Attention

I get to actually spend about 3 hours a day coaching; or training as they call it here. Training seems like as good as a word as any since I am trying to get players to replicate an action over and over without hesitation.

I think of a trainer as someone who prepares a boxer. I got a lot out of watching Million Dollar Baby. I can see many a similarity in what I do and what Eastwood's character was trying to do. It was most relevant since we both work with girls.

Soccer enthusiasts or purists probably think the women's game is awful. I grew to really like it because I stopped comparing it to the men's game and accepted it for what it was--and is...

Soccer is soccer. You could insert any activity in its place but it happens to be my current life's work. I don't get insulted when my peers poke fun at the women's game and my contributions to it. I think they are missing out. First, girls don't have much of an ego to deal with, so right away they are more pliable and team oriented. Secondly, they really care what you think so they are always trying hard to impress you. Lastly, and most importantly to me, a hug can get a lot out of a player without it being awkward.

I had my first former player reach the professional ranks this year. She was drafted 43rd overall in the WPL draft by the Boston Breakers. I only worked with this player for 2 years; but it was her last two years. She went on to be an ACC standout. When she met me we had lunch and she told me she wanted to play pro soccer. I believed her, although there wasn't a viable league at the time, I knew she would seek one out. Fortunately there is a league of their own now...

The worst part of the job is having to explain shit to parents all the time. I don't have parental answers for them, and frankly, I'm looking for my own answers regarding my own kid. But what I do know is how to get a player to the next level. Having to reassure the player is one thing, but the extra weight of educating the parent is painful.