This past week signaled the end of a season. It was my youngest daughter’s Senior Soccer season, to be exact. Though this sort of thing is bittersweet, there is plenty to be happy about. And while we think of high school sports as a chance for our young people to learn life lessons (and they have), I am impressed by the amount of things this team has taught me. So here are just a few lessons I learned from this year’s Coshocton Girls Soccer Team. Keep Showing Up: The fact is, this team did not have a great record. It’s not a knock. The record is what the record is. But what impressed me was how they showed up, every game, and competed hard. Whether they were winning or losing, they kept showing up. This bodes well for them in life. Because whether we like to admit it or not, life is not filled with undefeated seasons. There are losses. The true measure of an individual, or a team, is whether you keep going. Stay Classy: After every game, win or lose, our team (coaches and all) gathered around the center of the field with the other team for a prayer. This is not a faith issue for me. This is a grace issue. As a person who is way too competitive, this is a lesson I need to learn. After the game, win or lose, be classy. Real Leadership Shows When Things are Tough: Everyone looks good when things are going well. That’s why you hear coaches say “winning cures everything.” Maybe. But the real leaders show up when times are tough. This team did not yell and scream and blame. They lifted each other up. They cheered each other on. That, my friends, is leadership. Just Keep Getting Better: I usually judge a team and it’s coaches by how much they progress during a season. If they are well-coached and they have heart, they get better. They play their best at end of the season. For two years in a row, that has been true of this team. Caring > Winning: This is for the coaches. Most adults know (intellectually) that this is high school sports. It matters. But it doesn’t really matter in wins and losses. Most of the kids will not go on to play in college. Even fewer will go pro…in sports. But they will go pro in other things. That’s what the lessons are for. So when it comes to my daughter, and these other young ladies, I appreciate how much you care about them…not the record. Thanks for that. As I said, this was a great season Thanks ladies, for the memories, the inspiration and the lessons! Make sure you never miss a lesson! Sign up for our VIP newsletter below!
