I'll admit it—I'm superstitious.
I'm not sure exactly when it started, but somewhere along the way, being a coach's wife brought it out in full force. Now? I'm a creature of habit on game days. Same socks. Same shoes. Same jewelry. Same pants, shirt, and yes, even the same underclothes. Same pregame meal, same drink, same seat, same playlist, same coffee cup—if it worked last week, you better believe we're running it back.
It sounds a little ridiculous when I say it out loud, but strangely enough, all these silly little superstitions have taught me a lot about life as a coach's wife.
Control What You Can: In a world where so much is out of your hands—the refs, the weather, the injuries, the scoreboard—superstitions give you something to hold onto. Wearing the same outfit or sitting in the same spot might not actually affect the game, but it reminds me that there are things I can control: my attitude, my support, my preparation.
It's a small act of consistency in a life full of uncertainty. And sometimes, those small acts become memories themselves. I can look back on seasons past and remember which necklace I wore during that big playoff run, or which coffee mug was in my hand during a last-second comeback. These 'lucky' items might not change the outcome, but they help me feel anchored, and they tell a story of the journey we've been on.
Respect the Process: Coaches live and die by the process. Every week, they watch film, plan practices, make adjustments. My superstitions are my own little version of honoring the process. They remind me that success doesn't happen by accident. Whether it's a team or a marriage, showing up with intentionality—no matter how small the act—matters.
Superstitions also remind me of a humbling truth: even when you do everything 'right,' things don't always go your way. There have been plenty of games where I followed every single ritual to the letter…and we still lost. But that's life, too. The lesson isn't in the win-loss column; it's in showing up, staying consistent, and being able to hold your head high regardless of the outcome.
Find Joy in the Routine: Let's be honest: football (or whatever sport your coach is in) can consume your life. Superstitions give me small, familiar rituals to look forward to. They're not really about luck—they're about joy. Drinking from my 'lucky' coffee cup or listening to my pregame playlist gives me moments of comfort and fun amidst the chaos.
Even better, these little rituals often become shared moments with others. Over time, friends, fellow coaches' wives, and even family have joined in on my quirks. Someone will catch me reaching for the 'right' earrings and give me a knowing smile. These habits build connection, turning game day into more than just a competition—it becomes a celebration of tradition and community.
Don't Mess with a Good Thing: One of the first things you learn as a coach's wife is that when something's working, you don't mess with it. Whether it's a game plan or a gameday routine, you respect the streak. This lesson carries over into life off the field, too. If a certain routine brings peace to your family during a hectic season, stick with it.
Consistency builds stability. Superstitions may seem silly, but they've taught me the beauty of repetition. Familiar routines provide a sense of order when life gets overwhelming. They help create a rhythm-a heartbeat-that keeps us grounded even when everything else feels like chaos.
Let People Have Their 'Thing': Superstitions have taught me to be more understanding of other people's quirks. The same way I need my lucky earrings, my husband needs his gameday routines. Coaches are creatures of habit, too. Learning to support each other's 'things'—no matter how silly they seem—strengthens our relationship. When I give grace to someone else's routines, I'm reminded that love isn't about fixing or changing someone. It's about showing up for them, quirks and all.
Those small gestures of understanding go a long way in this coaching life.
At the End of the Day, It's About Love: The truth is, no amount of lucky socks or pregame rituals can guarantee a win. But they do remind me of how much I care. These routines are born out of love—for my husband, for the team, for the life we've built together. They remind me why I'm in this, through every win and loss.
They also remind me to be present. Every season flies by. Every game is a memory waiting to be made. My superstitions slow me down just enough to savor the moment.
It's not really about luck. It's about cherishing the journey, celebrating the people beside you, and finding joy in the traditions that make this life so special.