Strength, Resilience, Motivation, Passion, Introspection, Self Improvement
On Sunday, with a 'KB' patch on their jerseys, the Los Angeles Lakers won their 17th championship, which ties them with the Boston Celtics for most all-time. It was a fitting end to the season like none other before it, and came nearly 9-months after Kobe and Gianna Bryant's tragic death. During their run, the Lakers found ways to pay tribute to Kobe and Gianna. They brought back the 'Black Mamba' jerseys and added a No. 2 patch in memory of Gianna. Superstar Anthony Davis revealed “Not just me, but the entire team thinks about him the entire time. We say ‘Mamba on 3’ after every timeout & every huddle knowing that he’s with us. Knowing that we’re not only playing for the organization but playing for him.” When they yelled 'Mamba,' they embraced Bryant's nickname of 'Black Mamba' and the 'mentality' that came with it.
We asked our CORE coaches what the Mamba Mentality means to them.
Coach Rachel:
As a Doctoral Candidate of Sport & Performance Psychology and former competitive athlete, to me, the Mamba Mentality sums up all of the strength, resilience, motivation, and passion that an athlete exerts on their path to becoming a top competitor. There is no excuse or obstacle big enough to overpower their determination to reach excellence. An athlete who lives by the Mamba Mentality knows the only things in the way of their success is their mindset and the decision to achieve greatness.
Coach Jon:
For me the Mamba Mentality goes beyond sports and is a way of life. It is a proactive attitude towards self-improvement and personal growth. It assumes that we are imperfect and flawed as people, but offers a solution-based approach towards working to reach our highest potential. I make mistakes all of the time. I've accepted that it's a part of life. I also know that if I do the work and am introspective I can learn from my mistakes and turn them into catalysts for positive change. I would not be the person I am today if I had not made mistakes along the way. I choose to have a Mamba Mentality in my life because I know it will help me to become my best self.
Whether or not you're a Lakers fan, I think we can all celebrate their championship as a symbol of appreciation for Kobe Bryant and his Mamba Mentality. His dedication to achieving success and excellence in sports helped others to foster positive personal growth and change in life.
