I keep hearing the locusts (spelling?) in the trees with their fall buzzing sound. This always brings butterflies to the pit of my stomach as I associate the noise with going back to school and two words: performance anxiety. The thoughts of homework, tests, papers, and doing my best to get straight A's flash through my mind and I recollect how nervous I used to be about school. Summer soccer practices morning and afternoon, and running circles around the field after practice also come to mind. Working hard. Trying hard. Not a lot of fun. Always work.
I'm about to embark on my coaching career with a soccer team full of nine year old girls. I'm exhilarated to be a role model and to test out some theories, one of which is: the coach is an influential person. As I hear the locusts, the practice and game schedule is about to be released. Once again I'm faced with performance anxiety. Will I be good enough as a coach? Do I remember all the rules? Will the parents get in my face? Will the girls like me? One thing I know for certain, I will help them have fun and to like themselves no matter the outcomes of the games. And if any parents give me crap, I'll send them into the trees to chirp with the locusts.
1 comment:
Wow! I admire your dedication. A team of 9-year-old girls is a lot like my worst nightmare; especially because they come attached to parents (a challenge you seem prepared to handle). After working with 4-H in my previous job, I discovered the challenges of every tiny movement being blown into an enormous political statement. But, I think you will be great and will serve as a terrific role model for the girls. Good luck!
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