The Next Chapter

You know those chick-lit books where the story starts off with a woman finding out her husband is cheating on her and she's about to be a divorcee and broke?  My story is nothing like that...except for the fact that I, like the heroin in the books, do not know what will happen next.

The 2011 Michigan Softball season ended today in a 2-1 loss to Kentucky.  It was heartbreaking since the team was leading 1-0 heading into the 7th and did not walk away with a win.  It would have been a long, tough day had they won since another game would have occurred to determine the Super Regional participant.  Notice I used "them", "the team", "had they won".  I'm already preparing for interviews.  Yes interviews, job applications, resumes, cover letters, figuring out what a summer professional outfit looks like, etc. 
Ed, EV, and I are entering into the next chapter of our lives.  Today was my last day as the volunteer assistant coach at the University of Michigan.  It was a day of mixed emotions.  I am disappointed my time here at Michigan will end with a loss at regionals, that the team was not able to accomplish their goals.  At the same time I am ready to close one door to open another.  It is time and has been time for me to move on.  I look forward to the increased responsibilities, time commitment and level of involvement in a new program.  That doesn't mean I won't miss the women I have had the pleasure of coaching and working with.  Here are a few things I have learned in my time:

1) It's a long season.  Things can change in an instant and they can also change so slowly you don't even notice.

2) Having a clear message to the players is crucial.  As a coach, even if you don't completely agree, especially when you don't completely agree, you sell that message like God himself came down and told you in a dream.

3) When working for Hutch, always carry key items in your backpack: mint gum, extra pens, peanut m&ms, extra set of reading glasses (or just always track where her glasses are and where she had them last), score cards just in they are forgotten, extra clipboard for when she loses hers, phone charger (just buy an extra one of hers, it's worth the extra money you won't be reimbursed).

4) There is no point second guessing yourself, it only leads to sleepless nights. I have no problem with thinking "what would I do next time?"

5) Every player is different.  What motivates one may tear down another.

6) You don't always have to be right. 

7) Being the 4th person in line can be tough when you're ready to move forward.

8) Playing for women who have coached you can be tough.  You will always be their player and they will always be your coach.

9) Everyone loves a little recognition from time to time whether it is public or just a "good job".  Volunteer coaches substitute this for money.

10) Just because you say something one day does not mean the player will remember it a week (or day, hour, minute) later.  I'm assuming parenting will be very similar.

11) Actual coaching is a small part of the job.  The other 75% is spent budgeting, recruiting, attending department meetings, paperwork and figuring out if you just committed an NCAA violation.

12) Creating an environment where athletes are not afraid to fail is very difficult.  It requires consistently praising them for putting themselves out there and attempting to improve.  It means you have to keep an encouraging demeanor nearly the entire game. Failures should be seen as a path to success, not the end of the road. 

13) The game doesn't know who should win.

14) Expectations are funny things.  All you can control is your approach.  The second you start expecting to get ______ (hits, homeruns, Big Ten championships, All-American honors) you never do.

15) Bad habits always come back to bite you in your final game.  You may be good enough to beat Saint Mary's School for the Blind but that's not what you're training for.

There are more I'm sure and I'll post those as I remember them.  As for now, I am a job-seeking, temporary stay at home mom.  I am challenging myself to draw strength from my faith and trust the Lord that my family will be provided for next year. 

The time has come, the time is now, just go, go, go, I don't care how.