So those of you that know me know that for the past 7 years of my life I have been a high school field hockey coach. Those of you that know me WELL know that my life has revolved around being the best coach I could be. My commitment was 110%, missing weddings, birthdays, vacations, it didn’t matter. If I expected it out of the girls then I did it too. I loved every minute. This last week has been so emotional for me as I have announced that in the fall I will no longer be coaching high school field hockey. It is still shocking for me to say out loud. This has been my identity, my heart and soul, my purpose…
After a life long journey of playing hockey, it only took me about a year without it before I was applying for the coaching position. I was bored in my cubicle job, so I promised them one season. Well…. that 2006 season pulled me in, those girls were so hungry for what I had to offer. That season was magic. These are the girls that gave me the name “Coachie” that has stuck to this day. I could still name them all, I can see their faces, and hear them laugh. We had so much fun, and went to regionals, my heart was full!!!
Clearly, I was on board longer than a year. I gave up my cubicle job, eventually got a job in the building as a perm sub, and now I’m in my 3rd year of teaching. Each year was magic in its own way. Every single season has a story, a theme, an so many memories attached to it. EVERY year I was so incredibly proud to call myself their coach. My girls taught me as much as I taught them. Some of them truly changed my life and have become part of my life even after graduation. Some even coming to my wedding. I’m really excited to spend some time traveling to see them play in college.
My reasons for moving on are simple. I want to focus on my family and my business. My parents have become so special to me as we all grow older; I want to spend my summers with them. My husband and I want to build a family of our own. And I know that I could never justify leaving practice early, or getting there late, for my own personal reasons. That would never be ok. The girls and the team are too important.
This is one of the most bittersweet experiences of my life. I’m so excited to see what life has to offer when I’m no longer revolving my decisions around 30 girls who depend on me. I’m excited to travel in the summer with family, and I’m excited to keep building my business. I’m excited to continue teaching art with out being over extended in the fall. But I will miss planning those practices, prepping for the games, and most importantly seeing the girls grow strong, proud, and learn some of the most important things in their young lives.
I could share some of the wonderful letters that the girls have written me over the years, I save them ALL. Every single one. But instead I have just pulled a few of my favorite lines and pulled out some pictures. I hope you enjoy. This was truly a priceless experience. I Love all my dolphins out there and I hope you all continue to dream big and achieve success with good character.
Wedding Photos by Amanda Hedgepeth Photography
Oh these girls know how to get me to tear up. I didn’t do it for the “thank you’s” but they sure do fill my heart.
“words cannot describe how much better of an athlete you’ve made me.”
“you have taught me so many life lessons through your coaching as well as lessons that are helpful for field hockey”
“your tough love has definitely pushed me to be the best I could be, and thank you for that”
“you are like family, you are an amazing coach”
“I’m never going for forget you EVER”
“I can not begin to tell you how glad I am that I joined field hockey, it has been such an awesome experience”
“you mean so much to us and OLFH, you have changed me for the better and for life!
“Thanks for your determination in me, you’ve made me an athlete”
“you have been a positive influence in my life”
“you taught us character, hard work, passion, love, drive, respect, perseverance, commitment, and just so many things.”
“you don’t understand the amount of positive influence you have on people”
“you taught me to do my best, in hockey and in life”
