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An Open Letter to my Son’s Future Coach

An Open Letter to My Son's Future Coach | Rochester Mom

Over nearly the past decade, I have enjoyed being able to watch my husband share his time, talent, energy, work ethic, drive, and mental toughness with a local athletic program. We are beyond fortunate to have landed in this precise community in SE Minnesota. My husband has been able to work with many young athletes throughout this short period of time, and selflessly help young athletes work toward their goals.  Being a small piece of the coaching staff helped us assimilate to the community when we first arrived, and I will be forever grateful for the friendships and community we have created. However, now that we have a young family our place in this program is changing. This new season of life has me thinking about the things I pray my son is able to experience with his future coach(es), should he become an athlete.

dad and son in gymnasiumDear Coach,

I want to start with thank you. Thank you for the personal sacrifices you’ve made to commit individual time and attention to my son in order to understand and work toward his goals. This sort of devotion will help shape him into the man he is meant to be and teach him how to make time for all important aspects in his life. Through the countless hours learning technique, building character, and experiencing some wonderful, and maybe other not-so-wonderful moments, he will develop a mental toughness that will carry him throughout the rest of his life. 

Not only are you his coach, but you are also coach to my family. I will be active in my son’s athletic career, but not in the driver’s seat. This seat is for my son, and I support you as his coach in this mission as we work toward common goals developed by my son. 

Thank you for leading with humility and putting each athlete’s individual goals and desires above your own agenda. I may not know all the time and energy you sink into each young athlete, but I do know that your leadership and commitment to the program will reach far beyond the short number of years he works with you and will create a sense of community amongst his teammates and their families. Your wisdom and tenure in this sport help to reaffirm the training and conditioning he will need to achieve his desires on and off the mat. 

Thank you for partnering with my family to help instill qualities in my son outside the athletic area. Always remembering the athlete is a student first, and an athlete second. He is a student in the classroom, on your team, and during daily interactions outside practice and competition. Your respect for others is evident through your actions, which are not limited to the following: the natural ability to shake hands with someone out of respect, looking people in the eye, speaking confidently, taking responsibility for individual actions and developing the tenacity to manage intense emotions with vigor. 

And lastly, thank you for understanding the important role a coach plays in each athlete’s life and for accepting these responsibilities for years after my son is finished with your program. I look forward to experiencing your coaching talents as they reach beyond the competition days.

Sincerely,

Your Future Athlete’s Mom

Perhaps my son will not be a student-athlete; nonetheless, I also believe this letter will also align with his future educators, mentors, or bosses. Each person that walks into my son’s life will play a substantial role and it is imperative that each understands the importance and has the courage to accept the responsibility to fulfill their individual role.

What traits are you praying for in a future coach or mentor for your child? If you are that coach or mentor, what are you looking for from the athlete’s family?

kids playing soccer

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