With the spotlight illuminating women's athletics, many different sports are emerging on college campuses across the country. Some are in the building stages, others are already there. What makes a program successful? Why do young women devote four years to a sport that may not lead them to a professional career? How do coaches motivate them?
UCLA is at the forefront of women's athletic programs with a strong influence by its championship softball team. The program, rich in history, boasts nine national championships, 11 conference titles and currently six Bruin (former and current) players suit up for the current U.S. Olympic team. A large part of this team's success falls on the shoulders of its fearless leader, coach Sue Enquist. She's considered one of UCLA's finest players and recognized in softball circles as an exceptional teacher of the game and an intense competitor. She's an athletic director's poster child for all that a winning coach embodies. Motivation, love of softball and commitment are the keys to her accomplishments on and off the playing field.
While Enquist credits her kids, coaching staff and the athletic department at UCLA, no one will dispute the fact that her enthusiasm, genuine concern for her players and love of the game drives this team. Enquist enjoyed a brilliant playing career at UCLA and in her tenure as a head coach has racked up an impressive 533 wins.
UCLA women's programs are among the finest in the country. For the softball players and coaches, it's all about their “daily level of excellence.” Their commitment to one another and the sport is awe-inspiring. The Bruin program has helped mold the face of women's softball in our country. This team and its accomplishments could do for softball what the Women's World Cup team did for soccer. The players are truly All-American girls with a burning desire to be the best and are willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to get there. It's a fuel that only a few decades ago was reserved for men's athletics.
Enquist's career spans over two decades of changes in women's athletics, both in attitude and funding. She points directly to the attitude of the university and athletic departments.
“If you look at the programs in the country that have administrations that back their programs financially, you'll see they're very successful. Money translates into success. I'm incredibly fortunate here because we have an administration that truly believes in providing everything that's needed in our softball program.”
There's so much moral and financial support from her administration that she refers to Betsy Stephenson (associate athletic director) as their 10th man. Enquist also admits that the Women's World Cup team drew much deserved positive attention to women's athletics in general.
The impact of Title IX has not only put the female athlete at the forefront of many sports, but it has opened doors for many female coaches as well, each with a different coaching style to make her team a winner. Enquist has a simple formula for her student-athletes. She insists they have a balance in their lives between family, school and softball. After years in her enviable position, her core philosophies remain securely intact, “Accountability, responsibility and being on time.” She demands those ideals in her players because she believes without them, you diminish your chances at a successful program.
Enquist's role as the head coach is direct. “It's my responsibility to communicate to each player what it is that makes them great. To help them focus on what their role is on this team and how we can strive to make them the best they can be in that role.” While most of the time Enquist is the consummate All-American California girl, quick to praise her players with a smile on her face, when it comes to practice and game day, she's one of the most intense coaches in the country. Nothing blocks her focus and that's the way she expects her team to operate. She constantly encourages the kids to tune out the opponent and execute their game. By her own candid admission, “It isn't always easy. This is a team who knows that day in and day out, more times than not, they're the favorite.” She doesn't allow them to rest on their laurels, though upon meeting this team, it's evident they never would. “Players who come to UCLA aren't the type simply looking for a free ride, they realize the undertaking and pride that goes along with wearing a Bruin uniform. New recruits come to UCLA with a great well of confidence. My challenge is to have them always be able to tap into it.” The prodigious sense of pride in this team is innate. These young ladies eat, sleep and drink Bruin softball.
For incoming freshman and transfers, coming to a school the size of UCLA is tough enough but the added pressure of playing for one of the countries finest softball programs can be overwhelming. Enquist helps them deal with their new surroundings and the expected level of commitment by simply showing up for each player. “They can lose sight of their well of confidence, their inner drive, their inner ability to be great. There's greatness in every single player I bring in; my job is to remind them of what got them here. I remind them that I have as much or more confidence in them than they do in themselves.”
For young players looking at a shot at college ball, Enquist is adamant about one thing, “The first thing a young girl needs to understand is that you've got to do well in school. You don't want any door closed on you because, academically, you were lazy through high school. Then you have to set your priorities and be willing to make the sacrifices.” In doing those things, it's her hope that young student-athletes will learn to develop qualities that transcend softball.
In addition to her many achievements on the playing field, Enquist works tirelessly recruiting young student-athletes, promoting UCLA softball every opportunity she gets, as well as raising funds for her beloved program. Motivation, commitment and the love of the game — a winning philosophy for a winning coach.