Whether it be a date to the prom, a job change or a college choice, how someone harnesses Leverage will determine success or failure in life.
Not happy with your current situation? Seek out another option.
In the case of Mike Emerick, that is just what he did.
Unhappy with his coach, his playing time, and the overall outlook of his career at Lindenwood University in the winter of 2008, the college volleyball player decided to explore other options.
"I applied to a few other schools," said Emerick, which included Iowa State, where Mike had friends attending the school.
After another incident early in the season sent Mike over the edge to the point where he was conviced he would have to transfer, he came to an enlightened decision, one that would change the course and direction of his life.
"I knew I had to confront my coach (Ron Young)," said Emerick.
Which he did. In a conversation that took almost an hour, Mike got everything off his chest that was bothering him. He also revealed the fact he had applied to other colleges. He also sold his coach on all the reasons he should be playing more.
"I told him I worked harder than anyone, I trained more than anyone," said Emerick of the conversation. "I didn't give him an ultimatium. It was more a safety net."
Which had an immediate impact. Young agreed with Mike on his points. He also revealed his feelings about Mike, something he was longing to hear.
"He (Young) said he didn't want me to leave," said Emerick.
Not only is Mike staying, he is penciled in as the starting Libero next season. He is has also been elevated to a role as de facto student-assistant, organizing off-season workouts for the team.
Parental involvement is always a welcome part of a student-athlete's collegiate experience. In this case, Mike had his father Jack, who played baseball at Florida State University, as a resource. Although there were moments Mike believed his time in Lindenwood was over, it was a little old school advice from his father which proved correct.
Stick it out, kid.
"You never know how things are going to turn out," said Mike of his father's advice. "Now I'm in front."
At 5'7", Mike Emerick will never be the tallest in a row of volleyball players. But playing collegiate athletics requires talents beyond the field of competition. Take if from Mike- guts, gamesmanship, and most of all, belief in yourself- are skills that if acquired, will almost guarantee a satisfying experience no matter how fast you can run or how high you can jump.
Keywords: Florida State University, leverage, Libero, Lindenwood, Mike Emerick, parental involvement, Ron Young, volleyball
