Why??

I have gotten this question a lot lately. I am sure it is having an infant that has sparked the questions again. The last time I got them Peyton was a baby. Why do you coach? You are away from your family a lot. And yes this is true. And it is harder when they are so tiny and all you want is snuggles and they can't be at games as often. Then you factor in the times I complain to my friends about a difficult situation faced from coaching and they really don't get it. So I will explain why..... Because there are years and days where I ask myself that.

1. It's in my blood. I was running on Sunday and the song Reality by Kenny Chesney came on. For those of you who don't do country basically it's about what in your life you do to escape reality and for him it's his music. For me its 32 mins on a Tuesday and Friday night. which brings me to number 2....

2. Teamwork.... Working with a group every day for a common goal and it all coming together. Planning and setting players up to be successful. Calling a play and watching them execute it.

3. The Special years. My first special year was the first year I was with cy fair.... We were the second team. I had 9 kids. I had zero problems. The kids played hard, the played for each other. They were coach able. I was pregnant with Peyton at the time. We didn't win any championships but I smile every time I think about that team and I know in my heart the kids do too! This year is that kind of year. We are talented, the kids play hard, they want to be coached, and most importantly they are in it for each other. It's a "magic" that happens and when it does it fuels you. It's the kind of team I lay awake at night for to make sure I am doing every thing I can for them. Not sure how this year will finish as far as wins and losses but they are special!

4. Winning. I really really really like to win :-)

5. This one is most important.... The kids. Helping to impact a young life and watching them grow on and off the floor. The life long relationships I have with former players. Watching your kids work so hard for something and then seeing them achieve it. That is the greatest part of coaching! Seeing them succeed and take the lessons from basketball and become stronger in all parts of their life. When it's a hard day, week or even season I just look back at the kids and how even in the tough years it was worth it!

So while it really isn't the business of some of the judgement comments about "how do you do that?" And "isn't that so hard", the answer is yes it is. I have times of tears from feeling guilty but I also know denying who I am and not living my life won't make me a better mom. And my career is a calling I don't just draw a paycheck.... I mean let's be honest :)!