“Always remember…”

 

Shared by Breanne Smedley

I was interviewing a coach this week and something she said reminded of a simple truth.

“Good or bad, we always remember our coaches.”

Even in comparison to the teachers and professors I’ve had throughout my education, none stick out in my mind as much as the coaches I’ve had over the years.

I can remember my first day of volleyball in high school. Walking into the gym with my bubble knee pads and spandex that fit more like shorts.

I had only played a little bit in middle school. But I was tall, and people kept telling me I should play.

I remember the first activity our coach, Shannon, had us do.

We had a couple of sticky notes and had to place them in different categories on a large piece of paper on the wall.

The questions:

“I would rather win, but not play very much.” Or “Play a lot but not win.”

Hmmm..I thought. I guess I’ll put mine in the “win but not play very much” category.

2. What’s your goal in volleyball: “Make the team.” Or “Make Varsity.” Or “Play in college or beyond.”

I placed my sticky in the “make the team” spot. I saw other girls putting theirs in the “play in college” column. Wow, that would be a long shot, I thought.

I got through the tryout, doing my best to learn and copy what other people were doing.

At the end, the list was posted. I scanned for my name and was surprised to see it under the “varsity” column.

That day started the now 16-year journey of learning, playing, and coaching volleyball.

That first season is where I became hooked.

Hooked to the idea that my coach thought I could be a good player.

Addicted to the improvement I saw from season to season.

Obsessed with what we could accomplish as a team.

And, looking back, can see the power of a coach of influence.

I remember the words Shannon used, her phrases, her mannerisms, her encouragement, and her belief in me.

To put a gangly, inexperienced player on one of her teams. Then build, cultivate, and push me towards a vision that I never saw in myself-to play volleyball in college.

Now, as a coach myself, it serves as a sometimes daunting reminder.

I get to play a small part in the journeys of young women.

Whether I like it or not, they are always watching, always listening.

And years later, they will have stories to tell, memories to relive, and experiences to look back on to shape how they navigate the world.

Good or bad, they will always remember.

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