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Lambert Enjoying Busy, Productive Summer
6/24/2018 6:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
DURHAM, N.C.-- Hey guys! It's Kyra Lambert and I wanted to give ya'll an update on how my summer is going and where I'm at! I've been doing a lot of different things this summer, so get ready….
First and foremost, I have been working hard in my rehab with our athletic training staff, specifically Summer McKeehan and Jordan Busse. They have been there for me every step of the way throughout my recovery process and I am beyond thankful for them. I'm feeling a lot stronger and looking forward to getting back on the court this coming season. About half of our team is here for the first summer session (Faith, Haley, Mikayla, Madison, Uchenna, Rayah, and I). We've had two cookouts, went on a hike, and plan on doing more fun stuff this summer. We have also been going hard in workouts and in the weight room, preparing for next season so we can hit the ground running.
Haley Gorecki, Mikayla Boykin, and myself have been killing our rehab over the past months and I can't wait to return to the floor with them and the rest of my team (keep a lookout for the #ComebackChronicles). Though no one likes being injured, it is encouraging to have teammates with you throughout the rehab process. We push each other and hold one another accountable, plus we are always laughing at someone daily. Being hurt and having to sit out gives you a different perspective and a greater appreciation for the game and the little things that it is comprised of. I know all three of us will come back with fire in our eyes and heart like you've never seen.
At the beginning of June, we had two of our freshmen join us, Rayah Craig and Uchenna Nwoke. They have been adjusting to the college environment and doing well in all of our workouts, so I am looking forward to seeing the new dimensions they (and the other two freshmen) will bring to our team this year. I cannot wait to have the whole team back in July! Being on the court with them is something I will never take for granted. It's been a year and a half since I have touched the court for competition, and during my rehab process I've had a lot of time to reflect and think…
1. Everything Happens for a Reason
I could've taken this injury one of two ways: the first being a negative “why me?” outlook; and the second being a positive and constructive “why not me?” outlook. I think the initial reaction to any tough situation is “why me?” and that's fine, but after that initial shock what do you do? I chose to look at my situation a little deeper and think “why not me?” There's an old saying that God gives His toughest battles to His toughest soldiers, so I guess it was/still is my time to fight and grow through the process.
2. Leadership is Influence, Nothing More and Nothing Less
I spoke to a friend of our program and he told me about this concept. By far the most challenging part of this process was trying to continue to lead my team when I was not out there with them. It took me a while to fully take on and embody this new leadership style, but by the time the season was under way I had a good grip on it. I took what was “unfortunate” and turned it into a beneficial experience. Learning the different ways to communicate and reach my teammates where they were, was a highlight for me throughout this process.
3. It Takes a Village
Through this time of self-reflection, I've gotten the chance to meet and interact with people that I probably wouldn't have usually. Taking a step back from basketball, I have taken an interest in the business, support, and administrative side of athletics. I never knew how much went into the Duke women's basketball team and brand as a whole. It's beyond belief. I would love to name each and every person that contribute to our program, but I would definitely accidentally forget a few. Just know that the team and I truly appreciate everything that you all do!
Apart from basketball, this summer I have been blessed to do an internship with a startup company in Raleigh doing marketing and communications. Over the past six weeks, I have learned so much and gotten a lot of hands-on experience in the field. There is a lot that happens behind the scenes in businesses and I'm very excited to have the opportunity to learn about the growth process of this company and seeing it all come together. I love the position because each day brings a new challenge and I am able to learn specific methods and insights of the marketing and communications field first-hand.
Throughout this summer, I have been afforded several professional development opportunities and public speaking engagements, all of which have been invaluable. I am extremely grateful for these experiences and the connections that I have made through them. Furthermore, over the past year I have been volunteering once a week at the Ronald McDonald House – Durham and I absolutely love it! The children, families, and staff members are amazing, and I am so glad they welcomed me into the RMH family.
S/o @KyraLambert_15! Inspiring the next generation and making an impact on our community. 👏👏👏
— Duke Women's Basketball (@DukeWBB) June 7, 2018
The kids were like 😎😎😎😍😄 after hearing Kyra speak!!! 💙😈 pic.twitter.com/y4KBQW6dEk
Thank you @KyraLambert_15 for speaking w/our 5th graders yesterday! You are an inspiration! 💙🏀 #newHEIGHTS @LHECMES #rolemodel #GoDuke https://t.co/3j3ylcaXhK
— Rene Alford (@LHES_AP) June 7, 2018
In conclusion, Proverbs 3:5-6 is my favorite passage in the Bible, saying “5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
I am currently striving every day to put this passage into action. I miss playing in Cameron and I am beyond excited to get back on the court with my teammates! This is a new year and a new team that's going to be built and ready for anything that comes our way. It's been too long, and I know this upcoming season is going to be special, you can count on that. #YOTPG
Kyra Lambert #15
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