President Trump recognized Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti for his leadership during the team's 2026 CFP title win. He praised Cignetti's bold decision-making and 'no self-imposed limitations' mantra at a White House event.
Key points
Trump hosted Indiana football at the White House
Curt Cignetti recognized for 2026 CFP title win
Praise for Cignetti's bold coaching decisions
Mention of a key fourth down play against Miami
Cignetti's mantra of no self-imposed limitations
Mentioned in this story
Curt CignettiDonald Trump
Indiana football
Trump recognizes Indiana football's 'very special coach,' Curt Cignetti
WASHINGTON — Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti’s no self-imposed limitations mantra made it all the way to the White House.
President Donald Trump hosted the Hoosiers for an event Monday afternoon on the South Lawn in honor of the team winning the 2026 CFP title game. Trump spent most of his time at the podium praising Cignetti’s “cocky” attitude and gutsy play calls.
“If it doesn't work, that's like a career-threatening (call), right?” Trump said of Cignetti’s decision to have Fernando Mendoza run a QB draw on fourth down against Miami.
An attendee pumps his fist in the air as U.S. President Donald Trump and Curt Cignetti, head football coach at Indiana University, arrive to an event with the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
U.S. President Donald Trump receives a football from head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Q&A
What did Trump say about Curt Cignetti's coaching style?
Trump praised Cignetti's 'cocky' attitude and gutsy play calls, highlighting his bold decision-making.
Why was Indiana football recognized at the White House?
Indiana football was honored for winning the 2026 CFP title game during an event hosted by President Trump.
What specific play did Cignetti make that Trump mentioned?
Trump referenced Cignetti's decision to have Fernando Mendoza run a QB draw on fourth down against Miami.
What is Curt Cignetti's coaching philosophy?
Cignetti promotes a 'no self-imposed limitations' mantra, encouraging bold and fearless play.
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Wide receiver Charlie Becker holds a helmet while speaking as U.S. President Donald Trump hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as the president hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as the president hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
U.S. President Donald Trump walks after speaking, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
U.S. President Donald Trump receives a ball from head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as the president hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
U.S. President Donald Trump receives a jersey from head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as the president hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
U.S. President Donald Trump gestures with head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
U.S. President Donald Trump gestures as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
U.S. President Donald Trump holds a football received from head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
Wide receiver Charlie Becker speaks as U.S. President Donald Trump hosts an event for the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
U.S. President Donald Trump receives a team jersey from head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
Head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, speaks as U.S. President Donald Trump hosts an event for the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
Head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, speaks as U.S. President Donald Trump hosts an event for the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks next to head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
U.S. President Donald Trump receives a team T-shirt from head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
U.S. President Donald Trump receives a jersey from head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as the president hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
Defensive back Jamari Sharpe gestures during an event for the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University, hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with defensive back Jamari Sharpe, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University, at the White House, in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
U.S. President Donald Trump reacts with head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as the president hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
U.S. Vice President JD Vance arrives with his sons to attend an event for the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House, hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump, in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper REFILE - ADDS "TO ATTEND AN EVENT FOR".
U.S. Vice President JD Vance gestures as President Donald Trump hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks next to head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks next to head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks next to head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks next to head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks next to head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
U.S. President Donald Trump hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
U.S. President Donald Trump gestures as he arrives to host the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
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Indiana football celebrates national championship visiting President Donald Trump, White House
An attendee pumps his fist in the air as U.S. President Donald Trump and Curt Cignetti, head football coach at Indiana University, arrive to an event with the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
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Indiana football celebrates national championship visiting President Donald Trump, White House
An attendee pumps his fist in the air as U.S. President Donald Trump and Curt Cignetti, head football coach at Indiana University, arrive to an event with the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
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Indiana football celebrates national championship visiting President Donald Trump, White House
U.S. President Donald Trump receives a football from head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
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Indiana football celebrates national championship visiting President Donald Trump, White House
Wide receiver Charlie Becker holds a helmet while speaking as U.S. President Donald Trump hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
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Indiana football celebrates national championship visiting President Donald Trump, White House
U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as the president hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
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Indiana football celebrates national championship visiting President Donald Trump, White House
U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as the president hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
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Indiana football celebrates national championship visiting President Donald Trump, White House
U.S. President Donald Trump walks after speaking, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
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Indiana football celebrates national championship visiting President Donald Trump, White House
U.S. President Donald Trump receives a ball from head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as the president hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
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Indiana football celebrates national championship visiting President Donald Trump, White House
U.S. President Donald Trump receives a jersey from head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as the president hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
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Indiana football celebrates national championship visiting President Donald Trump, White House
U.S. President Donald Trump gestures with head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
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Indiana football celebrates national championship visiting President Donald Trump, White House
