The jump rope swings over and over while the girls get ready to leap. Guiding each other to success, one false move results in the whole team starting over. This was one of the many activities the Mineral Point High School volleyball team got to experience during team building with Brian Kenney. Brian Kenney is a team-building facilitator at Team Extreme, LLC. He has helped the Mineral Point program in the past and will continue to work with them in the future.
The evening started off with being separated into two teams — the competition had begun. The game’s objective was to throw different objects into three containers, each with different point values. Malea Aschliman said this activity was her favorite because the girls “had to rely on our teammates and build pressure like in a game situation.” This game helped show how much each person plays a role on the team, no matter how big or small. The next activity involved a jump rope, a blindfold, and lines of three. The mission was for each group to successfully hurdle over the rope while guiding the girl who couldn’t see. “3 2 1 Go!” screamed Brian, as player after player, jump after jump, finally all 36 volleyball players made it. This game helped the Pointers realize that communication is critical and you must trust your teammates no matter the situation.
Brian Kenney involved the group in many discussions that impacted how they think and feel about their teammates. For instance, each player had to go around and express if they felt they were a bonder or a battler. A bonder is someone who is there for the moments they get to experience. In comparison, a battler is there to win, no matter what. One thing Maddy Kabat learned while participating in team building was that you have to accept players for being a bonder or a battler on the court.
During the short two hours of team building, the Mineral Point volleyball team learned many strategies that will help them become a better program and set higher expectations for themselves. Brian has taught the team how to work together effectively, even with conflicts in the way. Overall, this day has made the Pointers become a closer team and keep on a winning streak.
