Hardiness in the Postseason Push
As the regular season winds down and postseason hopes hang in the balance, college athletes are under pressure. The fatigue is real. The stakes are high. And yet—some players rise, while others falter.
What makes the difference?
In 2018, Oregon State Baseball found itself on the brink—twice. One loss away from elimination in the College World Series finals. Down to their final out in Game 2.
Still, they didn’t flinch.
With two outs and nobody on, freshman Cadyn Grenier battled at the plate, fouled off pitches, and drew a walk. Then came a single. Next, a dropped foul ball that gave OSU new life. Followed by a two-run single by Trevor Larnach. A rally. A win. And ultimately, a national championship. What looked like pressure, Oregon State interpreted as possibility.
That’s hardiness in action.
Paul Bartone (2006) describes hardiness as a mindset that helps people turn stress into strength—by the way they interpret the moment. High-hardy individuals tend to face adversity under the lens of the 3 C’s:
🔹 Commitment – It is critical to stay focused and committed as the pressure builds. This matters for the team success and can actually alleviate perceived individual pressure.
🔹 Controllable – What can I control in the moment? I can’t control the streak, but I can control this pitch.
🔹 Challenging – How we view every experience as a challenge and growth opportunity. This is the kind of pressure that builds greatness.
“A critical aspect of the hardiness resiliency mechanism likely involves the interpretation, or the meaning that people attach to events around them and their own place in this world of experiences.”
Paul Bartone
And in team settings—especially in sports—coaches and leaders are the ones who shape that interpretation.
As college athletes around the country fight for a post-season berth, the difference isn’t always talent. It’s the story they’re telling themselves.
▶ Is this moment a threat—or a chance?
▶ Is this pressure—or purpose?
Let’s help our athletes build hardiness—not just to perform better, but to grow stronger.
