I Coach

The break is over, and time to get back to work.  The last 12 days have been, well I am not really sure there is a word to describe them.  Of course Christmas was in there and time with family and so many good times but so was the 12 days a prayer for my team.  I can't think of a word in my vocabulary to describe it so let me just try and write what it was like. 

I started with my head coach and continued down the roster.  Each day I focused on a different player.  I also prayer form them as a whole.  I prayed for them several times throughout the day.  I focused my prayers in two main areas.  I prayed, as my Pastor often says, that God would meet them at their most personal need.  Although I spend so much time with them, I don't know what their personal needs wants and desires are.  I don't know all the intimate things going on in their life, but HE does.  So I just prayed that whatever it was they needed in their life that HE would meet them there and guide them in the way He felt best.  My second focus was on their relationship with HIM.  Again I don't know their heart and could only pray that if they did not know Him personally that He would draw them to Himself as only He could.  I also prayed that He would reveal Himself to them as only He could in a way that they needed.  I also prayed for their families, their academics, and the safety both traveling and in playing.  Last I prayed that no matter the outcome of the rest of the season that they and I would give Him all the honor and glory.

Now this was the first time I had attempted to pray for my players like this and I realized I should have been doing it all along.  Although I was praying for them, God was teaching me.  He was teaching me that in order to really lead them the way I want to lead them, I must first take them to and leave them at the cross.  As a coach, a person and a leader there is only so much I can do.  He has to be a part of what I do.  One ot the Goals I recently wrote for my coaching was that : I will produce a positive change in my players by supporting them and encouraging them.  These past 12 days I have learned that the best way to support and encourage them is through prayer.  Its funny how in today's would we tell people  "I'll pray for you".  But how often do we really do that.  I have learned this week, don't say unless you intend to do it. 

All of that to say this, I now have a new and very different relationship with my players that even they don't know about.  It's amazing how intentionally praying for someone will do that.  It really changes your perspective of them.  It changes how you see them and even treat them.  It's almost if you begin to see them through HIS eyes.  That's what I want to be able to do as a coach.  I want to see my players, opponents, fellow coaches and everyone involved in and around the game as God see's them.  I want to be able to make a positive impact in their lives, not to say I did but because that's what God has called me to do.  I coach because I want to transform my players' sense of their own worth, talents, and values.  Praying for them is the only way to open that door!

12 Days of Prayer

It has been a rough week.  Around the nation people mourn and cling to what they love.  This time made us all stop and think.  We realize so quickly that though we may think we are safe we really aren't  There is evil everywhere.  Unfortunately this week, we were reminded of that yet again.  Although our world will never be the same, we must go on.  I feel in many ways sports helps us do that.  It certainly did for 9/11.  It did a few weeks ago for the KC Chiefs and has for several others this year.  Sports helps us take our mind away from the awful truth of the world if only for a little bit.  So with that said I continue with today's post.

We had a rough game on Saturday.  It was our first conference game and it was a battle.  We had a chance to win at the end of regulation.  All we had to do was hold the ball for a few seconds and it was ours.  Unfortunately, it didn't turn out that way.  Sure there were many other chances we had to put it away and should have but that last few seconds it was just glaring.  Everyone was crushed.  WE had it only to see if slip through.  Then on to overtime.  Again several opportunities slipped right past and in the end we lost by a point.  I have always said as a coach or player that I would much rather loss by 100 than by 1 and that still rings true.  I know that may sound odd to many but there is logic.  If you get beat by 100 you know there was really nothing you can do.  If you lose by 1, you start looking at all the coulda, woulda, shoulda.  IT HURTS!

Walking into the locker room after that game I was disappointed.  Usually, win our lose there is some chatter and laughter coming from the players on the other side of the door.  As I opened it and walked in, I was met with a cloud of SILENCE.  Needless to says coach's post game wrap-up was short, not so sweet and to the point.  As I walked through the silence to exit the door on the other side, my heart broke for them.  I have worked with these girls almost everyday for the last 2 months.  Never had I seen such sadness from them at least not collectively.

