Being married to a college diving coach is a life filled with so much heart—heartache, heartwarming moments, and heart-pounding excitement.
It's a journey of love and growth, where each day brings its own unique challenges and joys. If you're a coach's wife or part of the sporting world, you know this life isn't just a role—it's a calling.
The Joys of the Journey:
One of my greatest joys is watching my husband live out his passion. When I see him light up while coaching, pouring his heart into the athletes, it's like watching him step fully into who he was meant to be. There's nothing quite like witnessing his dedication and how he inspires those young men and women to dream big, work hard, and believe in themselves.
I've cried tears of pride watching athletes conquer fears they thought were insurmountable. I've celebrated personal bests that came after months of grueling effort. These aren't just their victories—they feel like ours, too.
Then there are the moments that make my heart swell—like seeing my husband comfort an athlete who didn't have their best meet or hearing a parent say, "Your husband changed my child's life." These are the treasures I hold close when the long days and late nights feel overwhelming.
The Challenges and Sacrifices:
But let's be honest—this life isn't always easy. There are nights when I'm alone with a quiet house, wondering how the meet is going. There are holidays celebrated on alternate days because the season doesn't stop for Christmas. There are missed birthdays, postponed plans, and endless flexibility.
Sometimes, I feel the sting of loneliness. Sometimes, I wish we could have a "normal" family routine, where dinner isn't rushed or squeezed in between practices. And there are days when the weight of it all—his stress, the team's struggles, the endless to-do lists—feels like too much.
But those moments have taught me so much about strength and love. They've shown me how to find joy in the small, simple moments we do get together—like a family movie on the couch or a fun outing with the kids. They've also taught me that even through the hard, there's something so unique and beautiful about our life- the moment when I see the athletes rush to show love and kindness to my children because they are family to them, the way I get to surround them with amazing young people that are showing them hard work, dedication, and teamwork mean so much, and that celebrating another's success can be a moment that shapes tomorrow.
Building a Support Network:
One thing that has saved me time and time again is the community of other coaches' wives. These women are my lifeline. They're the ones who understand without me having to explain. They've sat with me in the hard moments and cheered with me in the good ones. Together, we've laughed, cried, and swapped stories that only someone in this unique world can truly understand.
If you haven't found your tribe yet, I encourage you to reach out. Whether it's through your husband's team, local gatherings, or online groups, finding women who "get it" can make all the difference. They remind you that you're never alone, even when the stands feel empty or the nights feel long.
Staying Grounded:
One of the hardest but most important lessons I've learned is how to stay grounded in my marriage. It's so easy to let the chaos and demands of coaching take over, but I've realized that if we don't intentionally nurture our relationship, it's easy to lose each other in the shuffle.
We've made a commitment to prioritize small moments. A quick phone call during the day or carving out a night for just the two of us once every month—these little things matter so much. They keep us connected, even when the season pulls us in a hundred directions.
Faith has also been an anchor for us. When the days feel overwhelming, we turn to prayer and trust that God is walking this journey with us. We lean on Him for strength, guidance, and the reminder that this life—with all its ups and downs—is part of a bigger plan, and we just must trust His plan for our family, which is always good!
Words of Encouragement:
To my fellow wives in the sporting realm: I see you. I see the sacrifices you make, the love you pour out, and the strength it takes to hold it all together. I see the tears you cry in private, the laughter you share in joy, and the hope you cling to when times get tough.
And I want you to know—you are not alone.
It's okay to feel frustrated or weary. It's okay to wish for easier days. But don't forget to celebrate the little victories—those moments of connection, the thank-you notes from athletes, and the pride you feel when your husband's hard work pays off.
You are an irreplaceable part of this journey. Your presence, love, and faith are the foundation that allows your husband to thrive and his athletes to succeed. You may not always be in the spotlight, but your light shines brightly in everything you do.
This life as a coach's wife is messy, beautiful, and worth every moment. It's taught me resilience, deepened my faith, and shown me the beauty of community. So, to all the wives out there walking this road, let's keep supporting, cheering, and loving—because together, we make this journey extraordinary.