I’ve been thinking a lot about good coaches and less than. Over my course of 17 years coaching in the Valley I have met quite a few. Some coaches have definitely stood out to me as terrible either their character or their ability to lead young women and make a positive connection. I’m sure others may see me in this category but Let Them. Lately I’ve seen some pretty terrible examples of club and school coaches at tournaments and heard so many awful things from respectable parents. 2 kids/parents in the same program can really experience things from so many perspectives so I just try to be a listening ear and learn from others mistakes. I try to keep my judgements to myself as I’ve gained more knowledge and maturity with age and even with teams or coaches I no longer have respect for I try to find qualities I like and things that they do that I usually borrow and insert into my programs. Our jobs as coaches are to always learn, always grow and be better just like our players.
This morning I wanted to take a moment to appreciate a coach that has SERVED this valley for more years than myself and in multiple facets. She’s a club coach and a high school coach and truly I don’t even know the depth of her background. We aren’t friends. We’ve never hung out. We don’t coach for the same school or club. She has never coached either of my kids. Our high school teams have never been in the same league. I really have no honest bias. I’m sure she has many neigh Sayers or past players/parents that will scuff at this message. On the other hand I KNOW she has much respect from probably 100s of families and dozens of coaches who have seen what she has done.
She encourages fundraising and participation all year in her program. She integrates kids in as young as 6 or 8 years old. Her former players hug her when they see her and when she talks about them or current players she beams with pride. She commutates and is honest with players about playing time and strives to maintain a competitive culture and COMPETE for their shot at the big dance, which frankly is a very fresh and appreciated perspective rather than the “everyone plays equal” or parental or political influences that some may witness in other programs/clubs. Her players will follow her from club to club just to have one last season with her. Her colleagues respect her and appreciate her efforts. She NEVER takes credit for their victories or their achievements but rather gives off a vibe like she is just thankful to have been a part of their story. When her high school kids come to my club tryouts I’m excited for the opportunity to get them in my program because I know what to expect with these kids. They are well trained and give max effort. The parents operate like clock work stepping up when food tables or bonding events need planned. This is the culture she has provided from the top down. She stands up for what is honest and right, I’m sure she like all of us, isn’t perfect but I would certainly consider her in the rank of top local coaches I aspire to be like and respect.
Her gym floor got damaged and rather than complaining and wallowing she stepped it up and is bringing something to the valley this evening that I have only seen on the internet and frankly I’m completely jealous of. I do believe she had taken on the Athletic Director role and this is her last year coaching (for now) at her current program. However, I don’t see slinking away into that dark night and am 100% she will still be involved and make sure that the program is operate accordingly.
So hats of to you Becky Gause! The valley appreicates what you have done for Volleyball in our area and the local talent. I will be in the stands this evening for your under the lights game on the football field. Their are multiple athletes I know that I’ve coached over the years or had as a part of my club, but tonight I’m appreicating you with respect and admiration. In a world where grattitude is missing for QUALITY coaches, please know that you have mine.