That silence and sadness stuck with me the 22 hours.  I thought about what I could do to make things better.  To some how connect with them and let them know it would be better.  As an former athlete, when a lose stings like that you don't anyone saying anything to you.  It's just something you just have to deal with yourself but I still felt compelled to do something.  Then, sitting in church this morning, it HIT me.  The Lord really convicted me to pray for them.  Not only as a team, but each one by name individually.  Most of them are catholic and the others I am not really sure but the fact remains that God loves them all and made them all.  What better way to show my team that I love them and cherish their beings and long to help them than to take each one of them day by day to the feet of my Heavenly Father.  He is their Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace and Comforter.  What better gift could I give them this Christmas than to bathe each one in prayers to the One who knows exactly what they need.

So instead of the 12 days of Christmas, tomorrow I start the 12 Days of Prayer.  I will take the head coach and each player one by one to My Father in prayer.  Each day I pick I different name and left them up.  I don't know all of their needs, fears, worries, etc, but I know the One that does.  I must admit this is a little strange to me.  I have never done this for any team I coach, but the Lord just really laid it on my heart to do today.  If anyone wants to join me here is a link to the roster.  Please feel free to do it as you feel lead.  I know they, like I, could use all the pryers we can get.
http://www.udallasathletics.com/sports/wbkb/2012-13/roster

Withdraw

Well this entry will be short and sweet.  The team has been off sense last Wednesday and starting this week I won't be able to make it to that many practices due to my work schedule.  I realized on the way to work this morning that I am going through basketball withdrawal.  I never really have experienced this before.  Just makes me wonder, if its this bad now, how much worse will it be when the season is over.  Not sure I can handle that.  My hope is that it will be better because I know its over which right now isn't the case since we are in the heart of the season.  Guess we will wait and see.  Hopefully practice tomorrow will take away my withdraw symptoms.

Road Trip!

So its been awhile since my last update.  I had a post ready from the weekend of our opening tip off tourney but I forgot to actually post it.  so we will just skip that one and go on.  I will say we won our home opener and then had a battle the second day and unfortunately just ran out of gas in the end.  But the thanksgiving trip was a different story.

We went on a long road trip to Claremont, California.  Every year our program tries to go to or near the home town of our upperclassmen, especially if they live a good ways form the area.  Our senior point guard is from the LA area, so off we went to play in the David Wells Classic.  Immediately after landing in Cal, we headed to Disneyland for some down time.  The girls had a blast and it was good to get out and have fun.  The next day was spent adjusting to the time difference and getting ready for the job ahead. 

We played a great game on Friday and gritted out a tough win to the host team and won by 5.  The team really didn't play that great but they pulled it out.  The worst part of the evening was that the refs we had made the NFL replacement refs look like Ed  Hochuli, and that's giving them lots more credit than they deserve. 

Saturday morning we went to the K1 speed track and had a blast flying our go-carts around the track and occasionally into each other.  It was a great way to relax between games and just glad no one got hurt. With our team that's always a plus.

Saturday's game was another battle.  We started off so flat we made a piece of paper look fat.  Nothing was falling, really the only thing that seemed to be going our way is the refs were so much better.  The girls fought hard to keep things close and at halftime were only down 6.  Considering we only shot 18% in the first half, that's and accomplishment to be that close.  The second half has been our downfall over the last few games, but this would be different.

We had a great start to the second half and at one point even had a 6-8 point lead.  But then the atmosphere got cold again.  The girls seemed to be losing steam and soon found us down by 13 point with only about 10 minutes to go.  We called a time out to try and light the fire.  Then when it looked like we found a spark the wind blew it right out.  It went that way for several minutes and then all of the sudden, like a California wild fire rushing down the mountain, we got hot.  It all started with a 3 point bank shot, then one of the girls light out the sky with rockets.  Luckily our point guard kept feeding her the ball in perfect timing so she could catch and shot and in the process broke the school career assist record.  Before we knew it, we were back in it.  We tied it, got a lead, they tied back, we took the lead and a bit more and before we knew it all we needed to do was drain the clock and play smart defense.  With only a few minutes left and a down by 5 all the other team could do was foul and hope for the best.  Luckily we made just enough from the charity strip to keep the lead. Finally with less than 10 seconds to go and a 5 point lead, our defense sealed it with a lock down so good they could even get a desperation shot off at the buzzer. 

