From Me to We

Rodney Van

Hey, what’s up y’all—this is Coach Van, and you’re listening to Coach Van’s Minute. Today, I wanna talk about something that, honestly, took me a long time to really get. It’s the difference between being good and being great. And, uh, it’s not just about how fast you run or how many points you score. It’s about moving from “me” to “we.” That’s the real game-changer.

Rodney Van

See, when you’re young, you’re always thinking, “How do I stand out? How do I get my name in the paper, or get that scholarship?” I mean, I was that kid. I wanted to be the fastest, the strongest, the one everybody noticed. But, man, the best athletes I’ve ever seen—like, the ones who really left a mark—they weren’t just chasing stats. They were lifting up everybody around them.

Rodney Van

I remember my days at San Diego State. I was hungry, you know? I wanted to prove myself. But somewhere along the way, I realized—wait, this isn’t just about me crossing the line first. It’s about what I do for the squad. Like, if I can help my relay team shave off a tenth of a second, or if I can hype up a teammate who’s struggling, that’s bigger than any medal. That’s legacy stuff.

Rodney Van

And you see it in the pros, too. The legends? They’re the ones who make everyone better. They’re not just putting up numbers—they’re changing the whole culture of the team. That’s what separates the good from the great, every single time.

Rodney Van

So, let’s talk about what that actually looks like. ‘Cause leadership, it’s not always the loudest voice in the locker room. Sometimes, it’s the one who’s first to help the freshman find their way, or the one who brings the energy in warm-ups—even if they’re not starting that day. I mean, I’ve seen kids who barely get minutes, but they’re the heartbeat of the team. That’s real leadership.

Rodney Van

I’ll tell you, some of the best leaders I’ve coached weren’t the captains. They were the ones picking up cones after practice, or checking in on a teammate who’s down. It’s those small things—like, just showing up for each other, giving effort when nobody’s watching—that build a culture that lasts. You can’t fake that.

Rodney Van

And look, I get it—everybody wants to be the star. But if you really wanna leave a mark, you gotta ask yourself, “What am I doing for the group?” Are you making the team better, or just chasing your own shine? ‘Cause, honestly, greatness is never a solo mission. Real ones don’t just chase wins—they build teams.

Rodney Van

Alright, that’s my minute. Run your race. Own your lane. And remember—let’s move from me… to we. I’ll catch y’all next time. Stay hungry, stay humble.