07/05/2020
Good morning and happy forth of July.
This post is something that I have been wanting to write for sometime now.
I have coached for over 25 years in Softball and Baseball and have been really focused more on the winning side then really understanding what coaching is truly all about.
With the state of the world with Black Lives Matter and Covid 19 I'm really trying to set my priorities in a different way.
Now don't get me wrong I love coaching and instructing kids but I'm doing some sole searching on what message I'm really trying to send. My goal is to connect with everyone I coach and make sure they are getting the best out of me and my coaching.
I have a group of players on my 16U team that I'm so proud of. At our last practice we sat down for 45 minutes to discuss our likes, concerns and dislikes about the season so far.
We went around the circle and asked everyone to give their opinion and holding nothing back. Each player had comments like we need to bond as a team, we really don't know each other, at practice we need to work harder and etc.
I spoke next about the prior weeks tournaments.
What I told them as a collective group is that Im very proud of them for never giving up.
What really brought this one to my attention is other coaches, players and parents approaching my players to try to recruit them before this shorten season is even half way done.
Now I cannot prevent players from leaving our organization for another. But what I can do is be more of a coach of life lessons and make sure that winning is not always the top priority but learning is.
Sure winning is always fun but not at the expense of pushing parents and players away.
My goal has changed Im looking for kids who want to learn how to bond with their team mates, learn how to play at a higher level, bring a great attitude to the table, not be afraid of hard work, and have their priorities set to keep reaching for higher goals.
The 16U team that I am currently coaching is starting to bond and reach for the higher goal.
I am so proud of them for the never give up attitude and the way that each of them is improving.
Right now I would not trade this team for any other team out there and I am looking forward to the rest of the season.
Remember sports builds confidence, maturity, and makes you learn life lessons.
Just understand I have your backs and I promise I will never stop teaching each of you.
Thanks Coach Rich Bernstein
