Reflections of a coach

I’ve been out of the coaching game for a decade now, and I’m pretty sure there is nothing that anyone could offer me to get back into it at this point in my career.
Over the past few years, I have to admit that I have become jaded regarding coaching. I’ve seen how the politics, the parents, and the pressure to win have negatively impacted the people around the country who commit themselves to a program.
All of that was present back when I was doing the job, but it seems to have gotten so much worse since then, so I wonder why anyone would want to subject themselves to that.
This past week, however, I spoke with two coaches who are leaving their position due to changes in their careers and I feel fortunate to be reminded of the reasons why coaches put up with all the drawbacks to do what they do.
I am reminded of the joys that accompany spending all that time with your players, the very special bonds you build with those young people, and the wonderful memories you carry with you long after you put away your clipboard.
Bryce Hoffman, head coach of NHS Girls’ Soccer since 2012, coached his last game this year so I asked him to reflect on his career. I have always had a deep respect for Hoffman, and feel that his words need to be shared because they are indeed a great reminder of what it means to be a coach.
“I think back on my time coaching the NHS girls’ soccer team in a positive light. I have had the opportunity to coach so many hard-working and selfless players who put the team above themselves. As a coach, I believe that sports provide an opportunity to make positive differences in the lives of the students who play them. I would like to believe that I taught my players about compassion for others, how to work hard for a common goal, and that in some situations one must sacrifice personal gains for the good of the team.”
I have no doubt that every one of his players would say that he did indeed teach them those important life lessons. This is also a great reminder that the greatest gift of playing the game is not the win/loss record, but the experiences you gain that will remain with you for a lifetime.
“My favorite coaching moments don’t all come from just the game, but from the times I got to spend with my players on the bus trips, at practices, and at camps. I am also proud of the fact that any player who played for four years in the program was able to experience playing at the state tournament. I would like to think the lasting legacy from my time in the program would be the co-sponsored proposal put together by Coach Josh Peterson and myself to create the middle school soccer program. I am thankful for the board’s support, and am happy to see the growth in participation both at the middle school and high school levels for Spring sports participation.”
Hoffman hit the nail right on the head, because it is the personal connections that remain. I can still remember a few moments of a few games that I coached over the course of my 10-year career, but I remember many of the moments with my girls.
“There are so many people to thank who have helped myself along the way. There are many coaches who have given me their time in the form of mentorship. The parents of my players have been so supportive of myself as a coach, and of our players as well. They put in the work of making goody bags, decorating the busses, and folding countless numbers of socks! Last, I would like to thank my wife Amy, and my children Davyn and Brooklyn. I would not have been able to commit the time I did to my players without their never ending support.”
Certainly, a coach cannot go it alone because it does take a support system like this to do things right. It’s great to be reminded that coaching can be rewarding, and void of the negativity that can sour the experience.
I appreciate so much that Hoffman’s reflections gave me back the wonderful reasons to be a coach.