Do you remember the coach that pushed you? The one that made you run more than you ever have, and question your passion to help you attain greatness? Now, I want you to remember something else; did you like that coach when you first stepped onto their field? Most likely the answer is no. For me, this coach happened to be my Dad. Just like I didn't see his plan on the field, at first, I didn't see his plan for my life.
My Dad always told me that "Coaches will always be harder on their best players." He always reminded me that if a coach is raising their voice to a player, they see the potential in them. For almost twenty years I never understood why my Dad was hard on me. I always thought he was just picking on me and expecting too much. I was his player, on the field and off. He knew I could accomplish more goals, in life and on the field. Honesty was his policy and that taught me to be honest with myself and the people around me. Sugar coating was never his thing. It took me a while to see that his honesty was a mechanism to make me better. Thankfully, my eyes opened and allowed our relationship to grow. I trust his advice to make me a better athlete and a young adult.
When I would come off of the field and had a crappy game, he would tell me. If I didn't do well on a test, he would tell me. When he knew I could do more, he would tell me. The thing is, though, a coach will tell you what you did wrong, a good coach will tell you how to fix what you did wrong. Not only would my Coach tell me I was doing wrong, he told me how to correctly fix my mistakes. They know your strengths and weaknesses and what you can handle and what you can't. My Dad knew when I couldn't handle a situation and when he needed to step in. He would be honest when doing something on the field was above my head or when I couldn't handle a class. However, he also knew when I could do better and when one extra rep would get me to where I needed to be.
So, I'd like to say "thank you." Thank you for turning me into the young lady that I am, the athlete I've become, and the success in my future career that I will earn. Your honesty is appreciated, your love always supported me and your observance shaped me. You say "You don't have to like your coach, but you have to respect them." and you'd always remind me "I'm your parent, not your friend." You became the best coach I've ever had while becoming a parent that raised me into the person I am. Just as you hate your coach before you love them, I had to get out of my stubborn teen years to see that you held my best interest in mind. Thank you for keeping me grounded but always teaching me that I could reach the stars if I worked hard for it.
