BEARCATS ON THE RISE
Coach Meyer talks new season and program future
Despite the coronavirus, the Northwest Women’s Basketball team has officially kicked off their 2020-21 season. The team and Bearcat fans are excited about the upcoming season, but perhaps none more than head coach, Austin Meyer. Entering his third year leading the program, Meyer has made significant strides in rebuilding the program. The bearcats haven’t landed in the winning column too often in recent years, but with ambitious goals and a new mentality, they just might be able to change the course of Northwest women’s basketball and reach new heights in the future.
Ambitious goals
Goals are crucial to the advancement of any human effort. The Bearcats have one primary goal: improve every day. Meyer adds that there also five key objectives that drive the team towards constant improvement:
- Beat one of the top three teams in the MIAA conference
- Finish the season as one of the top five teams in the MIAA conference
- Achieve a winning season (+.500)
- Make a conference tournament championship game
- Improve winning percentage from the previous season
With their ultimate goal being to secure a conference championship, the Bearcats have set their focus on developing strong habits. In order to get to the top and become a championship program, Meyer says it’ll take each player doing their part.
The players will need to continue to work hard each day, continue to build relationships with their teammates, focus on team rather than individual goals, and improve their mental toughness. Meyer encourages the team to focus on being present in the moment rather than looking back or ahead. It’s always about making each play, practice, or game the best that it can be.
New mentality
A strong mentality can make all the difference in the world of sports, especially basketball. It’s no secret that players have to be locked in on every shot, rebound, and possession. Meyer is a major proponent of best-selling author and leadership coach, Jon Gordon’s philosophies. “I love the ‘Rise and shine’ instead of ‘rise and whine’ approach to every day,” Meyer said. “Too many people complain and focus on the negative. I love the way Gordon focuses on a positive mindset and being appreciative of what we have.” Meyer coaches his players to focus on the opportunity, rather than the challenge. “Changing the way we think about things can change the way we preform,” he added.
While the Bearcats are competitive and driven by a desire to win on the court, Meyer says he hopes they also develop mindsets that will benefit them in life. He hopes they cultivate a hard work ethic and a character of serving-others. “I want my players to focus on engaging with people and respecting others—faculty, staff, janitors, etc. Just being a great person!” Meyer explained.
““If we focus on the process of getting better every day, the results will take care of themselves.”
— Austin Meyer
The future
The future of the Bearcats is bright. The program is moving in the right direction and has increased their wins in recent years. Meyer is optimistic about the future but is focused on the current season. He believes this year’s team is the best talentwise and culture-wise that the Northwest women’s basketball program has seen over the last ten years.
The upperclassmen provide a solid foundation, the incoming talent is promising, and together they have the opportunity to do something great this year. Meyer said, “If we focus on the process of getting better every day, the results will take care of themselves. I see this program consistently being one of the best in the MIAA for years to come. We bring in good people and our staff is committed to building a winning program.”
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