Everyone always talks about the seasons where they make it to the playoffs…
But what about the ones that you don’t? Or those who have never made it to gold ball season.
I won’t lie, as a wife and now player's mom, I often want to deactivate my Facebook and Instagram post-season.
The jealousy of seeing everyone post about another gold ball and another postseason appearance is REAL! If I deactivate or stay off social media, I don’t have to see all the success everyone is having while we are home, licking our wounds when our season is done.
Don’t kid yourself, though, I’m still watching the app every Friday night, seeing who is winning!
The end-of-season blues are real, and feeling them year after year can drain you. It makes you wonder why not us? My husband is a great coach and puts his all into every season, just like most of those in the postseason. Do we not know the right people? Is it because we have a bubble and won’t move all over Texas?
Of course, the gold balls and money are NOT what you do this for AT all. It’s not what makes it worth it. It’s definitely so much more than that, but when you have coached for 17 years and have only seen those gold balls 3 times, it does sting and make you question things.
Of course, there are seasons when it’s so far out of reach, and you know it’s building time, so you’re ok with holding out for the reward. Then there are seasons when you’re just points away or maybe a win away from getting in and making a run. This season, we were just 8 points away from second in the district, but ended up 5th, without a playoff spot!
It hurts for me, my husband, the staff, the players, and the community. Everyone wants to be in the postseason chasing gold balls. I always say to the haters, “If my husband could go out there and make the play to get us to that next level, he sure WOULD!” Turns out that’s frowned upon!
The past 3 seasons, our oldest has been on the field with our coach, and it adds another level to the emotions! I think it’s harder when your own child is a player on that field with your husband because you want them to experience that together. It’s something we have dreamed about since having a son!
So to the wives' season that ended without a gold ball…I see you, I feel you, and I’m PRAYING for you.
**This space is about supporting the women behind the sidelines. We’ve created a few favorite wear-on-repeat pieces inspired by this life, just in case you want to check them out!**