Coaching Field Hockey

 

Every so often, each of us come across an experience that becomes a changing point in our lives, whether or not we recognize it at that moment or later in our journey though life. Usually these experiences contribute to a changed outlook towards life, a newfound purpose, or even a memory to look back upon with the mindset of positive change for the future. For me, being able to coach middle school field hockey has been a defining moment in my life that has caused me to reflect upon my role in my community and the role I serve makes me proud.

                Over the years I have had extraordinary opportunities to hold several leadership positions that taught me much about life. My motivation for pursuing leadership roles is summed up in the words of John Quincy Adams, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” If I can positively influence the lives of youth by inspiring them to succeed, then I feel that I have accomplished my purpose as a leader. One of my leadership experiences that has changed my life over the last four years and is a cause very close to my heart that I enjoy participating in. I am a field hockey coach at Roosevelt Middle School; the same school and program where seven years ago I learned to play the sport that I love. I enjoy coaching at Roosevelt because I want to share with younger girls the passion and the life lessons that field hockey has taught me. These lessons include how to be a team player, patience with others, self discipline, pursuing your goals, and most importantly, having confidence in yourself and your abilities. If I can go to practice every day and be there for the girls, to be someone that can teach them something, listen to them, compliment them, boost their self esteem, or inspire them dream more, learn more and do more, I feel as if I will have accomplished my goal. I look up to the girls that taught me to play field hockey, and the life lessons that go with it. I know that as a coach, I have the potential to be a role model to young girls which is a very rewarding experience. Coaching has changed my life because it has defined my life as a coach, a volunteer, a leader, and most importantly a role model.

                Coaching field hockey has been a defining moment in my life and has taught me how to be a positive leader, good role model, and more importantly, that I can make a positive change in the lives of others. Whether they know it or not, the girls I coach have changed my life. Seeing these changes makes me proud. Overall, my experience as a field hockey coach has brought me the gratification of service to others and seeing the positive difference I have made has changed my life.

                 Over the past two years I have spent approximately 200 hours coaching field hockey for Roosevelt Middle School. I coached a team for the 2012 season, I coached a team for the Play for Pink breast cancer research fundraiser tournament as well as a team for the 2013 season.

200 hours of action.