There are two types of coach’s kids in this world. The first one is the kid whose parent thinks he/she is destined for the pros. I like to refer to this as the “perfect player.” His/her parent does not see any of the mistakes made while playing or think the player needs to put in hard work and dedication. Along with the player's talent not being up to par with the player's ego.

The next type of parent-coach is the one who trains his/her child like they are in the army. This means the parent coach prepares you for absolute battle to defend the family name. The coach also doesn't know how to always transition from the field to home. The parent-coach who demands push-ups for punishment instead taking away a cell phone.

The army officer would be the type of coach my mother was in high school. I had the honor of playing for her not one sport, but three; soccer, tennis and track. Now I know this Is not exactly the norm for most coach’s kids; typically, athletes are dedicated to one sport and expected to excel. My mom liked to spread out the dedication.

Here are five things a coach’s kid can relate to.

1. Practice Time

For coach’s kids this begins the moment you wake up until you go to bed. You are either planning, talking or performing practice. This also means that since you are the coach’s kid, you would be arriving to practice first to set up the field or unlock the gym. This also means you would be the last to leave to lock the gym and ensure the rest of the team has a ride home. But, hey at least you will never have to run sprints for being late or missing practice.

2. Games end but post-game talks don’t

After a hard loss most teams expect a long talking after the game by the coach, however, they all know that eventually the coach will have to allow them to go home. This is not the case for coach’s kids. The post-game analyzes continues into the car and on the way home.

3. Dinner served with a film session

Normal families eat together around a table discussing the day’s events. In the home of an athlete, the family gathers around the HUDL game film account reliving all of the plays, analyzing it from multiple angles and speeds.

4. Drama mama

This is one of the toughest parts of being a coach’s kid, especially being a girl. If there is any drama on the team or animosity, you will be one of the first questioned. This can be excruciating especially since you don’t want to be known only as the coach’s kid, let alone a snitch.

5. Team spokesman

You will be the spokesman for the team. If there is a particular run-out song or post-game celebration meal that is wanted, you will be expected to talk to the coach (your parent) and voice the team’s wishes and opinions.

In the end regardless of all the grief, intense dinners and long talks, I would not take away from the most awesome high school experience I had being a coach’s kid. I will forever be thankful for the work ethic and drive my parental coaches instilled in me.