Keeping teams motivated can be a challenge for any coach. 

Barrington High School field hockey coach Holly Morris turned to a short video last season in an effort to inspire her players. The video, which featured motivational speaker Gian Paul Gonzales, worked perfectly, and helped the Eagles power to the Division I state championship.

Coach Morris sent a few emails to Mr. Gonzales throughout the season, updating him with her team's progress. She also wrote about some of the special stories her team experienced along the way to its title. 

"… And though I knew it was a long-shot I even invited him to our team banquet, yet he was unable to attend," she said. "He did, however, send our team a video congratulating us on the state championship."

Just last week, Coach Morris received a text message from Mr. Gonzales. He said he was going to be in the area, as the New England Patriots were scheduled to play the New York Giants last Thursday night in a preseason football game, and he serves as the Giants' motivational speaker. 

So, on Thursday afternoon, as the Barrington High School field hockey team played Lincoln School in a scrimmage, Mr. Gonzales arrived and watched the action. At the end of the scrimmage, Mr. Gonzales spoke with the Eagles and posed for photos with the team.

"This, to me, was one of the most special experiences that I have had in my time as a coach or even a player," said Coach Morris. "…Gian is just, simply said, a great guy who took his time to stop by and meet our BHS team on his way to Gillette Stadium. He did this not for one dime and delivered an amazing message."