The interesting thing about rowing is that you can't really get out of it. This sport is very people oriented, and your team really does turn in to your family.
One of the things I've noticed when coaching the kids is that I no longer really look at the team as my family. Back when I was still a rower myself, I saw everyone as my brothers and sisters or weird uncles and aunts but now that I'm in charge of a team I see them as more of a team and less as family. Don't get me wrong, the kids I coach are absolutely amazing each in their own way and I wish I could take credit for the people they are and the people they will become, but I am just their coach...and I have to act as such.
I try my best to be the person they need me to be, but sometimes its hard. Each athlete needs something else...I more specialized coach, a friend to talk to, a tutor, an opinion, a kick in the butt, or a smack in the back of the head (metaphorically speaking, of course). I'm just one person in charge of 21, and I can't be the person that each kid needs every day. I think I started to look at the kids as a team and less of a family as the job started to progress.
When I rowed it was easy for me to relate and just be good friends or family oriented. I didn't really have to worry about what I was saying or who I was friends with and who I didn't like. It was just...my social life, and that's it. Now its my job and people look up to me. I can't be friends with the kids, I can't prioritize one athlete over the other, I can't hug them or hang out with them after practice. There is a definite line between coach and friend, and I cannot cross it. All of the kids are awesome and its like "heck yeah! let's get lunch and talk about that Biology test you just totally Aced." or "No one wants to see that movie with you? Here, hold on, let me get ready and I'll meet you there." They are all just so great, and smart, and funny and theyre so young... they have their whole lives ahead of them.
I guess I'm just glad I can be apart of their lives, even if its a short time. Even if I can't be their friend, at least I can be there coach and help them out with the few things that I am able to do.
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