An Olympic Gold Medalist at Steele Elementary?
What are the chances that an Olympic Gold Medalist visits Mason, Michigan? With our creative faculty, I’ve come to the conclusion that almost anything is possible! Recently, Tiffany Reeser’s class participated in a live Zoom meeting with Olympic gold medalist and professional soccer player Alyssa Naeher, who currently plays for the Chicago Stars Football Club.
During the session, Alyssa shared insights about preparing for tough games, staying positive and having a growth mindset. She also spoke about the importance of teamwork, supporting teammates and how to overcome challenges and pressure. Of course, these are lessons that connect to both academics and everyday life!
Over 100 classrooms across the country participated in this event sponsored by Athletes for Hope Champs. While Reeser’s class didn’t get the opportunity to ask a live question, students were highly engaged and appeared inspired by her message. Many expressed interest in writing letters to Alyssa to share their thoughts and questions - which Reeser, of course, will encourage.
Be assured, this experience was not a “flash in the pan” or simply a fun isolated event; it was organic – an integral part of a narrative Tiffany brings to her class community every day. She emphasizes the growth mindset example of “We haven’t learned it- yet,” modeling persistence, normalizing mistakes as learning opportunities, bouncing back from setbacks and developing valuable tools for success in school and life.
For her class, it was another voice reaffirming the importance of perseverance, positivity and working together for goals. An Olympic gold medalist at Steele? Yes, “I told you so!”
