For decades I’ve enjoyed watching the March Madness college basketball tournament.  There is something about the young players who leave it all on the court.  Who play with so much heart it gives you goosebumps.  They know this is their chance to shine while the world is watching.

But what moves me the most are the Cinderella stories.  Those teams who aren’t meant to make it very far who end up winning against all odds.

Just last night, seventh seed South Carolina beat second seed Duke.  Duke, the team that won five national championships and had 71 players drafted to the NBA over the years.  But that didn’t stop South Carolina and they are now advancing to their first Sweet 16 game ever.

One of the biggest upsets of all time was when Villanova beat Georgetown in 1985.  Villanova was seeded eighth and Georgetown was seeded first.

And Georgetown had an up-and-coming player named Patrick Ewing.

Even though no one expected Villanvova to make it to the final round, and no one expected them to win, they took home the title with a two-point victory.  To get that win, they had to take chances.  Take the shot even though it might not go in. Defend intensely even though they might get a foul. Never give up.  Believe in themselves beyond reason.

As American surfer Laird Hamilton once said, “Make sure your worst enemy doesn’t live between your own two ears.”

It truly reminds us that anything is possible.  Don’t listen to the people who tell you it can’t be done.  Put your head down, work hard, use your talents and remember that it’s not over until it’s over.  And you never know, you may end up holding the most unexpected trophy of all time.