Three years ago I embarked on a journey with Ellie that I could not have ever imagined. She signed up for softball with Erika, at the urging of Katie. And in that, I became an assistant coach. I wasn't a stellar athlete, but I do love sports. Teaching young kids to do anything is hard for me. I'm not a patient women, but the girls have taught me a lot over the years. I have also learned a great deal from a couple coaches along the way as well. To be a good coach, is sort of like being a good manager, you don't have to be awesome at the task. Instead, you have to help others do better and improve themselves. Over the 6 seasons of softball I have met dozens of girls. I have had my favorites. I especially enjoy the ones who truly love playing the sport and whose parents have raised them to be coach-able. They listen. They try hard. They bring a positive attitude to the practices and games. They cheer on their team mates.
I've read reminders to parents on facebook and such that your child's performance on the field isn't a reflection of you as a person, but whether your child is coach-able, has a positive attitude, encourages their team mates and tries their best most of the time, this is a reflection of your parenting, your family values and who you really are. I believe this to be so true.
I will do my best to teach these things to my kids. This experience has helped me with parenting, I hope.
Ellie says she will not play again in the fall. I'm sad to see this journey coming to an end. I truly do love being on the softball field, being outside in the fresh air. I love the sound of the ball hitting the sweat-spot of the bat and I love the grin on the face of a young player when they master a skill and show that in a game with an amazing catch or great hit. The smiles are worth it!
Ellie can play ball when she wants. She is an athlete with great hand eye coordination, speed, and capability. I hope that she continues to enjoy sports and a healthy life style that includes being active for her whole life. I hope that she has some positive memories of our time together on the softball field. I am grateful to have learned that stepping up to be a coach doesn't mean you are the best player, it just means you are willing to do your best and try to help the kids succeed. We all have something we can teach the kids. I believe it takes a village. I am truly thankful for the supportive parents along this journey that have made things work, as they step in for concession, umpiring, assistant coaching, car pool, organizing the bench and all other activities along the way.
This has been fun. I hope to get a chance to do it again sometime.
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