What’s Your Role On The Team Today?

I had the talk with my 9-year-old daughter Sarah last week. I knew the day would come, but I just didn’t think it would come this quickly, you know? They grow up so fast, don’t they?

No, neither birds nor bees, but that other “b…”

Benchwarming

“What difference does it make? I’m not even gonna play,” I overheard from the backseat a couple days before Sarah’s first volleyball game and first foray into school team sports (Go Knights!).

For any number of reasons, fifth grade is hard, but watching the older girls take the court while enduring endless DNP Coach’s Decisions must be near the top of the list.

“Sarah,” I began, on the way to the final practice before opening day, “I can still remember my first of probably 30 school teams, and I can still remember my last. On both, Sarah, in fifth grade and my senior year of high school, I spent lots of time on the bench. I wasn’t the first, and you won’t be the last.”

It’s one of the great lessons of sports and life.

Knowing your role and getting ready for your time.

“Sarah, your job this year is to watch the older players and listen very carefully to your coach at all times. Your job is to treat each practice like a game with hard work and focus and good sportsmanship so you improve not just in volleyball but in character… not just as a player but as a person.”

We all have our roles to play.

“During games, I want you to be a leader… which you can do from the bench just as easily as you can on the court. I want you to be fully into what’s happening on the court and cheer and support your team and listen to your coach. I want the other girls on the bench to see how you act and follow your lead if they’re not already doing the same.”

Be ready.

“And if your coach calls on you to go into the game, that time you spent in practice will help prepare you for your time on the court. Your coach knows that. She’s watching not just your skills in practice, but your attitude. She’s a good coach, Sarah.”

“How do you know all this stuff, Daddy?”

“Because I had good coaches, too, Sarah. I still do, and so will you… for the rest of your life… even as you’re coaching others whether it’s now or in eighth grade or when you’re old like me, you’ll always be coaching, and you’ll always be learning.”

We’re always coaching. We’re always learning.

Think of all the countless teachers and coaches you’ve had in your life… for some, it was a profession, and for others, it was voluntary.

For all of them, it was—and is—a calling.

So, too, it’s true for you.

Today, everyone you encounter is an opportunity for you to share a specific word of encouragement or quietly give some tough love.

Today as well, everyone you encounter may see whether or not your actions reflect your words. Yep, we’re always coaching, even if we’re not always being good coaches.

Here’s how I’m playing today

I’m hand-writing thank you cards today and sending them to Mr. Obrecht, Mike Reis, John Zimmer, Pastor Matt, and Roy Williams. I encourage you to do the same for a few of the coaches and teachers that have made you you.

And I’m going to be on the lookout for my next coach as well as my next student. Again, I encourage you to do the same.

We’re always coaching. We’re always learning.

We all have our roles to play.

I’m glad we could have this talk today. All other talks should be conducted with Mrs. Miles.