That made it a nice round trip, 2-0 in front of our senior point guard's friends and family, her breaking the assist record and our team proving they have what it takes to win close games on the road.  Now on to two more games this week and then a bit a of break.  I think after this weekend everyone will be ready for that.

Tip Off Time

Well I must say its been a long time coming but the start of the official season in just about about 40 hours away.  The relationships are getting better.  I really think things for both coaches and players is really starting to settle in and making everyone a bit more friendly and getting to know each other.  It has been a really good week.
Last Thursday we had and Exhibition game against the Australian Institute of Sport.  It basically amounts to the training facility for their junior Olympic team.  While the score was a bit one sided, our girls had a blast and really learned so much about themselves and each other.  They just enjoyed the experience, since most of them will never get a chance to play against and international team, they really took it all in. We are proud of the way they handled the entire situation.  It really became a real bonding experience for us all and gave our leaders a real chance to step up and encourage the team.
 
Friday we host our tip-off tournament.  It will be a great weekend and hopefully in the mix we can pull out a win.  I am looking forward the the entire weekend although I am sure I will crash hard when its all over.  That is to recover just in time to jet off to California for our Thanksgiving tourney.  Guess that's the life of a college coach.  Loving every minute of it!!!!  The late nights, the tired days, the sore muscles, the long drives!  Yeah it takes its toll but hey I rest up for 7 1/2 months for 4 1/2 months of pure joy, passion, love and adrenaline.  Makes it all worth while.  Can't wait to do this for a living.  I long for the days to make what I love ALL that I do!!!!!  They will come, Lord willing!

Relationships

I have been contemplating over this post for several days.  I am not really sure where to begin or even what to write about.   Its been a week and a half.  I am finally beginning to find my voice at practice and speak up when I feel its appropriate.  Its different but its nice, I think.  I am starting to build a re pore with some of the girls.  I was walking across the parking lot to the gym a few days ago and from across the street I heard someone yell, "Hey Coach C."  I smiled turned and waved at two of our players.  Lately as soon as I walk into the gym I hear a few more, "Hey Coach C" 's and it makes me smile. 

I think the hardest relationship to forge is the one with my head coach.  Not sure if its her or me or a little of both but its just not gong as well as I hoped.  Don't get me wrong, we get along well and we often just chit chat but that true coaching bond hasn't happened yet.  My thinking is that its because we are so different both in our backgrounds and coaching styles.  She played ball t a a D 1 school and I barely played in high school.  And as I have learned from my readings lately she is more of a transactional coach and I am working to be more of a transformational coach.  Its tough, when I see her do things or says things that I don't necessarily agree with but it is her program and so I don't feel its my place to say anything. 

One thing is has helped my realize is that Lord willing one day when I am a head college coach, I will do my best to make any assistants I have welcome and glad to be there.  I will give them specific jobs and a say in things rather just coming along for the ride.  I want to mentor them as much or even more than I mentor my players.  I want them to know they are an important part of the team.  I am learning first hand just how hard being an assistant college coach is.  If I take nothing else form this experience, its how or not how to treat, deal with and mentor assistant coaches. 

I know with relationship between the head coach and I will get better as we feel more comfortable with each other.   It takes time to build lasting relationships.  I will do my best to make it easier and can only pray and ask the Lord to guide me along the way and if nothing else be a good influence and witness to her just simply through my words actions and deeds.

First week !

 
Wow what a week!!!  I wasn't sure if i would survive but I did.  I think I have finally learned all the girls names and can even call them by the correct one when needed.  I am starting to feel more and more comfortable around them and getting in there and giving them tips and coaching them up, slowly but surely.  I even have a few girls that I am really boding with and hopefully lots more of that to come.  They are starting to feel comfortable with me too it seems  most of the will at least say "hey Coach C" when i walk into practice and others will actually ask how things are going and carry on a conversation. 

