Podcast Summary: Unlearn16 Episode - "The One Where My Life Change Because of a Post It...That's Not What This Book Is About"
Introduction
In this engaging episode of Unlearn16: Class is in Session, host Unlearn16 delves into a nostalgic journey of high school athletics and the profound life lessons learned through sports. Joined by one of his oldest friends, Sally Peel, the duo reminisces about their time on the senior girls' volleyball team, the influential Coach Gord Williamson, and how these experiences shaped their confidence, teamwork, and sense of purpose.
High School Volleyball Tryouts
The episode kicks off with Unlearn16 introducing Sally, highlighting their long-standing friendship that dates back to ninth grade. They share their initial experiences trying out for the high school volleyball team, emphasizing their contrasting playing styles. While Sally possessed natural talent as a middle hitter, Unlearn16 was more of a grinder, focused on diving and pushing boards during warm-ups.
- Unlearn16: "Sally was a much more natural talent. She was a middle hitter. I was a little bit more of a grinder… my only superpower was diving everywhere." [02:26]
Their journey took a pivotal turn when Coach Gord Williamson handed Unlearn16 a post-it note inviting him to senior practice, despite his doubts about making the team.
- Unlearn16: "I was sitting on the bench… and then I was handed a post it that said senior practice, 7am." [05:00]
Coach Gord Williamson's Philosophy
Central to their story is Coach Gord Williamson, whose coaching philosophy emphasized heart, teamwork, and work ethic over sheer skill. Unlearn16 and Sally describe Gord as a gruff yet caring figure who was deeply committed to his team, often driving the rental van to tournaments despite personal inconveniences.
- Unlearn16: "He picked people with heart. You can't teach a sense of team and a work ethic. That's either there or it's not." [08:46]
Gord's strict yet supportive approach fostered a disciplined environment where players were held accountable but also felt valued.
- Sally: "He never yelled at us because we were so good. But when we messed up, he'd yell, knowing it goes for the team." [12:14]
Team Dynamics and Camaraderie
Unlearn16 and Sally highlight the unique camaraderie within the team, where diverse individuals from different social circles came together with a common goal. This unity transcended typical high school cliques, creating lasting bonds among teammates.
- Unlearn16: "There was a bond that exists there that is insurmountable." [42:18]
They fondly recall team rituals, such as listening to "Life is a Highway" and "We are the Champions" during warm-ups, which reinforced team spirit and mutual respect.
- Sally: "We always had a good time, but it stood up to Gord." [08:34]
Memorable Games and Achievements
The duo recounts specific tournaments, notably their performance in Ottawa against powerhouses like Mayfield. Despite being outmatched on paper, their teamwork and resilience led them to remarkable victories, earning them respect and a silver medal—a testament to their collective effort.
- Unlearn16: "We were way out of our league. But as a team, we were just better." [07:02]
- Sally: "That silver medal wasn't the most impressive athletic thing I've ever watched." [19:37]
Hardships and Discipline: The 'Boards'
A significant portion of the conversation centers around the grueling warm-up routine involving pushing boards—a physically demanding exercise designed to build endurance and unity. Both Unlearn16 and Sally describe the intense physical strain and their varying abilities to endure the exertion.
- Unlearn16: "You have to do lines with a board… your quads start screaming." [04:36]
- Sally: "My quads were burning… I couldn't sit because my ass hurts." [32:22]
This shared hardship reinforced their teamwork, as failing to perform led to collective penalty rather than individual blame.
- Unlearn16: "If you messed up, we all did it. You win as a team, you lose as a team." [34:43]
Life Lessons Learned from Volleyball
Through their athletic endeavors, both hosts emphasize the invaluable life lessons gleaned from sports. They discuss how volleyball instilled a strong sense of purpose, confidence, and the importance of giving one's all—a metaphor for approaching life challenges with determination.
- Unlearn16: "If you're going to hit it hard, hit it out. That's just a beautiful metaphor for the way that everybody should walk through life." [14:52]
- Sally: "Being involved in team sports teaches you so much." [39:50]
The Lasting Impact and Friendships
The episode underscores the enduring impact of their high school sports experience on their adult lives. The friendships formed on the court remain strong decades later, illustrating the lasting bonds forged through shared goals and mutual respect.
- Unlearn16: "We've been out of school for, like, 30 years… there's a foundation to that." [42:12]
- Sally: "I can still call easily six people from that team." [42:31]
Reflections on Sports as an Outlet for Confidence and Mental Health
Unlearn16 and Sally reflect on the role of sports as a crucial outlet for building confidence and managing mental health. They advocate for providing young people with activities that offer purpose and a sense of belonging, highlighting how team sports uniquely contribute to personal growth and resilience.
- Unlearn16: "If you can find a sense of purpose, you will feel useful, engaged, powerful." [44:07]
- Sally: "It's an outlet… something for yourself." [39:50]
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with a playful nod to their earlier discussions about the grueling board exercises, leaving listeners with a sense of camaraderie and the enduring value of teamwork. Unlearn16 and Sally's heartfelt conversation serves as a reminder of the profound ways in which sports can shape individuals and foster lifelong connections.
- Unlearn16: "This has been amazing… have a good night, guys. Dismissed." [46:29]
Notable Quotes
- Unlearn16: "You can teach skill. You can't teach a sense of team and a work ethic." [08:46]
- Sally: "We just cheer as a team, we celebrate as a team, and we take the freaking hits as a team." [34:43]
- Unlearn16: "Athletics has a way of tapping into something different… a sense of confidence that nothing else gives." [24:43]
- Sally: "Being involved in team sports teaches you so much." [39:50]
Final Thoughts
This episode of Unlearn16: Class is in Session beautifully captures the essence of how high school athletics, under the guidance of a dedicated coach, can profoundly influence personal development and lifelong friendships. Through laughter, challenging memories, and heartfelt reflections, Unlearn16 and Sally Peel illustrate that beyond the physicality of sports lies a deeper journey of self-discovery and collective growth.