Theresa Hendrix was a three-sport athlete for 12 seasons, with 168 softball games and 38 career accolades to her name. Not to mention earning the GNAC 2015 Woman of the Year honor.We’re not quite sure her real name isn’t Lois Lane.
Photo Credit: David Bates, fotografixstudio.com
In addition to playing basketball, you were a two-year captain for softball and a three-year captain for field hockey.
What’s your definition of a leader?
Growing up, I was always told that a good leader leads by example. Hard work, determination, love for the game, and the desire to play for the team, not the individual, are traits that I believe make up a good leader.
Did you have a secret organizational skill or strategy to maintain your schedule as a physical education major and a three-sport athlete?
Time management was a skill I had to acquire quickly at Saint Joe’s. I found that having multiple commitments helped me to stay focused and on a schedule. And being involved in different activities helped me grow in different areas so that I could succeed in them all.
What was your kryptonite?
There was always one thing that held me back from competing 100 percent: those six inches between my ears, my mental game. After my years at Saint Joe’s, I’ve been able to turn my mental thinking around. One piece of advice from field hockey coach Rupert Lewis was to focus on what I can control. Getting upset and frustrated about things means you are fighting against the wrong opponent. This translates off the field as well: If you can focus on the aspects you have control over, you will have a more positive outlook on any situation in life.
Theresa is one of the most driven and hardworking student-athletes I have coached.”
—Rupert Lewis, Field Hockey Coach
