I helped coach my dd starting a 8 when she was playing 10U as a catcher.
After the season the coach and organization president asked if I would take over the team. After talking it over with the wife I did.
We had three great years at 10/11U when a dad at 12U in early August decided to make his own team and 5 players left to go with them. His effort went for nothing as the team folded in September with all six looking for a team..
At our tryouts we were looking for 6 players (the most we ever needed). I thought this was most likely it and told DD she would have to try out for several teams and she did even though she did not want too with offers from all 4.
After our tryouts we were able to get 6+ and had a very competitive team. DD said "I told you so"..
She has been my assistant coach, field prep assistant, equipment getter, pitching machine feeder, field rake/drag or liner and someone to play any position needed (but CF) still today...
DD was a good pitcher but she did not like pitching but would pitch when asked and still will pitch to the HS girls she now coaches.
She and I would spend hours at the fields playing HR derby or place hitting drills at buckets. During this time she worked at EVERY position on the field. Even though she was a bigger kid I could have her go to the outfield to track fly balls, show drop steps, getting behind the ball and solid cut off positioning / throws. She played 8 positions from 10 to 14U.
By the time she was in HS she could shag fly balls and field any grounder but; at her size was not an everyday outfielder or middle infielder. She focused on catching, third and first base. She wanted to play first but ended up catching where she played in HS and in college.
At 16 she was running hitting stations at college camps and running strength / agility drills, was well liked by the other ladies younger or older.
Ubers post puts it in perspective...
A lot of parents do not understand the amount of time and dedication coaches kids put into the sport.
We were blessed to have great parent groups on our teams over the years and l was the type that would pull my dd or anyone else if they were dragging the team down.. I even had some parents say I was a little too hard on my dd..but in the end it all worked out well for all...
Anyway, she like most of her teammates are now in college and are playing or coaching a game they love...
Passing that down is the most rewarding of all... Those that get it do those that do not never will...
Know where you want to go. Do not dream about it plan for it. Set goals and Make It Happen!