U.S. President Donald Trump gestures as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
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Indiana football celebrates national championship visiting President Donald Trump, White House
U.S. President Donald Trump holds a football received from head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
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Indiana football celebrates national championship visiting President Donald Trump, White House
Wide receiver Charlie Becker speaks as U.S. President Donald Trump hosts an event for the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
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Indiana football celebrates national championship visiting President Donald Trump, White House
U.S. President Donald Trump receives a team jersey from head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
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Indiana football celebrates national championship visiting President Donald Trump, White House
Head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, speaks as U.S. President Donald Trump hosts an event for the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
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Indiana football celebrates national championship visiting President Donald Trump, White House
Head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, speaks as U.S. President Donald Trump hosts an event for the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
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Indiana football celebrates national championship visiting President Donald Trump, White House
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks next to head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
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Indiana football celebrates national championship visiting President Donald Trump, White House
U.S. President Donald Trump receives a team T-shirt from head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
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Indiana football celebrates national championship visiting President Donald Trump, White House
U.S. President Donald Trump receives a jersey from head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as the president hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
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Indiana football celebrates national championship visiting President Donald Trump, White House
Defensive back Jamari Sharpe gestures during an event for the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University, hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
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Indiana football celebrates national championship visiting President Donald Trump, White House
U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with defensive back Jamari Sharpe, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University, at the White House, in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
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Indiana football celebrates national championship visiting President Donald Trump, White House
U.S. President Donald Trump reacts with head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as the president hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
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Indiana football celebrates national championship visiting President Donald Trump, White House
U.S. Vice President JD Vance arrives with his sons to attend an event for the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House, hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump, in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper REFILE - ADDS "TO ATTEND AN EVENT FOR".
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Indiana football celebrates national championship visiting President Donald Trump, White House
U.S. Vice President JD Vance gestures as President Donald Trump hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
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Indiana football celebrates national championship visiting President Donald Trump, White House
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks next to head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
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Indiana football celebrates national championship visiting President Donald Trump, White House
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks next to head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
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Indiana football celebrates national championship visiting President Donald Trump, White House
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks next to head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
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Indiana football celebrates national championship visiting President Donald Trump, White House
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks next to head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
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Indiana football celebrates national championship visiting President Donald Trump, White House
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks next to head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
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Indiana football celebrates national championship visiting President Donald Trump, White House
U.S. President Donald Trump hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
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Indiana football celebrates national championship visiting President Donald Trump, White House
U.S. President Donald Trump gestures as he arrives to host the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
After highlighting the team's many accomplishments, Trump called Cignetti the “coach of the decade” for the job he did turning Indiana into a winner.
“Very special coach, I'll tell you that,” Trump said. “I just got to know him a little bit backstage, and he's a winner. Every player in this team shared their coach's winning mindset, and they executed with unbelievable skill.”
When the Hoosiers’ outspoken coach got the microphone, he led the players gathered behind him in a “Hoo-hoo-hoo-Hoosiers" chants — a tradition that carried over from the postseason — and focused his remarks on the coaching philosophy that's guided his rise up the ranks.
“Prepare the right way every single day to a high standard, and anything is possible in life,” Cignetti said. “The only limitations are those between your ears, and you can't have any of those either.”
It's a message Cignetti hammered home throughout his early portion of his tenure as he tried to change the culture in Bloomington, and ultimately culminated with the team going 16-0 and winning the first national title in school history in his second season.
While Cignetti has mostly kept a low profile since winning a title, the team agreed to the White House visit after wrapping up spring practice. He was joined at the White House by IU players, coaches and administrators. The Hoosiers gifted Trump with a No. 47 jersey, helmet and football before taking a tour of the Oval Office.
Trump even got a taste of Cignetti’s sense of humor when he asked about keeping the trophy as the event wrapped up.”
“We'll let you keep the trophy for an NIL contribution,” Cignetti said with a smirk.
What Curt Cignetti said at the White House on Monday
Curt Cignetti: “It all starts with Pam Witten, our president, Scott Dolson, our athletic director. You got to have a commitment at the top. Without a commitment at the top, nothing's possible. OK, the 2025 Indiana Hoosiers.
“You know, 24 was a fluke, right? College football playoffs start out 10-0. They won't be very good, 16-0. That's the best record in college football since 1894. That's 132 years. That's before the NCAA. So safe to say that's the greatest record in college football history. Beat six top ten teams.
"And how did we get that done? We had great people on the staff that thought alike. In the locker room, that thought alike. Great leadership, good talent, great character, coachable, 11 guys doing their job, play in, play out. The whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts, and the most consistent day in, day out, meeting in, meeting out, practice in, practice out group I've ever seen in my life.
"To me, it's a simple message. Prepare the right way every single day to a high standard, and anything is possible in life. The only limitations are those between your ears, and you can't have any of those either. Go IU!”