You know it really funny the difference between high school and college.  I never really  thought about it before and even though they are about the same age, there is a big difference.  When coaching high school you still have to talk to them as "kids" not like little kids but still not adults.  College you talk to them like adults but not as equals since you are their coach.  Its a fine line that's hard to find sometimes and can often be different with each person. 

I am learning so much, i couldn't begin to tell you about.  Although I miss being the head coach, its a nice change of pace to be involved and yet take a back seat.  Problem is I don't think i want to stay int he back seat.  I at least want to move up the the passenger side front.  I know that's where I should be and I know that I will eventually get there.  Its just gonna take time.  My goal this week is to feel comfortable enough by Friday to to step and and be vocal in practices more and show every one I really know how to coach.  That way when games start I'll be comfortable enough to do it there.  I know I have to pick my times wisely so not to "take over" but I know once I do it things will come so much easier.  I'll let you know how it goes!

Practice Makes Perfect

Well today was the first day of practice.  It was the most excited and nervous I have been about one one thing all at the same time.  I decided I am just gonna ease myself into it for a day or two.  For the most part I just observed.  That was a good thing because I helps me remember that I am not in complete charge of everything as I am used to being.  I thought it would be hard to not just jump in there and do it but it turned out it wasn't, at least for now.  Maybe as things go along it will be.  The head coach had me do some drill stuff with them which was good.  Got me involved at a nice pace.  The we split up into groups and I got to do a bit of coachng and instruction.  I am sure more will come out as i feel more comfortable with the the whole idea. By the end of practice I was felling pretty good.  I could name most of the players and got at least half of those names actually for the correct person.  I was settling into my role pretty well.  Kinda nice not having all the pressure of being the head coach but still being able to coach.  The girls are great and easy going.  The head coach is awesome and we get along really well.  If tonight is any indication this is gonna be and awesome year.  I really impressed myself with taking to it so well.  I can even run the offense through in my head, which is saying a lot considering I have never seen anything like it before.  Yes we have a long way to go but things are off to a wonderful start.  Next mile stone is first game.  Got exhibition game on Nov 8 (my birthday) then first really game Nov 16th in tip off tourney.   Tine for a second countdown???

First Team Meeting

Well Just had our first team meeting.  and while it was mostly boring stuff it was nice to finally meet some of the girls or at least see their faces.  Its also nice to see that they are just as excited about the season as I am.  The head coach introduced me and told the girls a little about me and that was about it.  After the meeting was over there were a couple of girls who actually came up and introduced themselves, which was really nice.  Also got my official playbook but and some free clothes, with a promise of more to come.  On the way home I couldn't sit still driving, I was giddy with excitement.  It was all I could do not to drive 90.  I think i may have to pinch myself come the first practice and game to see if this is really happening, although I am sure the knots and butterflies in my stomach will be enough to tell.  To quote for Jimmy Buffet, "Come Monday I'll be alright."  OK maybe not exactly but Monday does start practice so at least I'll be better.  If you miss it on my Facebook I did put a countdown timer just to let you know how excited I really am.  http://www.timeanddate.com/countdown/basketball?iso=20121015T19&p0=70&msg=Pracitce+Begins

I know its short but that's about it.  Maybe more after Monday!!!

First Act

So I just back back from my first "official' act as a college coach.  I met the head coach at a tournament to scout/recruit some players.  I will have to admit, that yes I was a bit nervous going in, but also very excited.  It was was really cool getting to go into the "NCAA coaches only" door a and sitting in the "NCAA coaches only" area.  I figured we'd both just sit there together and kinda discuss the process and who and what she was looking for and just enjoy the games.  However, she gave me a brief 5 minute overview about what to look for gave me a list of players and said, "I'll be over at the next court if you have any questions." 
At first I was like um OK sure now what.  Then I realized that even though she hadn't known me that long she obviously trusted my judgement and skills enough to be able to do it on my own.  I was honored but still very nervous not to let her down. 

