When I started coaching basketball nine years ago, I said to myself I want to make a difference in the lives of the student athletes that i coach. Coaching is not about winning or losing games, it is about teaching the student athletes what life is all about. Together you can reach the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, through all of it you are still a team. Three years ago I was lucky enough to be the freshman coach to the best student athletes that I will ever coach. These students made each and every practice and game fun, they understood me. For the past two years as the junior varsity coach I have had the honor of coaching five members from that freshman team. They all hold a very special place in my heart and some of my favorite athletes.
One student however has become a member of my family. For the past three years TJ Dobson has taught me more about myself than anyone I have ever met. The crazy part is that before TJ tried out for the team as a freshman I didn't know anything about him or his family. After every practice TJ would walkout and say "Have a good night coach" I would joke with the other coaches saying "Is TJ trying to kiss my butt so he can start?" As the season progressed I saw and learned a lot about TJ, he may not be the most talented basketball player but he will run through a wall for his team and his coaches. He listens and knows how to make everyone smile after a tough game. I was the same kind of player when I was in high school, TJ and I have more than just similar basketball skills in common.
High school was not easy for me, I had a lot go on personally while I was in high school and I never had a coach or teacher ask me what was wrong. I'm sure it showed because friends often asked what was wrong. I promised myself that I would be a friend before I was a coach. I want my athletes to talk to me and I want to help them with any problem that they may have. For two years TJ and I built a level of trust and I can't put into words how much that means to me. From going to breakfast to grabbing a bite before games just being able to talk with TJ has made him a brother to me and I'm sure that he looks at me like a brother.
As much as it seems like I have helped TJ I must say that he has helped me through a lot this past year. When TJ showed up for "Sharkie" and "Minnies" birthday parties I couldn't help but smile. He is like a brother to me but is referred to as "Uncle TJ Dobson" when the kids see him. At 18 I didn't know how to interact with toddlers and would be terrified, Uncle TJ Dobson is a natural and seeing "Minnie" hug him just brings a smile to my face.
TJ has taught me that it is ok to have fun and act like a kid. He may have to steal my clipboard before a game and diagram a new play that looks like something weird but it makes me smile and makes me realize that life is good. He may not be able to shoot a three pointer like me but he will try and like me miss a lot during games. He will also say that I'm pregnant and pick on my dad body but I know it is because he is upset his gut is bigger than mine. That sounds a lot like a brother to me, he is just jealous of his cooler older brother!!
Tomorrow as I'm waiting to start the time trial I will be very nervous and way to serious. I will close my eyes as the clock counts down and think about TJs favorite play, circles. I will also think about his starting line up and what he thinks I do when Leanne and I go to the spa. I will start to laugh and smile and at that moment I will realize that I'm just riding a bike and that the bike is the common theme. Knowing that I will be out of the gate and I will work just like another bike rider, I will look down and see a Livestrong bracelet and that will get me on the podium. I will not be racing for myself tomorrow, I will be racing for TJ and when I get that medal I will give it to my brother!!
One student however has become a member of my family. For the past three years TJ Dobson has taught me more about myself than anyone I have ever met. The crazy part is that before TJ tried out for the team as a freshman I didn't know anything about him or his family. After every practice TJ would walkout and say "Have a good night coach" I would joke with the other coaches saying "Is TJ trying to kiss my butt so he can start?" As the season progressed I saw and learned a lot about TJ, he may not be the most talented basketball player but he will run through a wall for his team and his coaches. He listens and knows how to make everyone smile after a tough game. I was the same kind of player when I was in high school, TJ and I have more than just similar basketball skills in common.
High school was not easy for me, I had a lot go on personally while I was in high school and I never had a coach or teacher ask me what was wrong. I'm sure it showed because friends often asked what was wrong. I promised myself that I would be a friend before I was a coach. I want my athletes to talk to me and I want to help them with any problem that they may have. For two years TJ and I built a level of trust and I can't put into words how much that means to me. From going to breakfast to grabbing a bite before games just being able to talk with TJ has made him a brother to me and I'm sure that he looks at me like a brother.
As much as it seems like I have helped TJ I must say that he has helped me through a lot this past year. When TJ showed up for "Sharkie" and "Minnies" birthday parties I couldn't help but smile. He is like a brother to me but is referred to as "Uncle TJ Dobson" when the kids see him. At 18 I didn't know how to interact with toddlers and would be terrified, Uncle TJ Dobson is a natural and seeing "Minnie" hug him just brings a smile to my face.
TJ has taught me that it is ok to have fun and act like a kid. He may have to steal my clipboard before a game and diagram a new play that looks like something weird but it makes me smile and makes me realize that life is good. He may not be able to shoot a three pointer like me but he will try and like me miss a lot during games. He will also say that I'm pregnant and pick on my dad body but I know it is because he is upset his gut is bigger than mine. That sounds a lot like a brother to me, he is just jealous of his cooler older brother!!
Tomorrow as I'm waiting to start the time trial I will be very nervous and way to serious. I will close my eyes as the clock counts down and think about TJs favorite play, circles. I will also think about his starting line up and what he thinks I do when Leanne and I go to the spa. I will start to laugh and smile and at that moment I will realize that I'm just riding a bike and that the bike is the common theme. Knowing that I will be out of the gate and I will work just like another bike rider, I will look down and see a Livestrong bracelet and that will get me on the podium. I will not be racing for myself tomorrow, I will be racing for TJ and when I get that medal I will give it to my brother!!
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