The love of the game

One sunny, summer day many years ago I went to a pick-up ultimate game my brother and cousin coordinated. I met a boy there... And I fell in love.

I am still in love with the game to this day. I played ultimate through college and discovered a family away from home in my teammates. Those women have impacted my life in ways they can't imagine, and many of them are still some of my closest friends. Inspired by the unity and connection a sports team can create, I wanted to continue promoting that after I graduated. Moving back home didn't provide me with very many ultimate opportunities, but I made the effort to drive to the Twin Cities for Summer and Fall leagues for a couple years. It didn't seem to be quite enough though.

Last Fall, my aunt let me know that the local private high school needed a coach for the women's ultimate team. Her son, my cousin, plays for the men's team so she was well connected with the school. She gave my contact information to the coordinator who promptly called me to chat. I was thrilled at the idea, but needed to give it some thought due to the state of transition I was in. At the time, I was seriously considering moving to the cities by the end of the year. I was in a relationship I thought was going to be the last one I was ever in and I was taking a huge leap of faith in quitting my job and starting my own business as a life coach (more on that later). It was a lot to consider...

Well as fate would have it, some things just don't go according to plan. I haven't moved to the cities. I'm in a different relationship (and thrilled about it!). And I'm coaching ultimate. :)

I think back to the first couple days of practice when I met these smiling high school athletes. Some were well-seasoned and had solid throws down. Some were brand new, nervous, giggly, and adorable. They welcomed me eagerly. Over the next few weeks, we trained, developed plays, structured our defensive zone, practiced our throws, ran drills, and got to know each other. I hosted a team bonding night in my two bedroom apartment and had nearly a dozen high school women spend the night, tucked in two or three to a bed. :)

Well... here we are at the Centrals Tournament in Naperville, IL. The team has come a long way, taking 2nd place this weekend. With two losses on the record for the entire season thus far, I couldn't be prouder. But what I'm really proud of is the unity and connection I found in this team and with my fellow co-coach. Promoting and helping foster that "family" environment is something I absolutely love.