We just dropped our son off at college. While doing so, I took my coaching hat off and had my parent hat on. Dawned on me that our one concern is that the coach and his staff take care of our son. Not do things for him, but guide him, teach him, be an example for him, and be there for him when needed. It’s a perspective I didn’t put as much thought or energy to when I was in college coaching.

I was so busy being a coach that I completely overlooked that each player has a parent or parents that love their son. It’s a perspective that I would be very sensitive to if ever I were to go back to college coaching. Especially on that first time the player hits campus and is away from home.

There are so many thoughts going on in the player’s head, from excitement, to anxiety, to doubt, to fear of the unknown. They need someone there to help them get through this time. I think in the long run this actually helps a player perform even better in that he knows the staff truly cares for him.

Isn’t it amazing how perspective changes when we make that switch from coach to parent? I know it has me thinking about the importance of our profession. We really should be there for more than winning games!