When I was in high school I had dreams of becoming an Olympic Athlete. Unfortunately I didn't have what it takes to do that. I wasn't fast enough, strong enough, tall enough or talented enough so I was going to do the second best thing: Coach an Olympic Athlete or at least high school athletes.
I went to college and was on track to graduate with an education degree with an emphasis on coaching. (Things were a little different back in those days.) I wanted to be a great influence on children's lives. I wanted to be just like the coaches I had back in my youth. I wanted to influence, train, and watch kids succeed.
High school track coach Mr. Potter
Coaches Sanford, Blanding and Blanding
Funny how life just turns your plans upside down and sideways. I didn't graduate and only took a few classes in the said field.
I did manage to coach a few years in our local youth soccer association and enjoyed almost every second of it. I coached some really top notch athletes and others I saw potential in.
I remember one young boy who would recoil in fear any time the ball would come near him. My goal for him was to not turn away in fear but to step up and kick the ball. He was one of the smallest kids on the team and I knew I couldn't do anything about his size, but I sure could give him courage. I did achieve that goal!
I took two teams to championships. I think we got a 1st place one year and quite a few 2nd and 3rd place finishes. My girls got all the way to the state finals and took 8th. The team that knocked us out ended up winning the whole thing that year. That was a GREAT team. I think we only lost two games that whole year.
I've also had the privilege of coaching each of my children. Enough said! And I coached with my oldest son for the past few years. It is kind of interesting to see "me" on the sidelines.
My soccer coaching career may be at an end, but I plan on continuing to coach. I've decided to open up a Fitness Studio and coach friends and clients. I'm not sure all the particulars, but I plan on being just like the coaches I had: motivating, hard, gentle, fun, persistent, caring, influential and knowledgeable and enjoy the success of my athletes.