My dad has loved the game of basketball since before I was born and nothing changed afterward. I am convinced that I learned how to shoot a basketball before I learned to walk. He told me that I could do whatever I wanted to, that basketball didn't define me, but I wanted to keep learning about it. I was, and still am, the biggest daddy's girl that you will ever meet and I always tell people that he is the single greatest coach in the world.
Growing up as a basketball coach's daughter has not been easy, but it has been worth it.
My dad spent a lot of his time in a gym when I was younger. He always had practice, a game, or had to go scout another team. In order for a team to be successful, the coach has to invest his/her time. Due to this, I had to find ways to spend time with him and they usually revolved around the game. For instance, I would ask my mom if I could stay up late on game nights to see him. I would stay after games and listen to him talk with the other coaches. I would ask him to teach me how to shoot threes. I would do anything to hang out with him and learn about the sport that he loved and the sport that I had grown to love.
As a result of growing up as a basketball coach's daughter, I learned how to be patient. I learned that teamwork really does make the dream work. I learned that you will fail more than you succeed. I learned that practice doesn't make perfect, it makes progress. However, the most valuable thing I learned from those late nights with dad is that drinking milkshakes after big wins are the best way to celebrate.
By growing up as a basketball coach's daughter, I have been exposed to the harsh side of coaching. I have seen my dad get upset because people couldn't understand that he was trying to help their child, not hurt them. I have watched my mom be his rock for almost his entire career, even if it was at 2:00 a.m. (She's a rockstar and she deserves credit for it.) I watched my father struggle following the death of a player who looked up to him and someone who he had a special connection with. Growing up as a coach's daughter, I learned that sacrificing for others is part of life.
I have watched my dad laugh, yell, sit silently, and pace my house all because of coaching. I watched him achieve his dream of becoming a head coach and a winning one. I have watched my dad get technicals, kick benches, hug players, receive awards, and so much more.
Growing up as a basketball coach's daughter taught me about things like love, compassion, and patience. I am thankful to have learned so much about these and to have grown up with one of the most caring men who I know as my father.
