I’ve been a coach for many years now, mainly at the jr. high level.  I was dug back into the sport 10 years ago by a group of girls who as sixth graders, didn’t want one of their dad’s to be their coach.  “Come on,” they’d plead, “you know you’d want to coach us! We are just that good!”  Well, they were.  I was never failed to be amazed at how they’d push each other to new highs, both on the court, the classroom, and other arenas.  I miss that mean and refer to them ofter in coaching as the best “team” I’ve coached as they had their star players, but the engine that powered that team (at least in jr. high) was the subs I could put in.  High energy girls who weren’t always the most talented athletically, but would charge our team with their play on the floor.

 

Now, after this group, I’ve had many years of awesome teams, some better then others, but all a blast to coach.  However, once they leave my classroom and team, the cool factor kicks in, and let’s be honest, an elementary teacher and jr. high coach is hardly cool! 🙂  But, in going to games, talking at church, you watch these kids grow up, go to college, and for some, play ball there as well.

 

Last night, my oldest daughter played in her first JV game as a freshman, and had hinted that she had a “Mollie” as her coach.  Well, I didn’t think anything of it as the door of JV coach’s revolves pretty freely (someday I’d like to try that).  Anyway, I go to the game, and the Mollie is a former player! Wow, talk about feeling old as she played for me a while ago.  Well, after the game, it was fun talking to Mollie because she was amazed that she was coaching MY daughter, who was very little at time.

 

I’m reaching that point in my career where former students are in the school teaching, but this one really struck me as a “wow, time just keeps moving” moment.  A very cool moment because Mollie was a great player and just a neat person, and to see her move into a role like this just seems to fit her.

 

But a “dang, you are old” moment none the less! 🙂