No matter what your parent does for a living, growing up it's hard not being identified with it somehow— but being "coach's kid" is unlike any other. The lessons, memories, perks and struggles are something that not many people understand or can relate to.
Here's 20 things that every "coach's kid" knows to be true:
1. "Hey, you're coach's kid."
Well you see— on my birth certificate my parents chose a pretty spectacular name but yes, I'm "coach's kid." Nice too meet you, too.
2. You know the ins and outs of multiple sports, especially "their" sport.
Yes, I know the difference between a blitz, sweep, and off-tackle run. It's like second nature because while you guys were picking up your ABC's on Sesame Street, I was picking up these plays watching film Sunday mornings.
3. You're called by your last name by one TOO many people.
Ugh, again with the "wrong" name calling. As much as I think my last name is cool— I have a first name!! But granted, anytime I hear my last name I turn around and acknowledge it as if it were my first name being called.
4. Your first job was likely through your town's recreation department.
Looking back, that was basically "the job" to land. But you didn't really think much of it because it was pretty much minimum wage's destiny for us to start working in town, through the recreation department.
5. There's more "pressure" on you to do well on the court/field/ice/mat.
Just because you're "coach's kid" the expectations for your athletic ability is much higher. The expectations were intensified and it felt like all eyes were always on you, which they were. You had to prove even harder to people why you deserve to start and what not, over others.
6. When it comes to your games, you still get a speech no matter how good (or not so good) you played.
This was probably the most frustrating thing growing up. No matter how well you did there was always something to be critiqued on. If you did something that could have been maybe 2% more strategic, smarter, or better— it will be discussed. Having a perfect game was non-existent, despite what the local newspaper or your ACTUAL coach said otherwise.
7. You used wins to your advantage growing up.
Whether it'd be dinner, ice cream, shopping, seeing a movie— literally anything you wanted or felt you needed, this was the perfect time to ask your mom/dad. It was a win/win for EVERYONE. Happy team, happy parents, happy coach, happy spouse, happy kid.
8. Whenever the team lost, you kept your distance.
Oh yeah... no need to even fully explain this one. Does walking on egg shells and doing everything you were supposed to do without any "reminders" sound familiar to you?
9. You learn how to speak/deal with authority differently.
Over the years you will witness crazy moms and dads "attacking" or criticizing your parent when we all very well know that my mom/dad is well-respected and known to be fair. When upset with something you learn how to stay levelheaded and respectful by watching how ridiculous some people look when they don't.
10. You were taken in by their players like a younger sibling.
Being "coach's kid" means getting to know their players. There were always a few that stuck out most to you and it's likely your friendship was mutual despite the huge age gap. Or you're totally guilty of the fact that some of the players were your "first crush..."
11. You got to participate during practices.
All the things you were conditioned to having the ultimate love/hate relationship with during your times as an athlete— you LOVED when going to practice. It was basically the coolest thing, ever. Even the conditioning part. Little did we all realize that we learned and absorbed so much going to these practices.
12. You got the best seats in the house.
Pretty self-explanatory but you'd have the best seats watching each game/match/meet, each week. Doesn't even matter if it was home or away.
13. A major perk was being on the field/bench/dugout.
You got to sit with the players and other coaches. You heard everything on the inside. All the gossip, frustration, and game plans.
14. You probably played water boy/girl when you were a kid.
People might look at this like a "loser" role if you were on the roster but nope, this was equally as fun and involved. You catch all the excitment but from a whole new perspective. (Refer to No. 10)
15. The entire town basically knows you.
Granted you're "coach's kid" but in time you've built your own reputation. This was just the helping factor why you're known by practically everyone, no matter how big or small your town or city is.
16. Being "coach's kid" is probably one of the core reasons behind your competitiveness.
There's absolutely no doubt in my mind that this is a main reason behind why we're as competitive as we are. It just runs through our veins and everything we do. We aim to be the best and don't settle.
17. Whenever you go out with coach, you're stopped a million times by people that start conversation with them.
This happens too much for my personal liking—but it is kind of cool. People joke with my family all the time that my dad is practically the mayor of my hometown. The funny part is that they actually want him to run...
18. When in season, plans are made wrapped around the team's practice/game schedule.
"Dad, can we..."
"I have practice at..."
"Ugh, well what about..."
"Got lifting at..."
19. You start coaching yourself and are completely adored by both players and their parents.
Being "coach's kid" you always learn about giving back and staying involved. One of my first jobs was junior-coaching travel basketball my freshman year of high school. Being that you're known in town, as well as your athletic ability, and for the simple sake of being related to coach— you're loved EXTRA.
20. You loved being "coach's kid" and wouldn't have it any other way.
Despite some of the struggles and annoyances, I think the perks and respect level out does it all. Not only do I love being "coach's kid" but I'm proud to be "coach's kid." It's our very own exclusive club.
