Coaches are revered in our society. Young athletes tend to put them on a pedestal whether it is deserved or not. Many coaches have been trained by the media, so they “say the right things”. I wonder if we “be” who we say we are.

Here is a quote from a woman I know nothing about, but her speaking addresses what I say coaching is about–

Every child deserves a champion—an adult who will never give up on them,

who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become

the best they can possibly be.

Rita F. Pearson

Some would say that this is the parent’s job. What about the kids that have a “train wreck” for a family? No one has a greater opportunity to step into the breach than a coach does. So what gets in the way of that happening?

How about our energy is directed toward concerns that we actually have little to say about? We talk about winning which will have nothing to do with winning. Winning is a result. The game is over. What about the process? Our efforts are colored by our attempts to “look good” and attract admiration. Do we have our eye on what the athlete needs and provide an environment where he/she has choices?

Young people want to learn. Some of that is negated in providing our answers to them instead of supporting them in figuring it out for themselves. People can have different views of life when allowed to, and still perform on outstanding teams. Training them is the coach’s job. Great teams are diverse. That’s the richness.

Don’t forget to go to lulu.com and get your copy of Coach Todd’s latest book, “The Art of Losing, Coaching and Thriving in a Made-for-TV World.” It will greatly support your efforts.