Now, I know maybe you’re not a Gator fan—or even a basketball or sports fan at all. But regardless of who you cheer for (or if you cheer at all), there’s a takeaway here that applies to our company, and honestly, to all of us.
Last week, the University of Florida men’s basketball team gave Gator fans something to cheer about—bringing home the National Championship in a way that will be remembered for decades.
However, what stood out to me more than the trophy was who and how they won it.
In each of their final four games, the Gators fell behind late. At times, it looked like the momentum had shifted too far, the clock was too short, or the shots just weren’t falling. But time and again, they dug deep. They showed grit—that relentless, no-quit attitude that refuses to give up even when it’d be easier to fold.
They also played unselfishly. It wasn’t about who scored the most points or who got the spotlight. It was about who was willing to make the extra pass, dive for the loose ball, take the charge, or sit a few extra minutes so a teammate with the hot hand could stay in. That kind of unity doesn’t just happen. It’s built on trust, sacrifice, and a shared vision that the team comes first.
What makes this win even more special is that not one player on the team was a highly sought-after recruit out of high school. Walter Clayton Jr., the MVP of the tournament, was told by major programs that he didn’t have the size or frame to play basketball at a high level—and that he should stick to football. But he kept working. He believed in his dream, stayed humble, and trusted the process. And now he’s a national champion and MVP.
That’s the kind of grit and character I want to model in my own life—and it’s the kind we should all strive to live out.
Adversity in life is inevitable. The question isn't whether we’ll face challenges—it’s how we’ll respond when we do.
Will we keep pushing when it’s easier to coast?
Will we stay unselfish when pride wants the credit?
This team reminded us of something powerful: you don’t have to lead the whole game to win it—you just have to keep fighting. And when grit and teamwork come together, incredible things can happen.
So here's a question worth asking this week:
Where in your life do you need to dig deep, stay unselfish, and keep fighting?
Go Gators. 🐊🏀🏆