists are point guards like Ingle, as their role is primarily that of passer and ballhandler. Ingle is particularly talented at reading the court. She always knows where everyone is on the floor, teammates and opponents alike. She knows what her teammates are capable of, and she uses all of this knowledge to pass the ball at crucial moments and lead her team to victory.

I think Caitlin Ingle is a good example of what I strive to be in my work as a DCE. I'm not out to score the most points, so to speak. It's not my job to succeed myself, it's my job to lead others to success. If I can put on an event or activity by myself, that's fine and good. But if I can get to know people well enough to help them take on leadership roles that fit their skills, if I can get my church members to a point where they're putting on events and activities with minimal help from me, that's far better. I want to be known for assists, not points.

The Drake women's basketball players were my idols as a kid. It was my dream to play on that team. Now I find my inspiration from them in different ways. Thanks, Drake, for always providing me with opportunities for dreaming and growth - and goooooo, Bulldogs!