Hey! My name is Courtney Gilmer & I have been a coach’s wife going on 4 years now!! It is a life I have grown to love and appreciate. My husband is a football & baseball coach in a small town in Alabama outside of Opelika. We love our school & love being able to pour into so many lives through this ministry!
What is your favorite part of this lifestyle?-
My favorite part of being a coach’s wife is being apart of a family. Our coaching family has been there with us through difficult times. They are the first people to check on us or the first to be there for us. The people I’ve met through being a coach’s wife will be friendships I will cherish forever.
What is your LEAST favorite part of this lifestyle?
- My least favorite part of this lifestyle is the late nights being alone. At first it was very difficult for me. I was a young, newly married woman living in a new city. Our first year, my husband got me a puppy who is my right hand guy!! I have learned many things about how to keep myself busy & how to cope. Once we truly got a strong coaching family I learned to be okay with it. I have a strong group of women who I count on during tough times of struggle during the seasons.
What is one item you can't live without that makes this life easier?
- My dog, Brady Buc!!! Brady is my best friend. He goes with me to just about every baseball game & keeps me company during the football season late night practices & games. He has became the honorary field house & baseball field dog!!
What is your go to concession stand order or must have snack?
- I HAVE to have cheese fries with jalapeños & a Dr. Pepper! I am convinced if I do not get that, we will lose!! So after every first drive, I go to the concessions & get the normal!
What is the craziest thing you have survived due to this lifestyle?
- The craziest thing I survived was feeding 20 boys at my new house during football season. My husband wanted to feed his group of players dinner every Thursday night. I was extremely anxious at first, but it quickly became my favorite part of the week. I loved seeing the boys bond & just have a good time together the night before a game. It was so fun to see them interact with my dog & play cornhole in the yard! It is now a tradition for our wide receivers!
What is one thing you would go back and tell your younger self?
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I would tell myself to take a deep breath & remember his why. At first I could not understand why the late nights, the long talks, or phone calls were necessary. But after a few years, I see the impact my husband has made on SO many kids' lives. This is his calling & his ministry. I love watching him now. I would go back and tell my younger self to remember the why, the why we are a coaching family.
Connect with Courtney on Instagram @courtshort_ or on Facebook
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