athletes Archives - Friday Night Wives

I Wasn’t Prepared for this Life as a Coach’s Wife

I was not prepared for the pride and joy in this investment. Over and over I find that my heart is not prepared, but in many ways I can’t fully explain, instead it is renewed and repaired.

Faith, Family, Journal

Dear Upset Parent, From the Coach’s Wife

Next, there is a time and a place for this conversation. It is not now, not after a game, no matter the outcome. It is not while his family, friends, colleagues, and community are watching. Not in the middle of the field or outside the locker room. Certainly not at the volume you are speaking; ...

Family, Journal

Confessions From a Second Mama

I sat in that gym while my husband played basketball with my favorite teenager for hours after practice. No talking, no crying, just turning all his emotions into jump shots and the world’s biggest hug when we took him home. That’s all he needed.

Journal, Resources

The End-of-Season Debriefing Practice and How to Do It

We wanted an intentional way for our boys to process the experiences and emotions of the season rather than “just” having them turn in their equipment and move on to the next thing.

Journal, Resources

Why Football? 7 Ways Kids Benefit

It truly is a special thing to see when teammates and coaches come alongside their hurting brother and lift them up.

Family, Journal

To Daddy’s Players, From the Coach’s Daughter

Always remember that I learn from the examples that I see. You are my first heroes and who I want to be when I grow up. Please set out large shoes for me to fill. I am counting on you.

Journal

A Tribute to All the Fans in the Stands

I look for her now. I’ll glance at the stands and see if she’s there. She’s forever my reminder that supporting the ones we love is the only reason any of us should be there. I try to take her enthusiasm, authenticity, and gratitude and tuck it into my soul, remember there is something about ...

Journal

In Defense of “The Parents”: a Reminder for the Coaching Family

Remember that we coach in their sacred spaces. We are coaching the people they have loved, raised, cried, and prayed over long before we got them. For some, we are coaching their validation of self. I’m not making excuses for poor behavior, I’m offering a space for us to gather some empathy for ...

Family, Journal

A Note to Our Past Players: The Things You Didn’t Know

So when you come home to visit your family, don’t forget to come visit ours too. If you’re passing our house on the way out of town and you think about pulling in the driveway, do it. That bonus room in the new house is being built with you boys in mind—a place where the boys can always gather. ...

Journal

When You Lose a Player

My professional training is as a mental health therapist so I assume that is why we have received quite a few of these phone calls from coaching colleagues over the years. Through our own difficult experiences and those of others, I am hopeful that I may be able to share some tips here that can ...

Family, Journal

Dear Seniors, This is What I Want You to Remember

Mostly though, Seniors, I want you to remember that your place at our dinner table is still there and we are always a phone call away. We understand that family ties are not exclusively created with blood, and we are always happy to welcome teammates back home.

Journal, Popular

High School Coach Resigns Due to Parent Politics … And It’s Time to Say Something Out Loud

You know what IS the best for them?

Overcoming adversity.
Working harder than everyone else.
Getting better just for the sake of being better than they were yesterday.
Learning to have hard ...

athletes

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