Some traditions have a definitive beginning, but for others, such as the LSU women’s track team’s pow-wow, the origin is unknown.
For at least the last three seasons, the Lady Tigers have gathered before or after practice once a week to share inspirational quotes or scripture with their teammates. The rest of the team discusses the message, and then everyone gives two snaps with their fingers.
“Pow-wow isn’t just about saying a quote and snapping,” said junior sprinter Jada Martin. “Sometimes it opens team discussion and it lets people say how they feel and how they feel about the workouts and other people. It’s just something we need to get back to. Definitely.”
Throughout early 2016, the Tigers competition schedule hasn’t allowed time for a pow-wow. The Tigers and Lady Tigers competed in Birmingham this past weekend and will be in Arkansas on Friday and Saturday. Not too long after, the team will head to New Mexico.
Student-athletes are often seen only as athletes. The pow-wow not only gives the Lady Tigers an outlet to share how they feel about practice, the team and other personal issues, especially after a long day of classes, but also helps the team bond.
The leader of each week’s pow-wow chooses which teammate will open the meeting with a quote for the next meeting, LSU coach Debbie Parris-Thymes said.
“Usually they have a quote that means something to them and they kind of explain to the group what the quote means and how they try to apply it to training,” Parris-Thymes said. “It’s not just stuff that deals with training but sometimes it can be a scripture and how it can have meaning to them. There are times when people are truly sharing things that are on their hearts.”
At first, it is harder for some athletes to share than others. The pow-wow allows those teammates who would normally not speak to find a voice among their peers.
For freshman sprinter Kortnei Johnson, this was a new experience, but it helped her become closer to her teammates.
“It was surprising to me because I don’t really like to talk,” Johnson said. “I’m really shy, and I don’t like to say much, but I’ve become more close to them as much as I’ve been in school.”
From LSU coach Dennis Shaver’s perspective, the tradition can be a positive influence because of the communication the pow-wow builds by allowing teammates to work through conflicts.
“I think it’s good that they share what it is they are thinking with one another because a lot of the times there is conflict that occurs, and I always look at conflict as being a positive thing provided that it’s addressed and dealt with in a very mature manner,” Shaver said.
Martin said the pow-wow enhances the team dynamic as it encourages veterans and freshmen alike to open up about more than practice. After a grueling week of practice, the gathering helps the coaches to get everyone on the same page.
The Georgia native said it allows the team as a whole to take into account the process leading up to their performances, instead of solely focusing on just the outcome.
No matter its origin, the pow-wow continues to build a strong sense of togetherness.
“It is because we all can relate to everyone’s quote in some kind of way,” Martin said. “Whether it be things we already experienced or things that we’re experiencing now. I feel like the whole team can relate to each other so when we talk about quotes and things that we feel that will motivate each other, we all agree.”