I’ve Already Won

By: Josh Cohen

Being an athlete is often boiled down to wins and losses. Points, rebounds, turnovers. The numbers and the statistics. But every time I put my jersey on and step on the floor, I know that I’ve already won the game before we even tip off. 

When people see my last name, whether it's at school or in the gym, people always think I’m a Jewish basketball player. My dad and his whole side of the family are, so I get it. My mom and her side of the family are Christian, though. I’m a devout Christian and that’s never going to change.

I don’t want people to remember me for the number of wins and losses I’m part of on the basketball court. I want people to remember how I walk with Christ and how I help others and the type of man that I am. It allows me to be at peace regardless of the adversity I’m facing.

Having spent the entirety of my life living on the East Coast, moving out west was the opposite of what I wanted to do. But I had to take that leap of faith and trust that I was making the right decision. It’s already broadened my perspective and allowed me to see a new part of the country in a way I never thought I would. 

Coach Muss is a prolific recruiter so when he was making the move to LA, I knew I could follow  him, and that I was making the right choice. He has a great track record of developing players, and combined with my work ethic, I knew this final collegiate stop would be super impactful for me - both on and off the court.

At every stop I’ve made, I’ve had to work really hard. But that’s paid off. I’ve had trials, I’ve made errors, but I’ve learned how to win. And now, I can take that experience and help this team continue to grow and develop. 

I see myself first and foremost as a leader on this team. One of the veteran guys that our younger guys can look up to. Making sure that we’re being consistent every day in practice, getting off to good starts. The collective experience of our team in all of their previous roles helps this year’s squad in so many ways. 

Being an older, more mature team, we can handle the wins and losses better. We’re not going to fold after a loss or get ahead of ourselves after a win. We take a lot of pride in our team. The different backgrounds and experiences of everyone on our team contributes to winning.

We’re focused on winning one practice, one play, one game at a time.

By now you already know that winning goes far beyond the court for me. It’s everything leading up to those moments, and everything that comes after. 

In my relatively short time here in LA, I’ve made it a priority off the court to give back and make a difference for as many people as I can. House of Victory has provided me that opportunity through several community events so far. My teammates and I have hosted local kids from the Boys & Girls Club for a clinic at Galen and helped pass out water to those in need at the local Adams-Vermont Farmers Market.

But without a doubt, my favorite event so far has been the Angel City Wheelchair Basketball clinic that my teammates and I attended. There was one participant who was just out there rocking and rolling. He was super enthusiastic about the game, and it was so inspiring to see. Isaac and I made a true connection that has lasted far beyond the end of that event. 

Not having my family out here has been really challenging for me, and I’ve battled through homesickness. But Isaac and his mom have become my LA family. I’ve had them out at several games, and it’s so meaningful to know that they are there cheering for me. Recently I attended Isaac’s birthday party, and I just hope that we can continue to be there and support each other. Whether it’s through our mutual love for basketball or beyond. 

This is what matters. This is what’s important. It’s about meaningful and impactful relationships. It’s about walking with Christ and leading by example. It’s not just about wins and losses. Besides, I’ve already won.