History Made, Confidence Developed
How is confidence developed? Stanford psychology professor Albert Bandura suggested that confidence, or as he referred to it, self-efficacy, is most influenced by how we performed in similar past situations.
How is confidence developed?
Stanford psychology professor Albert Bandura suggested that confidence, or as he referred to it, self-efficacy, is most influenced by how we performed in similar past situations.
In modern popular culture we might refer to Bandura’s theoretical view of self-efficacy as, “been there, done that.”
For the Hawken Hawks boys basketball team they will have every reason to be confident as they start the 2025-2026 season.
Under the leadership of first year Hawken Head Coach Anthony Burns, the Hawks made school history by being the first boys basketball team to play in the OHSAA Final Four.
Although the Hawks season came to an end in a 62-42 loss to the Glenville Tarblooders in the State Semifinal game on March 15 at the Canton Memorial Fieldhouse, history was made and confidence developed.
The last time the Hawks had won an OHSAA District Championship (Round of 32) and played in the Regional Finals (Elite Eight), they were led by future NFL standout receiver O.J. McDuffie and coached by Tom Bryan.
In fact, 37 years ago was an exciting time for Geauga County Basketball, particularly in Chesterland. Not only were the Hawks on an amazing run, the West Geauga Wolverines Boys Basketball team were state runners up.
For the Hawks, though, their quest to win the 1988 OHSAA Regional Title ended in a 69-55 loss to Triway.
This year, however, was a different story.
The 2025 Hawks made history, by winning the OHSAA Regional Title, 63-58 over Jonathan Adler and advancing to the OHSAA Final Four.
In the post-game press conference, after the Final Four contest against Glenville, Coach Burns highlighted the importance of the Hawks’ 2025 run.
“It’s history,” Coach Burns said. “This is what it’s about, leaving an impact. We’re put on this earth to leave an impact, and I think we just did that.”
The Hawks only senior starter, Jacob Stovsky, also discussed the history that was made.
“Making history for the school, it’s been different,” Stovsky said. “What they’re going to do in the next couple years with Coach Burns is going to be amazing. It’s just been great to be a part of it, and kind of start this thing going. It’s been a great way to end my career.”
In addition to making history, Coach Burns emphasized the importance of the confidence developed.
“Now we know what it takes, now we know what it feels like, and we bring four starters back,” said Coach Burns.
Thus, because of the success that the Hawks had this season they can be confident that they have the ability to succeed at a high level.
Another way that Bandura hypothesized that confidence can be developed is through observing others’ success and modeling that behavior.
Coach Burns emphasized that the history that the 2025 Hawks team made will be very impactful since future varsity players were in attendance watching this historic run.
“This is very huge for our next guys up,” Coach Burns said. “They were able to see it. Some of our middle school guys were here and they were able to see it. So, yeah, this is a feeling that a lot of people haven’t experienced. I know a lot of coaches who haven’t got out of regionals. I know a lot of players who haven’t played at this level. For us to get here and our guys to see it, I know they’re eager and hungry to get where we were at and it’s only going to make us better for next year.”
Confidence has been developed through what the current Hawks have experienced on this run and what the future Hawks witnessed.
The current Hawks were led offensively in their Final Four game against Glenville by Daron Hill (15 points), Ice Taylor (10), Greg Price (7), Charlie Mallett (4) and Stovsky (4).
With confidence developed, and four of five starters returning, look for the Hawks to soar in the 2025-2026 season.
