The Mindset of a Champion

SETTING: A brightly lit school gym set up for a history show. There is a basketball hoop and a red sports jersey with the number 23 on a rack.

CHARACTERS:

HOLDEN: A ten-year-old student who is playing Michael Jordan in a school show.

MR. STERLING: The drama teacher who helps Holden practice.

[Holden is dribbling a basketball with high focus. He wears a large red jersey. Mr. Sterling enters holding a clipboard.]

MR. STERLING: We have twenty minutes before the doors open, Holden. Are you ready to act like the greatest of all time?

HOLDEN: [Stops dribbling and catches the ball.] Yes, Mr. Sterling. I have studied Michael Jordan for months. I watched his famous games, like the one where he played even though he was sick. I do not want to just act like him. I want to feel how focused he was.

MR. STERLING: [Nods with a smile.] Excellent. Most kids just focus on his shoes or his cool dunks. But you look deeper. What is the most important part of your final scene?

HOLDEN: It is not about winning a trophy. The trophy is just proof of the work. Winning is about the moment when everyone is tired, but you decide you will not give up. It is about staying calm. I want the audience to feel that focus tonight.

MR. STERLING: Good. This is Reader's Theater, so your voice is very important. Let’s practice your final speech. Show me that confidence.

HOLDEN: [He stands tall and speaks in a strong, calm voice.] "Look at the clock. Only twenty-five seconds left. We are losing by one point. The crowd is screaming, but I only hear my own breath. The other team thinks they have won. But they forgot one thing: I have not given up yet. Give me the ball. I will make the shot."

MR. STERLING: [Clapping.] Great job! Your voice was very strong. But do not forget to move. Look at the basket when you speak. Help the audience see the ball flying through the air.

HOLDEN: I do see it. I think about the science of the shot when I practice my lines. People think being smart in school is different from being good at sports. But it is the same. Both take focus. You have to see the goal in your mind before you reach it.

MR. STERLING: That is very true, Holden. But remember, even the best players felt pressure. Do not act like a robot. Show us that it takes real work.

HOLDEN: That is the hardest part. My friends ask why I spend weekends reading or practicing instead of playing video games. They do not see how much fun it is to work hard and get better. Tonight, they will see that winning is a choice you make every day.

MR. STERLING: You are ready, Champ. Just remember to breathe. Do not worry about being perfect. Just do your best.

HOLDEN: [Smiles.] I will, Mr. Sterling. I just have to be Michael Jordan for ten minutes. I am ready.

MR. STERLING: Go get ready. The show is about to start!

[Holden puts the ball away on the rack and exits. Mr. Sterling smiles with pride as the lights dim.]