(cont'd)
High and above the awards though was to see the girls beside their peer group and notice the changes over the season in their maturity and independence. I expect a lot from my group in these areas, but give them independence and control that other coaches don't in return. We work closely on learning to set and achieve goals and how to successfully figure out how to hit different features. The results of this are that the girls are learners, they don't just wait for me to tell them how to do it, they are relating it to other things they have hit, asking and watching other people do it, and getting my feedback and input to make sure. One of the most rewarding moments I had this weekend was when my 11 year old racer Emma set a goal and then hit one of the large doubles in the park for the first time, and I got to share in the experience of pushing the boundaries of what she believed was possible for her to do. Remember the first time you hit something really big, how suddenly everything was possible and you were empowered to take on the world? I do. I told her about my moment, and she said that was exactly what she felt, with a huge empowered smile all about her. To be able to give a group of kids these types of experiences consistently, in an environment you control, twice a week for a season is the most rewarding thing you can do. The kids are empowered to take on their dreams, and not in an undirected kamakaze fashion that will result in them destroying themselves (possibly like I did), but in a measured, professional manner that will make them successful at anything they take on. Coaching this season for me was the highlight and the most rewarding pursuit of the last few months, and if you get the chance I highly recommend the opportunity to anyone.
Justin
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