Relationships are Everything

Creating a foundation of trust within a team is not always easy. Everyone brings something different to the group. Everyone has their own individual outcomes in mind before stepping onto the field together. A coach has to find a way to mold everyone’s expectations into a collective team focus. It’s a skill that coaches must have. There are many theories out there about how to create a unified team.

We now have endless inspirational quotes, memes, and videos available anytime to remind everyone of the qualities necessary to successfully pursue this goal.

It took me a while to learn that the on field experiences are a small part of the “glue” that truly bonds a team. Strong interpersonal relationships with teammates and coaches can serve as emotional anchors during challenging times. When facing a deficit or recovering from a tough loss, the support system within a team becomes crucial.

Here at Wardlaw+Hartridge, we are very fortunate to have many people that provide us with extraordinary examples of the difference that genuine relationship building can make.

Near the top of that list is varsity basketball coach Luke Burroughs, an alumnus from the W+H Class of 1999, who often speaks about the power of relationships. Inducted into the W+H Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017, Luke was a lot more than a former football (yes, the Rams had a football team in those days!) and basketball star here.

"I was hesitant at first about coming to Wardlaw+Hartridge," Luke once told me. "It was the people I met here, the relationships I built with coaches, and the teachers who believed in me that made me appreciate the opportunity."

Luke arrived at 1295 Inman Avenue for his sophomore year. “I was a basketball player, but a coach convinced me to play football,” he recalled.

Luke helped the Rams win back-to-back Prep basketball state championships in 1998 and 1999. He also turned out to be a decent football player. Well, much more than decent. He went on to play Division 1 college football in the Big Ten at Purdue University.

“Relationships are everything!” Luke often tells me. “Athletics taught me many things, but the most important thing I took away from it from was that I realized the importance of building and maintaining relationships.”

Since returning to our campus as a coach two years ago, Coach Burroughs is giving back to Wardlaw+Hartridge by sharing his enthusiasm and knowledge with our students. The impact he’s having on students sounds familiar.

“I know he was a big star here back in the day, but on a personal level, I trust Coach Burroughs 100%” senior Al Hammed-Bell ’25 said. “He has made a huge difference in my life in the short time I have known him. He checks up on me. He listens to me. He believes in me. I can tell he cares.”

Other basketball players were quick to let me know about the impression Coach Burroughs has made on them. Senior Cian Nicholls ’25: “He’s not just an alum that tells stories. His care and commitment in this community is unlike anyone I’ve seen. It’s not only us; he seems to know everyone and everyone knows him. It’s special to have someone coming back to this community and sharing his wisdom. It’s something that I want to do myself one day.”

Freshman Jace Greene ’28: “It was Coach Burroughs that convinced me to come here. He met with my family and gained our trust. He checks up on me and listens. I have nothing but respect for him.”

Sophomore Caleb Gutzmore ’27: “Coach Burroughs makes himself available to talk when I need to talk. He listens and holds me accountable and I appreciate that about him.”

The most successful coaches and teammates understand this dynamic. They actively create opportunities for relationship building through team activities, mentorship programs, and leadership development. They recognize that investing in team relationships isn't just about creating a positive atmosphere – it's about building the foundation for sustained excellence.

The next time you watch a championship team perform, look beyond the displays of athleticism. Notice the subtle signs of trust, communication, and mutual support. These relationships aren't just nice to have – they're the invisible force that turns talented individuals into unforgettable teams.

Long after the final whistle, teaching valuable lessons about empathy, collaboration, resilience and shared purpose extends far beyond sports.