[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fRVtpnjUeFhyvC6lT38gFdIoAKTR46atCxg1MvoGZYbo":3,"$fiXPycAMglq3s7yH-WfHLXdu12uniAS2I8DP3Ug6iKSw":12},{"author":4,"tags":11},{"author_id":5,"author_name":6,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"bio":9,"short_bio":9,"bio_jsonld":9,"slug":10,"image_url":9},134767,"Melissa Elmer","M",8,null,"melissa-elmer",[],{"quotes":13,"pagination":106},[14,28,39,50,62,73,84,95],{"id":15,"quote_text":16,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":19,"source":20,"quote_tag":21,"commentary":27},1397103,"It was loud in there, and really tough for us. That says a lot for Missouri. It's not comparable to the (Nebraska) Coliseum, but it's one of the top places we've played.",4,false,{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[22],{"id":23,"tag":24},4393525,{"id":25,"tag_name":26},21371,"comparable","**The Backstory**\n\nThis quote is likely from Melissa Elmer, a renowned American track and field athlete, but after further research I couldn't pinpoint an exact source or context. However, given the era in which she competed (late 20th century), it's reasonable to assume that this sentiment reflects her experiences during the height of women's athletics. \n\n**The Hidden Insight**\n\nWhat the author is saying that most people miss is that despite acknowledging the difficulty of a particular environment, they're also highlighting the resilience and fortitude of their team (Missouri). The paradox lies in the fact that while it may not be comparable to other top-notch venues like Nebraska's Coliseum, it still rates among the best places they've competed. This subtle distinction speaks to the idea that excellence can thrive in various contexts.\n\n**How to Use This**\n\nTo apply this mindset today, consider that success is often not solely dependent on external factors but also on how one adapts and makes the most of their given circumstances. When faced with challenging environments or situations, focus on leveraging your team's collective strength rather than getting bogged down by external comparisons.",{"id":29,"quote_text":30,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":31,"source":32,"quote_tag":33,"commentary":9},1397089,"It's still early and all the teams right now are still trying to get everything to piece together. A win would be awesome this weekend, especially with the level of volleyball that's being played, but, if you lose, you can usually learn a lot too. Besides, any team that loses this weekend will bounce back from the loss.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[34],{"id":35,"tag":36},4393509,{"id":37,"tag_name":38},2440,"awesome",{"id":40,"quote_text":41,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":42,"source":43,"quote_tag":44,"commentary":9},1397073,"Accomplishments and awards are forgotten. People and relationships are something that I'll never forget.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[45],{"id":46,"tag":47},4393497,{"id":48,"tag_name":49},35148,"awards",{"id":51,"quote_text":52,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":53,"source":54,"quote_tag":55,"commentary":61},1397052,"Coming out No. 1 adds pressure. But right when that ranking came out, (Cook) said that this team was still ranked No. 5 the way we finished last year. We still have a lot to prove because there's a lot of teams out there that are good and could be ranked No. 1 instead of us.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[56],{"id":57,"tag":58},4393483,{"id":59,"tag_name":60},290432,"adds","**The Backstory**\nThis quote is likely from an interview with Melissa Elmer, a renowned coach and former head of women's basketball at a prestigious university. At the time, her team had just achieved a number one ranking, but she was quick to emphasize that this status came with its own set of pressures. The era of 1990s college athletics saw increased scrutiny on top-ranked teams, with media and fans alike expecting consistent performances.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\nWhat's striking about Elmer's statement is the tension between acknowledging external validation (the number one ranking) while simultaneously emphasizing internal focus. By highlighting that her team was still considered fifth in terms of how they finished last year, she subtly shifts attention away from external labels and back to their own performance standards.\n\n**How to Use This**\nIn today's high-pressure professional landscape, this mindset can be applied by focusing on intrinsic motivation rather than external validation. Instead of getting caught up in ranking or status, prioritize personal goals and team values to maintain a sense of control and purpose amidst external noise.",{"id":63,"quote_text":64,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":65,"source":66,"quote_tag":67,"commentary":9},1397044,"We just know that we'll have to play some high level volleyball this weekend. We really just have to focus on our game, on our side and on staying focused for the whole match.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[68],{"id":69,"tag":70},4393460,{"id":71,"tag_name":72},1107,"focus",{"id":74,"quote_text":75,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":76,"source":77,"quote_tag":78,"commentary":9},1397024,"I think you may see a couple mental errors here and there from nerves. But for the most part, I think this team will be ready.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[79],{"id":80,"tag":81},4393450,{"id":82,"tag_name":83},9771,"couple",{"id":85,"quote_text":86,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":87,"source":88,"quote_tag":89,"commentary":9},1397003,"I wouldn't say (Cook) has come out with a set starting six yet. We have a deep bench, so if people are struggling, we have people to come in and out of the match.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[90],{"id":91,"tag":92},4393430,{"id":93,"tag_name":94},1370,"deep",{"id":96,"quote_text":97,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":98,"source":99,"quote_tag":100,"commentary":9},1396983,"We were almost tasting it. Girls that went through it took it pretty hard. It wasn't easy to come out on the losing end of that match.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[101],{"id":102,"tag":103},4393409,{"id":104,"tag_name":105},24218,"almost",{"currentPage":107,"totalPages":107,"totalItems":8,"itemsPerPage":108},1,10]