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An Open Letter To High School Coachs Everywhere

Thanks for nothing

By Susana ShadowsPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
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Dear Coach,

I would like to thank you first off for the years you have dedicated to breaking kid's spirits. For killing off a child's love for sports. Primarily for teaching kids that regardless of how hard you work, how much effort you put in that in the end, it doesn't really matter.

In high school, their worth is decided by someone like you.

The years they have spent working hard at a sport do not mean a thing once you get to high school. That is unless you are the child of a family whose names matters a bit more than yours.

Unless you have parents who bitch and moan about their kid's playing time. Those who threaten the coach, or those whose parents spend so much time stroking the coach's ego their kids get moved up the roster.

There is a huge misconception about just what high school sports and coaches actually teach children. From the time my kids were old enough to pick up a bat, or basketball they have been involved in sports.

They started at age four and grew to love the game, the thrill of competition, and the satisfaction of a job well done.

They went above and beyond for their coaches and teammates. The politics and bs involved have left me with regrets as a parent. Regrets that my children went through this.

I taught my kids you will earn recognition based on your own merit and hard work. That the coach would see who really worked the hardest. Boy, was I wrong!

Let's face facts it now. We come from a small town odds are slim to none that any of the kids growing up here will ever play sports professionally.

However, I am well aware that my kids were not superstars at any sport. But, they were talented enough to play on the team, contribute and make the team and enjoy the experiences of any other player on the team.

You see, my kids were the kids that showed up to everything, every practice, every event, you name it, they were there. They were there when others on the team felt it unnecessary to participate.

Needless to say, their hard work and commitment weren't enough. By the time they reached high school level, the coaches knew exactly who would be playing which positions and the most minutes regardless.

Not only my children but several others found themselves sitting on the bench while others who did not put in the work or effort played the game. Coaches looked past them to get so and so's child in.

They were held back from playing because I did not complain or kiss the coach's ass. They started feeling really down on themselves, believing they were not good enough.

These coaches broke the spirits of these children. So much that by the time they had reached high school about their sophomore year, they were just done.

Done wasting their time busting their humps for goals they would never reach, thanks to these coaches. Done sitting on the sidelines, never getting to participate.

So they made the decision to walk away from it altogether.

But I am here to tell you, coach, and you all know who you are.

If you are guilty of this, you know it, you know what you did. But, I do have to thank you for one thing and one thing only.

Thank you for teaching these kids that life is unfair. There are sucky people everywhere. This as adults have made them understand that the best one for the job does not always get it in life. There will always be someone or something in life that tries to hold them back. Someone forcing them to strive harder to reach their goal.

In the end, they learn that none of this really matters now when it comes to the big picture. But back then, to these kids, it mattered.

Dear coach, this is what you will be remembered for. Not for the fun they had, the lessons you taught, or the memories made. You alone turned what was suppose to be the best years of their lives just a sad memory.

This is what they will remember you for, coach.

Teenage years
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About the Creator

Susana Shadows

A woman of the world who feels like she has already lived many lifetimes and adventures in just a handful of decades.

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  • Test5 months ago

    You are also right to point out that these coaches are teaching young people that life is unfair. This is a valuable lesson to learn, but it is one that is best learned in a supportive and nurturing environment. Bad coaches create a toxic environment where young people feel undervalued and disrespected. I hope that your letter will inspire other parents to speak out against bad coaches and to advocate for their children. We need to create a culture in youth sports where all athletes are treated with respect and have the opportunity to reach their full potential

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