Thanks
Quite an end to our run together.
I thought it was kind of fitting that the player who has been with me the longest on this team, Erin scored the last goal for the Flash. (even without cleats).
While I have to admit this season has been one of the most frustrating, that has more to do with weather and other factors. I knew this age is a tough one to get at least 11 girls together. I had the same problem with my daughter’s team. The advantage they had was that we had girls from 9 different high schools so we usually didn’t lose too many all at once. I said I’d be supportive of doing other things and we managed for the most part.
But one thing is for sure, individually, you were all wonderful to coach. You made me laugh and you made me so proud. The year we moved up a division, then went undefeated in that division will always be a great memory.
Parents: You’ve all been great. I never once heard complaints from any of you and trust me that makes things so much better. Not once did I get questions about playing more or playing a different position or the worst of all asking me why someone else’s daughter was playing at all. I think we’ve all been on the same page for years now. If your daughters are happy then it’s all good. That has always been one of my philosophies. This is just a game, something you’re meant to have fun with. Yes, there is structure and discipline to it, but I never meant for any of that to get in the way of it being primarily fun.
Some asked and I agreed to do indoor if they’re still interested when that time comes around. But I think that will be the extent of what we do. I know how kids get at the end of their senior year. This time next year would be far worse than it was this year as far as having other things to do. That’s not something I really want to go through. So while this season was far from a perfect ending, it will be the end for most of you with me.
With my daughter’s group, I went to a lot of their graduation parties (If you invite me, don’t bother inviting me through facebook) and some of them still write me an e-mail on occasion or ask for a reference, which I’m always glad to do. I even have a dream that at least one person one day will even invite me to their wedding. My goal was never to just teach you soccer. I wanted to try and instill a sense of responsibility as well. (It didn’t always work, but I tried). But I also wanted to always be a positive influence on you in these complicated years. I hope I succeeded better with that one than the responsibility one. If I can ever help you in some way, all you have to do is ask and I’ll do what I can for you.
As I gripped my steering wheel, hanging on for dear life last night, I began thinking of each of you. I toyed with the idea of writing to each of you, but I knew I’d forget something and then think of it later, only to want to write again. So I’ll just keep my memories to myself. I will mention one thing. The book you made for me a few years ago is still one of my most cherished possessions. Whenever I need a good lift, I pull that out and read the letters many of you wrote to me that season.
So many coaches have winning as the ultimate goal. It’s when I think of this team and the wonderful people (players and parents) that I’ve come to know that winning seems so inconsequential. You people are the ultimate reward.
So, thank you everyone for all the great years.
Kevin
More about me...
Well in my continuing effort to write for the fun of it, here is another installment that I’ll entitle “My Inner Geek”. I know that if I told my wife and kids that I was going to write something like this, they’d beg me not to, but I’ll ignore them. After all if you believe strongly in something, why not share it... (More)
Shameless Advertising - Payroll/Construction
I work for a couple of companies. One of which is a payroll company. (Midwest Pay Link, inc.). If you or anyone you know is looking for a payroll company, contact me and I'll get the owner to talk to you about it. We do payrolls from 1-1200 employees and offer just about anything you could ever need.
Also, if you need anything from a deck to a new kitchen to an entire house built, please consider Rath Construction. This is my son-in-law's company. He does great detailed work. You can see many pictures of his work on his website, but if you ever want to see his biggest project, come by my house and we'll show you around. (He built it).
Team Sports
I enjoy writing and sharing my views on things. None of you have to read all of this, but I hope you do. It will give you an idea about some of my approaches to this team.
There is so much to be gained by playing sports on a team. Unfortunately, because of the professional ranks about the only reason we ever hear about is money. Sure, some people talk about the joy of winning championships also, which is definitely a joy. But most of us will never get paid to play sports and we will never be on the front page of any newspaper for winning so are you all wasting your time? (More ...)