Furious Champion Breaks Down Walls
Derek Cherney is now a champion lacrosse player. Like most successful people, he had some obstacles to overcome. And unlike many people, he turned those obstacles into opportunities.
Here’s his inspiring story - taken from the Winter 2006 Amherst magazine. And retold in his and my words.
Derek started his lacrosse career in third grade, traveling to a nearby town every day. Even way back then, what made Derek so valuable was his speed on the field. Plus his attitude. He wasn’t satisfied with all the praise about how fast he moved. Derek wanted to make himself even better.
So, while other kids spent their time at recess playing football or basketball, Derek ran foot races with his long-time friend Terence Higgins, who’s now a member of the varsity lacrosse team at the U.S. Naval Academy. “Other kids looked at us like we were crazy,” he says.
After his junior year in high school he was denied the opportunity to play for a regional all-star team. Why? Not because he lacked the skills and drive. But because the coaches decided Cherney was too small to make the squad. He was furious and determined never to be held back again.
So he worked vigorously in the off-season building his 5’4” 140 pound body by adding 25 pounds to his growing frame. He also decided that, in order to prevent future disappointments, he would have to pursue the highest possible goals for the rest of his athletic career.
Pretty good stuff coming from a 17-year-old lad.
As a result, Derek has had tremendous success. “All of my achievements can really be traced back to getting cut from that Empire team. It’s forced me to strive to be the best at all times, and spend a lot of time keeping that edge.”
Talk about a guy who’s motivated.
Then he came to a crossroads. After two years at Amherst College devouring Division III records, Derek was sought out by several Division I teams. Every summer he played with top-level Division I players and they urged to transfer.
After being accepted into a top-tier Division 1 team, Derek was in complete agony and found himself very unhappy. Ultimately he decided to stay put at Amherst because he loves his teammates and his opportunities for true leadership.
This high achiever has a big heart too. He’s returning as co-director of the Difference for Developmentally Disabled program. “He’s always getting kids involved, starting games, bringing in a positive attitude and, most importantly, leading them to grow every week mentally and physically”, says Eric Lund, fellow co-director.
Here are Derek’s plans for the season:
“I really want to discipline myself and focus on my on-field attitude and body-language.
“I want to stay positive and upbeat at all times, letting my teammates feed off me and keep the excitement level up.
“If I do that stuff and continue to work hard, I think my game will just work itself out.”
Derek Cherney has it down. His goal is clear, his attitude is positive, and his mind is focused. Like any inspiring person, he has something to teach all of us. Because he’s alive. Because he’s converting his thoughts into action. Because he’s a learner and a doer.
Like Derek, you can take every opportunity to recharge your brain. Instead of feeling bruised, coast through life with the help of powerful, inspiring words and music. Get that soaring feeling Now. De-stress, calm down and unlock the force within you.
Carpe Diem!
Warm Regards,
Tania Gabrielle French
Here’s his inspiring story - taken from the Winter 2006 Amherst magazine. And retold in his and my words.
Derek started his lacrosse career in third grade, traveling to a nearby town every day. Even way back then, what made Derek so valuable was his speed on the field. Plus his attitude. He wasn’t satisfied with all the praise about how fast he moved. Derek wanted to make himself even better.
So, while other kids spent their time at recess playing football or basketball, Derek ran foot races with his long-time friend Terence Higgins, who’s now a member of the varsity lacrosse team at the U.S. Naval Academy. “Other kids looked at us like we were crazy,” he says.
After his junior year in high school he was denied the opportunity to play for a regional all-star team. Why? Not because he lacked the skills and drive. But because the coaches decided Cherney was too small to make the squad. He was furious and determined never to be held back again.
So he worked vigorously in the off-season building his 5’4” 140 pound body by adding 25 pounds to his growing frame. He also decided that, in order to prevent future disappointments, he would have to pursue the highest possible goals for the rest of his athletic career.
Pretty good stuff coming from a 17-year-old lad.
As a result, Derek has had tremendous success. “All of my achievements can really be traced back to getting cut from that Empire team. It’s forced me to strive to be the best at all times, and spend a lot of time keeping that edge.”
Talk about a guy who’s motivated.
Then he came to a crossroads. After two years at Amherst College devouring Division III records, Derek was sought out by several Division I teams. Every summer he played with top-level Division I players and they urged to transfer.
After being accepted into a top-tier Division 1 team, Derek was in complete agony and found himself very unhappy. Ultimately he decided to stay put at Amherst because he loves his teammates and his opportunities for true leadership.
This high achiever has a big heart too. He’s returning as co-director of the Difference for Developmentally Disabled program. “He’s always getting kids involved, starting games, bringing in a positive attitude and, most importantly, leading them to grow every week mentally and physically”, says Eric Lund, fellow co-director.
Here are Derek’s plans for the season:
“I really want to discipline myself and focus on my on-field attitude and body-language.
“I want to stay positive and upbeat at all times, letting my teammates feed off me and keep the excitement level up.
“If I do that stuff and continue to work hard, I think my game will just work itself out.”
Derek Cherney has it down. His goal is clear, his attitude is positive, and his mind is focused. Like any inspiring person, he has something to teach all of us. Because he’s alive. Because he’s converting his thoughts into action. Because he’s a learner and a doer.
Like Derek, you can take every opportunity to recharge your brain. Instead of feeling bruised, coast through life with the help of powerful, inspiring words and music. Get that soaring feeling Now. De-stress, calm down and unlock the force within you.
Carpe Diem!
Warm Regards,
Tania Gabrielle French
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