Happiness takes work, Becky Carlson told Allen Community College graduates Saturday.
Carlson, whose hall of fame coaching career included earning her 500th career win earlier this year with Marmaton Valley High School, was tapped as ACC’s distinguished alumnus for 2022, and was invited to give the keynote address at Saturday’s commencement.
Carlson coached Iola High’s girls to the 2006 4A state championship in basketball.
She borrowed a quote from legendary runner Steve Prefontaine in Saturday’s address.
“To give any less than your best is to sacrifice your gift,” Carlson said. “The world owes you nothing; It does not care who you are, where you came from, or what you think you deserve. It will not be handed to you.
“No matter what you decide, you’ll make mistakes,” she continued. “But they’ll only define you if you let them. Let it go. In your life, you’re gonna make a lot of them.”
Carlson’s distinguished coaching career included three basketball state championships, a volleyball state championship and 500 victories, with coaching stops at Hillsboro, Iola and now Marmaton Valley.
“That’s pretty impressive,” Allen President John Masterson said in introducing Carlson to the audience. “What’s equally impressive, if you talk to athletes she’s coached, they talk respectfully about the positive influence she’s had on their lives.”
Carlson, who confesses to never being fond of public speaking, joked she would set another record for giving the shortest commencement speech in school history. “Or at least be the shortest speaker.”
Carlson shared her experiences with those earning degrees, noting that for many, it marked their first times for many to be roommates with somebody who was not a family member.
“What I remember, sitting in this chair, is how much I love Allen County,” she said.
Carlson offered up several other rapid-fire nuggets of advice.
— “Give no one power to make you something you’re not,” she said. “Never go into anything with half your heart.”
— “Show up for your people. Be there for your people, no matter what has happened. Show up.”
— “Bitterness is the anchor to your soul. Have fun, be adventurous. Nobody gets out of this alive.”
— Love God. He’s the most consistent thing you’ll ever have.”