I'll admit it was very strange sitting in that "special area" watching players for the soul purpose of trying to get them to come to my school to play.  I have 'scouted' teams before for the purpose of knowing how to play against them later, but never have I watched a game or players for recruiting purposes.  I found myself in the first part of the game going between coaching mode and pure spectator mode.  It was tough because I wasn't coaching in the game but I needed to be in some sort of coaching mode.  However, I also wanted to enjoy and take in all aspects of the game without just watching it for pure entertainment.  I think I found my happy medium about halfway through the first 15 minute period, or at least that's about when I looked down at my paper and noticed all the notes I had taken.  Once I was able to pick out the 3-4 players on each team that I thought would work best for what we were looking for, I settled down and really focused in on my "mission". 

As I sit here and write this, I have no idea if any of those girls I took notes on will ever come to our college and play basketball.  I hope that at least one the 8 or 10 that I took notes on will.  If so, the coolest part about it is knowing that I was there for the beginning of the process and I was the one that put them on our radar.  Now I am not sure if that's pressure for the future or more like wishful thinking.  All I know is that I am going to learn more this season than I ever thought possible.  The next chapter in my basketball education started today and I am extremely excited about what lies ahead.  I know it will be hard, pressure packed and a whole bunch of other things.  The best part about it all:  I GET TO LIVE IT!!!

Counting Down!

So it's Only 3 weeks until the season actually starts.... but whose counting.

In anticipation of the season I have been reading a book that I saw on a commercial sometime back.  it's called Inside-out Coaching By Joe Ehrmann.  That name might ring a bell for some as he was a former NFL defensive lineman.  Even though I've only gotten through the first couple of chapters, because its more fun to play video games than read, it has really made me stop and think about the upcoming season and how I will be as a college coach.

The premise of the book is to be a transformational coach rather than a transactional coach.  A transactional coach coaches for what he/she can get out of it or to make the players have the results that the coach desires.  This is in direct contrast to a transformational coach.  A transformational coach has a much deeper reason to coach.  A transformational coach is "dedicated to self-understanding and empathy, viewing sports as a virtuous and virtue-giving discipline....Believing young people can grow and flourish in sports in a way that is more liberating and instructive than can be achieved through almost any other activity."  In other words  a transformational coach coaches their players to seek to transform their sense of their own worth, talents, and values.  A transformational coach is dedicated to 5 basic principles: 1.) Nurturing Community, 2.) Classroom like instruction, 3.) Empathic Communication, 4.) Joyful competition, 5.) Spirituality of ceremony.

Through all of this I began to realize the true nature of my impact over the past 6 years with the high school girls i have been working with and now how that moves onto the college girls I will work with.  I'd like the think that over the years I have done a decent job of transforming the lives of my players.  I have tried, without not it, to be a transformational coach by using the sports I coach to teach greater lessons to my players and help them see greater things that they may not other wise.  I have even had some parents tell me they were grateful for my coaching in the way and teaching their daughters more about character and life lessons through sports.  To me that is just a confirmation that I have done things the "correct" way.  I see it like this.  God would not have blessed me with the opportunities I am getting if I weren't doing it the "correct" way.  And although I have not always coached at schools where I could bring God into basketball, I'd hope that by my actions and the way I coached they could see Him there without me saying.

I don't say of all that to "toot my own horn" about what I good great i was or to pat myself on the back for being a transformational coach.  I do it simple to remind myself to keep doing things this way.  God has so blessed me with coaching opportunities that I could never have imagine or gotten on my own.  He has rewarded me by allowing me to be able to take this next step to me dream.  This reminds me to keep doing it that way and He will continue to bless me so that one day that dream will come to a full reality.

My favorite quote so far in the book is " Sports don't build character unless a Coach possesses character and intentionally teaches it."  That's the legacy I hope I have left to my high school girls and the legacy I hope to continue throughout my coaching career. 

