Mathew the Mountain Lion: The Power of Practice and Teamwork - A Children's Story

  

Mathew the Mountain Lion: The Power of Practice and Teamwork

By Bill Conley, America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller

Moral to the Story:
Believing in yourself is the first step toward success, because without self-confidence, even the greatest opportunities can slip away. Practice turns natural talent into true skill, allowing you to grow stronger and more capable with each effort you make. Every member of a team plays an important role, and the smallest contribution can be the key to victory. Winning feels the most rewarding when it comes from dedication, discipline, and hard work over time. A strong team is built on trust, respect, and encouragement, with each player supporting the others no matter what. True champions know that lifting others up makes everyone stronger and creates lasting friendships. Consistent effort matters more than bursts of inspiration, because steady progress builds long-term success. Greatness is never achieved alone—it comes from working together, believing in one another, and striving toward a shared goal.

Mathew the mountain lion was known far and wide across the valley for his incredible athletic ability. Whether it was running through the forest, leaping across rocky streams, or climbing the tallest pine trees, Mathew moved with grace, speed, and strength. But what truly made his heart race was playing sports—especially football and basketball.

From a young age, Mathew understood something that many others his age didn’t—talent was only the beginning. He knew that every skill he had could be sharpened, strengthened, and perfected if he worked hard enough. While other young animals might spend their afternoons napping or lounging in the meadow, Mathew could be found running drills, practicing passes, and shooting hoops until the stars came out.

In football, Mathew was lightning fast. He could weave between players like the wind between tree branches. In basketball, his leaps seemed almost magical—he could soar toward the hoop with an effortless jump that left others staring in awe. But Mathew never let pride take over his heart. He knew that no matter how good he was, he was only one part of the team.

Coach Badger, who had been teaching sports for many seasons, often reminded the players, “A team is like a puzzle. Every piece matters, and the picture is never complete without all of them working together.” Mathew took these words to heart. He passed the ball when someone had a better shot. He blocked for teammates when they needed help. He encouraged others when they were feeling down.

Not every game was a victory. There were times when Mathew’s team lost by just a point, and times when they were defeated by a much stronger opponent. But instead of feeling crushed, Mathew always said, “We learned something today, and tomorrow we’ll be better.” His friends admired that attitude and began to think the same way.

One chilly autumn afternoon, the valley’s big football championship arrived. The stands were filled with cheering families, colorful banners, and the smell of warm roasted chestnuts drifting through the air. The game was tough—both teams were evenly matched, and the score was tied with just two minutes left on the clock.

Mathew’s teammate, Benny the Beaver, caught the ball but was quickly surrounded by opponents. Without hesitation, Mathew sprinted to Benny’s side, blocked the opposing players, and gave him the space to pass. The ball sailed through the air to Lila the Lynx, who darted toward the goal line and scored the winning touchdown.

The crowd erupted into cheers, but what made Mathew happiest wasn’t the victory—it was the joy on his teammates’ faces and the feeling of knowing they had worked together to achieve something great. That night, as they celebrated, Coach Badger smiled at Mathew and said, “You’re a real leader. You don’t just play the game—you make everyone around you better.”

From that day forward, Mathew continued to practice harder than ever, not just for himself, but for his team. And every time he played—whether they won or lost—he gave his all, knowing that true success was found in teamwork, perseverance, and believing in one another.

Moral to the Story Poem
Greatness grows when hearts unite,
Not when we fight for our own spotlight.
A steady hand and a willing heart,
Can turn each teammate into an important part.
We lift each other when times are tough,
And cheer each other when effort’s enough.
For in the game of life we play,
True champions help along the way.

Three Thought-Provoking Questions

1.     How does practicing regularly help you become better at something you enjoy?

2.     Why is it important to support and encourage your teammates instead of only focusing on yourself?

3.     Can you think of a time when working together helped you achieve something you couldn’t have done alone?