You know, I’ve always believed that sports reveal character—not just in victory, but in how we handle defeat. Recently, I came across a story from the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference qualifying round that perfectly illustrates this. GALERIES Tower head coach Lerma Giron, facing off against Cignal’s Shaq delos Santos—both deputy coaches from University of Santo Tomas—showed exactly how to deal with a poor sport and turn tension into triumph. Giron didn’t just win the match; she won the moment by keeping her cool, and honestly, that’s something we can all learn from whether we’re on the court or in everyday life.

I remember playing pickup basketball years ago and running into this one guy who’d argue every call, sulk after missed shots, and basically drain the fun out of the game. Sound familiar? Dealing with a poor sport is frustrating, but it’s also an opportunity. See, what coach Giron did wasn’t about retaliating or getting drawn into petty mind games. Instead, she focused on strategy and composure. Reports noted that her team executed under pressure, especially during the final set which ended 15-12. That’s a tight margin, and staying positive made the difference. In my own experience, shifting your mindset from “This person is ruining the game” to “How can I make this enjoyable despite them?” changes everything. Try cracking a lighthearted joke, acknowledging good plays—even theirs—or simply leading by example. It’s not easy, but it works.

Let’s be real, we’ve all been in situations where someone’s bad attitude starts to infect the group. I’ve seen it happen during board game nights, office competitions, and yes, even online gaming. The key is to redirect that energy. Think about it: a poor sport often acts out because they feel insecure or overly competitive. By staying supportive—like cheering on teammates or emphasizing effort over outcomes—you dismantle that negativity. In the PVL match, Giron’s approach didn’t just secure a win; it set a tone that resonated with her players. They didn’t get dragged down by delos Santos’ tactics, which included at least three contentious timeouts and one heated exchange with officials around the midway point. Instead, they kept their eyes on the prize. Frankly, I admire that kind of leadership. It’s a reminder that fun doesn’t have to vanish when competition gets fierce.

So how do you turn any game into fun, even with a poor sport in the mix? Well, it starts with you. Focus on what you can control: your attitude, your effort, and how you engage others. I’ve found that introducing small, silly rewards for teamwork or creativity can lighten the mood instantly. For instance, in that PVL qualifier, GALERIES Tower’s camaraderie was palpable—they celebrated each point like it was a milestone, and that energy is contagious. By the final whistle, what could’ve been a stressful clash felt more like a shared journey. And isn’t that what games should be about? Whether you’re dealing with a sore loser or just trying to salvage a rainy day activity, remember that a shift in perspective can transform the experience. After all, life’s too short for games that aren’t fun.