Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel shared with reporters on Monday that he hasn’t yet seen the viral clip of his celebratory reaction following tight end Miles Kitselman’s touchdown in the third quarter of the Vols’ 51-10 victory over NC State.
JOSH HEUPEL IS LOVING IT pic.twitter.com/KN1YvNhqj1
— Vol Report (@AllVolReport) September 8, 2024
Despite not having viewed the clip, Heupel elaborated on why he embraces such moments of joy. “I’m still a kid at heart,” Heupel said. “You’ve got to enjoy it. This game is tough, with strong opponents and skilled coaches. Every Saturday brings different outcomes, so it’s crucial to prepare and practice consistently. We discuss this with our team, emphasizing the importance of being elite competitors every day, not just on game day.”
Heupel emphasized the significance of finding joy in both victories and the daily grind. “If you don’t enjoy the opportunities you get and the successes that come with them, you’re missing out,” he added. “We strive to have fun in our building, whether it’s post-game in the locker room or during our daily routines. It’s all part of enjoying what we’re doing and who we’re doing it with.”
This approach reflects Heupel’s philosophy of blending competitiveness with passion, which seems to resonate strongly with the Volunteers. The team’s current success under his leadership is a testament to this philosophy.