I don't know what first comes to your mind when you think of the role of a coach, but I'll tell you what I used to think.
Someone who shows up on game day to call the plays. And there we have it. A coach. Not until I married a coach, did I fully understand the TRUE meaning of a coach. It sounds so cliche to say that being a coach is more than just a job, but I'm afraid that's true.
My husband doesn't just coach on the basketball court. He coaches in his office, in our home, in the locker room, in the urgent care clinic, in his car, and at Firehouse Subs.
My husband doesn't just work when the shot clock is running. He doesn't just care about our players during practice. He doesn't only invest in our players on game days.
TO THE PARENTS OF OUR PLAYERS,
My husband cares more about developing your son as a man, than as just a player.
My husband hurts when your son hurts.
My husband is up late emailing your sons teachers, making sure your son is meeting the criteria in the classroom.
My husband cares where your son goes after he graduates.
My husband drops everything when your son needs a ride to the Urgent care clinic and you're not here.
My husband sits in the urgent care clinic until 1:00am waiting for your son to receive care and to give him a ride back to campus. And possibly a pharmacy run in there too. Oh, and food, because the dining hall is closed at 2:00am.
My husband drives states away to pick up your son because you have a schedule you need to keep.
My husband's heart breaks when your son feels emotional or physical pain.
My husband prays for your son every day.
My husband loves your son while you are miles and states away.
My husband has seen your son cry.
My husband checks in on your son daily.
My husband stays up late into the night (and often morning) drawing plays and watching film.
My husband bites his tongue when your son is disrespectful, so that he doesn't embarrass your son in front of the team.
My husband cares about your sons life even when he's home on break.
My husband loves your son.
“Dear parent,
Please trust your sons coach. He loves your son too. Please teach your son humility and to have respect for authority.
”
TO OUR PLAYERS,
My husband loves you. I know that you know this because I hear him tell you.
My husband stays up at night (while you're sleeping) emailing your teachers trying to help you stay eligible. Because a semester away from basketball would only allow you to get into trouble.
My husband wants you to succeed on the court AND in life.
My husband prays for you.
My husband would do anything for you.
My husband makes decisions that I'm sure seem crazy to you. But I can assure you, he has your very best interest in mind.
My husband stays up late thinking/praying/worrying about the struggles you're facing that you've shared with him.
My husband cares about your relationships with people. Yes, even your girlfriend.
My husband has bigger dreams for you than just playing ball.
My husband has covered for you, more times than you know. He supports you and has your back at times that you have no idea about.
My husband would not and does not talk badly about you. To anyone.
My husband believes in you more than you believe in yourself.
“Dear player,
I hope you coach someday and you look back and remember all of the time, sweat, and tears that have been invested in you. I hope you call your coach and tell him how much you love him. I hope you invest in and love your players, so they can call you and thank you for your humility.
”
So why do I think that coaching is more than just a job? Because most jobs are done using your head, but coaching requires a lot more of the heart.
Love, Mrs. Coach
This blog post was written by my wife, Julie. I am truly humbled and honored to be a coach and I'm thankful for all of the opportunities that God gives us as coaches to impact lives. The true definition of a coach starts and ends with their heart. Thank you, coaches, for all you do!