My Biggest Fan

Every successful coach MUST have a strong support system.  If it were not for the people behind me, I wouldn't be able to do my "job" as well.  David has sacrificed so much over the past 6 years just so I could follow my dream.  He has not just been behind me every step of the way, he's been beside me walking it right along with me.  He's been on the sidelines when needed, he's been the voice of reason when needed, he's been behind the scenes living the life of a coach, given up his time with me and doing it with so much love and joy.  That is something I can never thank him enough for.  I give him the credit, although he won't take it, for finally talking my into going for the college thing.  I don't know if I would have had enough courage to do so without him.  I know things can't be easy for him at least for the 4 months of the year.  But you never hear him complain.  I have told him several times lately, "You know things are going to be much different now with the college.  Lots more time will be needed.  Night away and such."  His usual reply,"  I know that, but its your dream.  I am just happy to see accomplish it."  WOW!!!  Couldn't ask for a more perfect support system.  I often wondered growing up what was really meant by being a cheerful giver.  Now all I have to do is look at that handsome man standing beside me.  Yes i know not exactly what the Bible meant but it is true.  He is basically giving me up, a good meaning here, giving me the opportunity to do what i love and dream of doing.  With that he is giving up his time with me and doing it cheerfully,meaning he is more than happy to do it.  He tells me often.  I just want to see you happy.  It has taken me 6 years but I think I am finally beginning to understand.  He is more than happy to be my support.  MAN I LOVE THAT GUY!!!

Bench warmer to Coach

Too many times I have set out to try and keep up with a blog but always fail because I just loose interest in either the blog or the topics.  However, I think I have found a good combination that will keep me busy at least for a few months until I get in the habit well enough to keep it going.  want to know what that topic is?  BASKETBALL.

As many of you know I have a true passion for basketball.  I played it in high school, although some would say not very well.  However, those years of mostly "riding the pine", gave me some invaluable experience that I believe made me a much better coach than I ever was player.  I learned the game from observation.  I learned the ins and outs of the game.  I learned the situations of the game and how to or how not to handle them.  I learned how to handle and not handle players.  I learned how to coach and not coach them game.  I basically learned how to be a true student of the game and how to makes those around you better.  I learned those things that can't be taught in school or by a coach.  Those things that can only be learned by in depth observation. I did all of this by watching junior high, high school, college and even some pro basketball.  Its not learned in books although i read several of those as well.  I learned from watching true basketball movies such as Hoosier's and Glory Road.  I learned how to coach by not only observing the game and the players but the coach's as well.  Coach's like those I had at JMS when I first really starting play.  Those like Eddie N., who really showed how a coach needs to care about his payers and how they carry themselves.  Those like T.D.  Who had a passion for the game and a heart for his players with the gentle caring spirit that he taught us how to play.  Those like Sonny who for lack of better terms show me how to fight for what you now is right even if others think its wrong.  Those like Missy, though I never actually player for her at college, I went to most home games and learned how to coach the game with passion and intensity that flows to the players.  I spent years watching Pat Summitt win NCAA championships.  Also learning valuable lessons about what it takes to win.  I learned a side of here that most people don't from reading her books and books about her.   Those things like how to put players first, how to treat players as people, how to allow your team to bond well.  She is an inspiration to all coaches and all women.
All of these things culminated in my life shortly after I graduated seminary and began coaching.  I spent one year at a local christian Private school coached 6th, 7th and 8th graders.  The next year i made the move to a local christian high school.  I helped build an almost nonexistent program into a decent team.  I stayed there for 2 years .  Then I took a step away for a year only to find out I missed it too much so i volunteered to teach a group of 5th grade boys in a city league.  Then I went back to the high school scene.  This time to a private school for students with learning difficulties.  This program had made national news just 2 years earlier for being on the wrong end of a lopsided score, to say the least.  I worked hard to give the program its respect back and learned more from these girls and parents then I could have ever imagined.  That's where I am today.  Looking into the future ready for October 15th to roll around.  However, I am more nervous now looking forward than ever before.  Why?
I'm going back to college.  No not as a student but as assistant coach.  Yes that's right, I have gone from high school bench warmer to college coach.  I have had a semi-secret dream since the summer of 1992 at JMS, when my basketball career officially started.  That dream, to become a college head coach.  I know it was there all along but it hasn't been except in the last few years I have began to really let it out.  I guess turning 30 will do that to a person.  So as I look forward to October 15th again this year, I also look forward to my step big step to my dream becoming a reality.  That's where this blog fits in.  As I begin that road to my dream, I want to share it with you.  Follow me through the season as i share thoughts and insight to what its really like to see your dream become reality.