Kisslinger II veteran presence

[Kisslinger 372]

Zach Kisslinger II's Veteran Presence 

 

 I am going into my third season as a Warsaw Predator and I cannot believe it has already been three seasons. It feels like yesterday I was fighting to win rookie of the year, but now I am a veteran on this team. It is crazy to me that I am one of the longest members of this young team but I am more than happy to be known as a team veteran. I feel like I can really offer the leadership to help the newer members on the team fit right in immediately. I feel like I have become a core member of the Predators during my time on the team. I feel established here and it is really nice. Ultimately I am super proud of what I have accomplished with this team within my time here. I had the honor of being the assistant captain this past season and that was a really good learning experience for me. Hopefully one day I can have the honor of becoming the next captain!

 

What it means to be a Veteran

 

 To me, being a Veteran is lots of things it is, providing leadership, helping calm the newer players in high-intensity moments, helping the team be the best we can be, and being an active role model in the locker room. I feel like I have been doing much better at being active in the league and in the locker room. I try to talk to our new players and get to know them a bit. While also talking to management and helping everyone understand the direction of the team.  I like to try to help build an environment where our younger players are not afraid to speak out or voice their concerns. I want them to feel comfortable reaching out. This could be anything from wanting to change something about the team to talk about anything that is on their minds.  To be a Veteran you have to be a teacher, but you also have to have the ability to continue learning. When you are a Veteran you cannot have the mindset that you are the best and that you know everything because you are only making it worse for the players and the team.  As a Veteran, it is my job to make this team the best place for all the members of the squad.  This is what it is like to be a Veteran.