Coaching is a funny world. It is such a public profession with intense public interest that it can’t help but carry some misconceptions and stereotypes. As coach’s wives, we navigate statements regularly that leave us saying, “Huh?” or scratching our (very tired) heads. So, we figured we would offer the truth rather than assume the …
Dear Coach, Mid-season is upon us, and we are in the thick of it. The excitement that kick-started the season back in June is fading. The spark of competition from August is dimming, and long hours have evolved into even longer days. This is the grind. The mid-season grind and Coach, it is tough. At …
Our household includes one coach and one social worker, and I do not think that happened accidentally. I spend my life viewing the world through the lens of “what is happening behind the scenes in this person’s life?” I can’t help but apply that to every child who walks through the doors of my coach’s …
My oldest child greeted me so sweetly this morning. “When are you going to do laundry? I’m running out of clothes that fit.” This is one of my favorite questions, along with, “Did you get more milk at the store?” My children seem to believe I have an internal monitor that lets me know when …
I always consider how the title of a blog post must sound to other people. If you’re not a coach’s wife, I’m guessing this title makes very little sense. What do you mean, “how does that work?” You just pick a church and you go. Why does being a coach’s wife or being a coaching …
In college, Ordell confidently sought opportunities to gain college coaching experience. At the same time, I struggled to find my footing as I juggled jobs with Young Life student staff, personal training, and teaching swimming lessons. I couldn’t figure out how to combine everything I was enjoyed doing and sleep! He knew his calling because …
I’ve been reflecting a lot lately. My mind keeps reverting to memories made. When my kids were younger, for example, I would drop them off at my husband’s practice and watch them run around on the sidelines, anxiously awaiting a fist bump or a bear hug from their dad. They would jump out of the …
There are so many things to juggle in this coaching life; it can sometimes feel like you are in a circus. When I went to coaching school over the summer, I walked in with my husband, and I was in awe of all the booths, people selling various services, and equipment. I looked at him …
When it comes to celebrating a coaching milestone, many coaches’ wives are left wondering how to honor a milestone without going overboard. How do you celebrate these occasions? Are gifts expected? What are the appropriate milestones? First head coaching position, 50th or 100th win? Do we celebrate retirement or is this a time to mourn? …
I’ve started and stopped writing this a million times over. The truth is, as I am writing, I realize the pain is still very fresh. The memories are also deep and I am not sure I can share our story. I also question if this is even the proper outlet. But then I realize, it …
“Where’s Daddy?” — The question that gets asked regularly this time of year. Each time the answer is the same — “He’s at football.” That phrase, “He’s at football.” Sure, that’s where he is, but what he’s doing there is so much more than just the game of football. He’s making boys stronger, physically and …
I am a Seven. If you are familiar with the Enneagram, you’ll know that I tend to be bubbly, carefree, and lively. To be more specific, I am a Seven with a six wing, which means I serve up my spontaneity with a side of anxiety. In short, I sidestep pain, negativity, and unpleasant …
Let’s talk about therapy. Because I’m a therapist. And a coach’s wife. And, this might be just what you need. I am super happy to report that mental and emotional healthcare has lost some of its stigma over the years since I started seeing folks in the early ‘aughts. Thanks to some brilliant awareness campaigns, …
When you walked down the aisle that hot summer day, your thoughts were of the impossibly handsome man standing in front of you, certainly not of the demands of baseball season breathing down your neck while the football hat still hangs on the banister. Exhausted, lonely, tired- the wife of a coach of many sports. …
On June 10, 2019, we arrived at the clinic for a routine ultrasound. We went every two weeks to check the growth of our identical twin boys. My husband had finished coaching morning workouts and would leave for 7-on-7 football after our appointment. Unexpectedly, the ultrasound technician could not find Baby A’s heartbeat. I was …
I don’t know about you, but I hate the saying, “We interrupt this marriage to bring you football season.” I would agree that it is hard, and you have to adapt and make sacrifices and there is never enough time in the day. But I also think there are ways to make the season sweeter …
When I walk out of my room, the bright light stings my eyes. Mom asks why I’m up so early but she already knows the answer. It’s Friday. I’m too excited to sleep on Game Days. “Like father, like son,” Mom says. She gets me. I love Fridays.
Note to the Reader: To read the first part of Crystal’s story read I Married a Black Coach; This is My Story As coach wives, we support our Coach through the plethora of emotions that come along with coaching. We listen when he comes home at an ungodly hour venting about a frustrating practice. We …
One day, I will look back at this. I will reminisce with my husband about the days we are living right now.
Now, I laugh at the mention of an “off-season,” I add two hours on when coach says he will be home in fifteen, and I relish the challenge of attempting anything I’ve never tried before.
