{"id":5361,"date":"2024-05-23T12:12:55","date_gmt":"2024-05-23T16:12:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teamimpact.org\/?p=5361"},"modified":"2024-07-02T11:40:39","modified_gmt":"2024-07-02T15:40:39","slug":"who-knew-lessons-in-embracing-team-from-coachs-q-at-the-game-day-gala","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teamimpact.org\/about\/blog\/who-knew-lessons-in-embracing-team-from-coachs-q-at-the-game-day-gala\/","title":{"rendered":"Who Knew?: Lessons in Embracing Team from Coach Q’s Speech at the Game Day Gala"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In the fast-paced and competitive world of sports, a team\u2019s success hinges not just on individual talent but on the collective spirit and unity of its members. Kansas Jayhawks Director of Operations Fred Quartlebaum, more commonly known as \u201cCoach Q,\u201d recently spoke to a crowd of over 1,000 attendees at Team IMPACT\u2019s 2024 Game Day Gala, perfectly encapsulating this sentiment and providing a powerful reminder of the importance of teamwork, resilience, and a shared vision that the Kansas Jayhawks found in their Team IMPACT teammate, JP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A historically successful program, the Kansas men\u2019s basketball team attracts top recruits from around the country with one shared goal: to win a national championship. Before the Jayhawks met JP, they were a team that was struggling to find the balance between individual brilliance and the collective team effort. But then JP Bemberger and Team IMPACT came into their lives, and the entire team shifted its perspective, bringing the Jayhawks together and reinforcing the idea that a team unified around a common goal is far more powerful than a disconnected group of talented players. \u201cAs coaches, we spend a great deal of time and emphasis on players\u2019 height, skill, size, talent, speed. During the recruiting evaluations, we\u2019re always looking for the next five-star recruit, the next McDonald\u2019s all-American, the next NBA lottery pick,\u201d Coach Q said. \u201cWho knew our most prized recruit back in 2021 stood five foot seven and weighed 95 pounds?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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JP and Coach Q show off their National Championship rings<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Coach Q and JP hug<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In early 2020, JP, whose full name is Jonathan Phog after KU\u2019s home court Phog Allen Arena, was experiencing persistent pain in his legs and spine that made it difficult to walk. Tests revealed a massive tumor in his chest, and JP was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma. He immediately began treatment, and in the fall of 2020, the life-long Jayhawks fan was matched with the Kansas basketball team, where he immediately connected with Coach Q.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More than anyone else in the program, JP taught his teammates about resilience. Coach Q shared anecdotes of the challenges and setbacks faced by the team throughout the season. From injuries to tough losses, the team encountered numerous obstacles. However, it was the resilience that they learned and witnessed through JP that saw them through. Many athletes know that adversity is an inevitable part of the journey, but it is how a team responds to these challenges that defines their success. JP taught the Jayhawks to view setbacks not as roadblocks but as opportunities to grow stronger and keep pushing forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Coach Q, JP’s dad Tom, JP’s mom Michelle, JP, Team IMPACT Case Manager Lynn LaRocca, and Coach Q’s wife Christy<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In his speech, Coach Q highlighted the rigorous training sessions, strategic planning, and endless drills that the team undertook to ensure they were ready for every game. He recalled a monumental time during morning boot camp when JP came to practice, stood up out of his wheelchair, and did a down-and-back on the court with his teammates cheering him on. JP\u2019s hard work motivated his teammates to keep going, reminded them hard work pays off, and pushed them toward their common goal. With JP on their team, the Jayhawks achieved just that: They became National Champions. \u201cWho knew JP Bemberger would set the example and lead us down a pathway toward what it took to win a Big 12 regular season championship, a Big 12 conference tournament championship, and a national championship all in the same season?\u201d Coach Q said to a round of applause from the crowd. \u201cWho knew? Who knew JP had special gifts you couldn\u2019t coach or you couldn\u2019t teach? He\u2019s tough, he\u2019s gritty, he\u2019s a fighter, he\u2019s a great teammate. JP embodies all the characteristics and traits of being a champion.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Coach Q’s son and Team IMPACT Fellow Mayson, Coach Q’s wife Christy, and Coach Q<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Coach Q at the 2024 Game Day Gala<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Coach Q\u2019s speech at the 2024 Game Day Gala serves as a powerful reminder of the fundamental principles that drive team success and how teammates like JP make teams better, on and off the court. By embracing unity, resilience, preparation, and a shared goal, teams can overcome any challenge and achieve greatness, together. \u201cWho knew this 95-pound warrior who stands at five foot seven would be our beacon of light, our ray of hope, our one shining moment that KU needed to cut down nets and to win a National Championship?\u201d Coach Q said to finish his speech. \u201cWe all know now.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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