The Few, The Glorious

In the documentary series “The Last Dance,” Kobe Bryant discussed how influential Michael Jordan’s leadership, technique, and mentality impacted his life. In addition, Kobe was not shy about sharing how using Michael Jordan as a role model contributed and fueled his success.

Lionel Messi has recently shared that his childhood role model was no other than Diego Armando Maradona. We all have or had someone who enters our lives and, even if brief or at a distance, that we look up to or aspire to be like to give us hope, motivation, and help unleash the potential of each of us has.

That person could be a parent, a friend, a teacher, or an athlete. But, for me, it is a coach. I know I’m still young at only 13, but I understand that those coaching youth athletes carry many responsibilities.

Some coaches rise to that occasion while others fall short. Coaching youth soccer players is no longer just about teaching the tactical and technical skills of the game or applying pressure or creating open spaces; there is a lot more.

Successful coaching focuses on developing solid relationships with athletes based on trust and respect. But is the coach also promoting a love–a passion for the game?  Youth coaches are in such a powerful position regarding their impact on an athlete now and in the future. Though coaches hold a place of respect and authority, a great coach makes themselves reachable enough for athletes to open up and view their coach as a role model or mentor.

Hall of Fame Coach John Wooden’s “Pyramid of Success” shares that hard work, compassion, cooperation, loyalty, and enthusiasm can lead to positive leadership and can influence individual athletes toward personal growth and success. And without a foundation of trust, respect, and a love and appreciation for the sport created by a coach, you have nothing to build upon.

Successful coaches also seek to do the right thing, and they are open and honest. No mind games are played to manipulate players or situations. They instead inspire their athletes and promote values such as sportsmanship, honesty, dedication, teamwork, self-discipline, and cooperation. Win or lose; a great coach only focuses on the athletes, their players.

What did the players learn, what they view as successes, and what they feel they could have done differently? My coach does just this and has had faith in my abilities from the moment I stepped onto that field for my first practice, and it has never wavered.

On and off the field, inside and out, he has helped shape me to be a stronger, more dedicated, hard-working athlete and individual who takes pride in my abilities. He gets you excited about training and the game of soccer. I look forward to each practice and minute on the pitch!

It’s all the personal touches and energy my coach brings to the team, the players, and training sessions that have been key. There are times before a game where an inspiring quote is sent to the team to get us pumped up. Check-ins with players are done before practices and games and done in such a genuine manner. He will train alongside us a lot of the time too.

I arrive at practices early so that I can chat with the coach about a recent premier league game as he gets us excited about experiencing soccer off the field too.

He is consistent in furthering his coach education and trying new things. One thing our team is not is static; we are continually learning and being motivated. He also provides opportunities for growth and learning beyond the pitch.

One that still stands out today is a homework assignment he assigned my team regarding the difference between hard work and competing. He really gets you thinking about what kind of person and athlete you want to be.

My coach’s style of leadership and influence has greatly impacted my life and contributed to the successes I have experienced in the last two years. I’ve made both the ODP and PDP rosters, and I know this is due to my coach believing in me and my abilities and for installing such a love and appreciation for the game of soccer.

“When someone pushes you past what you think you’re capable of achieving and makes you feel uncomfortable, it’s one of the greatest gifts you can receive. Thank that person because they cared enough to invest in you and saw something in you that you might have missed.” My teammates and I are truly blessed with having one of the few and glorious coaches out there!

I definitely relate to Kobe Bryant using Michael Jordan as a role model. Kobe Bryant was brilliant, driven, and talented, but he also knew the importance of inspiration. Having a mentor or someone you look up to or inspire you truly makes all the difference in the world.

I want to thank my coach and those coaches like him for inspiring athletes like me, and I hope the few and glorious become the many and amazing!

Sincerely,

Aubrey McLin

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