A Coach's Christmas Morning

 

As the summer draws to a close and school is ready to start, I am reminded that Basketball Season is just around the corner.  Its this time of year that makes me as excited as a kid on Christmas morning.  I usually lay awake at might dreaming of and preparing for the season ahead.  The first day of practice is just like my Christmas morning.  No matter how many seasons I coach its always the same.  However, as the excitement builds so do the nerves.  I have been told several times that I shouldn't be nervous cause I've been doing this so long, but then again no matter how ling I have been doing this, the nerves always come.  Its the best of both worlds I guess.

This year is no different.  Our first team meeting is only a few weeks out and I feel like I have this huge present in front of my ready to tear the paper off and see what's inside.  At the same time, I am nervous to see what gift is inside.  I already know that this year will be totally different than any other.  This is because of several different factors.  First, the caliber of players I have.  This group of girls that I will be coaching will probably be the most talented group of girls I have ever coached.  I again am both excited and scared to death because of this.  Second, the nature of the team I am coaching.  It is a home-school team and I am quickly learning that they are a whole different breed.  That's not anything bad but you just have to learn to deal with not only the players but the parents in a different way.  One good thing with this is the level of support I have already gotten form the parents and leadership.  It is AWESOME!  If you take all the support I have had in the past and double it you still really can't come close to their level.  The third factor is probably the most important in that I know that I am where I am suppose to be.  In the past I coached for the fun, the job and the competition, and me.  This year I have a whole new mindset in that I coach for ONLY one reason, TO BRING GLORY TO GOD!  This again is both exciting and scary for so many reason.

So with each passing day I sit there looking at my present, waiting anxiously for mom and dad to finally wake up so I can rip the paper off and see what "Santa" brought this year.  Maybe if we make enough noise they will get up?!?!?