“The epitome of teamwork is when we are obsessed with making our teammates successful.”
The compound word teammate forms one of the most powerful words in sports. The word team itself implies a group of individuals who work together for a common cause. Likewise, the word mate adds a collective, cohesive element. When a player says someone is a "teammate of mine," he identifies a person with whom he works closely and confidently.
Teamwork and teammate are inseparable. Teamwork requires players who truly want to be teammates! If you are obsessed with yourself, your brand, your career, or your personal stats, you are not a teammate, and the team on which you play will certainly struggle with teamwork. And it won't be because everyone around you is inferior; rather, it will be because of YOU. Put the brand on hold and strive to make everyone around you better! Be a true teammate - and reap the benefits of watching everyone else around you thrive! You will be a better person and a better player.
- by Larry Hunt