The Journey: J.J. Spaun's Miraculous Road to U.S. Open Champion
A Champion's Journey of Grit and Resilience
[LINK] J.J. Spaun considered giving up golf. He had fallen outside the Top 150 and was plagued with health issues that confounded him – and his doctors.
Spaun was losing weight and hampered with debilitating fatigue, brain fog and significant weight loss. He was originally diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, but the treatments weren’t working. Everything changed in 2021 when doctors discovered that Spaun actually had Type 1 diabetes and changed his treatment plan. Soon he started gaining weight back, rebuilt muscle and rediscovered his swing.
During this time, Spaun watched the movie Wimbledon on an airplane about an aging player who made a comeback, and it inspired him.
“Maybe that can be me,” he thought.
As it turned out, it was him. Spaun played well on a tough Oakmont course and sunk an unbelievable 64-foot put to take home the championship, inspiring a movie of his own.
💡 A comprehensive guide to the start of the June 15th recruiting period for juniors
Helping Kids Fall in Love with the Experience
[LINK] For youth athletes who hope to play in college, June 15 is a day circled on their calendars. It’s the first day college coaches can contact rising juniors. Athletes often stare at their phones in anticipation, but for the majority of athletes the calls or texts never come. And that’s ok, and perfectly normal.
As Youth Inc. contributor Asia Mape, the founder of the youth sports platform I Love to Watch You Play, writes, "June 15 isn’t the finish line. It’s the starting point."
“Eighty percent of athletes won’t hear a thing on June 15,” says Sam Greene, former associate head coach and recruiting coordinator for UCLA women’s soccer and current assistant coach with the University of Chicago.
So, whether your athlete hears anything on June 15 (or the days after) or not, remember one thing: it’s OK. Focus on the process and remember that recruiting is a marathon, not a sprint.
Ozzie Smith on His Famous Backflips
The History Behind the Backflip
[LINK] In an interview with Joe Buck, Smith tells the story behind his infamous backflip. It was spring training 1978 and Smith was a rookie. All St. Louis Cardinals players were required to run two miles at the end of practice.
Smith wasn’t fond of running long distances so he lagged at the back of the pack. This drew the attention of veterans of Rollie Fingers and others who ripped Smith for being tired and out of shape. To prove that he wasn’t tired, Smith started doing backflips, entertaining the entire team.
Fast forward to the end of the ’78 season and Smith was asked to do backflips when he went out to take his position in the first inning. The Cardinals were playing in San Diego that day and Smith didn’t want to show up the Padres’ famous mascot, the chicken. Reluctantly, Smith agreed and fans loved it. The following season he was asked to do it for opening day and it became his trademark to start every game.
YOUTH INC. RECOMMENDS
Marcus Stroman on Why Character Matters
Coach Ballgame
60 Fun Basketball Drills for Youth Coaches
Breakthrough Basketball
How to Improve your Tennis Fitness
Tennis Fitness AU
WE'VE GOT YOUR NUMBER
150-1
Odds to win the U.S. Open for eventual champion J.J. Spaun
“The CC EFFECT!! WELCOME BACK! You were missed!”
LeBron James On Caitlin Clark's 32 point return with the Indiana Fever
GET YOUTH INC UPDATES
Get real tools, fresh perspective, and inspiring stories to help you get the most from youth sports. Plus, you'll be entered for a chance to win premium fan wear to rep your favorite school or club