After a breakout win with outstanding performances from every player, my team was feeling on top of the world. They had just experienced something powerful: the realization that the energy they bring into a game can influence the outcome.

Before the game, our team talk centered on the idea of being an energy giver versus an energy taker.

An energy giver is a teammate who stays present and lifts others up. They cheer, encourage, and believe in the power of the team. Even if they strike out at the plate or make an error in the field, they stay mentally engaged because they understand that the collective effort matters more than any individual moment.

An energy taker, on the other hand, focuses inward. They get stuck in their own frustration or disappointment, and that energy can pull the team away from its goals.

During the game, my players didn’t just hear this concept. They felt it. The dugout was alive with energy, encouragement, and belief. When the final out was recorded, they were convinced they had discovered the secret to winning.

One player said confidently, “Coach, I feel like we have the tools to never lose a game again.”

I smiled.

“I agree with you,” I said. “We absolutely have the physical and mental tools to win every game this season if we play with the same energy we did tonight.”

Then I added the part that matters most in coaching.

“The real challenge,” I continued, “is what happens on the days when it’s cold, when we’re tired, or when we’re down by ten runs. How are we going to get back to that same high-energy mindset? It’s easy to give energy when things are going our way. It’s much harder when they’re not.”

The players paused to think. They were still riding the emotional high of the win, and I think the question caught them a little off guard.

Truthfully, I didn’t know what they would say either.

Then a thoughtful sophomore spoke up.

“What if we had a process to get our energy back up?” she asked.

My eyes lit up.

“Yes! I love that idea.”

Anyone who knows me as a coach knows I believe in creating repeatable processes for everything—from throwing a strike to striking someone out. Why shouldn’t we have a process for our energy too?

“So what should our process be?” I asked. “What worked for us tonight?”

“Humming!” one player shouted jokingly.

Before the game had started, someone began humming the tune of one of their favorite hype songs. Soon the whole dugout joined in. They hummed and sang pieces of the song throughout the game.

“That’s actually a really good idea,” I said.

I explained that in yoga, practitioners often use humming or chanting to calm the nervous system. The vibration stimulates the vagus nerve, which can help regulate stress and bring the body back to a balanced state.

My players looked a little skeptical at first. It’s not every day a softball coach connects dugout humming to neuroscience, but they were curious enough to keep listening.

“So music and humming that pumps us up will be part of our process,” I said. “But someone has to start it. Who’s going to begin the hum?”

“I will!” a freshman volunteered.

The team cheered in agreement.

“That’s perfect,” I said. “But remember, she’s human. What if she’s having a tough day and doesn’t feel like starting it? Who’s going to give her energy?”

“I will!” a sophomore said immediately.

“Great,” I replied. “And who’s going to support you if you need it?”

“I got her!” another teammate said.

We continued around the circle like that until every player had someone responsible for lifting them up.

What emerged was something I hadn’t planned: an energy circle. Each player knew exactly who they were responsible for supporting and who would support them in return.

It was simple. It was organic. And it was powerful.

In that moment, the team created a web of connection and accountability that went far beyond strategy or skill. They were committing to take care of each other.

Before we broke the huddle, we reviewed the process one more time: start the hum, build the energy, and support your person.

Watching my players fully buy into the idea of being energy givers was one of those quiet, proud coaching moments.

I can’t wait to see what they accomplish this season while humming.