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An Open Letter To The Coach Who Changed My Love For The Game

Coaches are supposed to be encouraging and supportive right? Not this time.

Allie Ryan

Aug 03, 2016

McKendree University

198

An Open Letter To The Coach Who Changed My Love For The Game

Sports Psychology Today

Dear Coach,

Even though you may no longer be in control of me, you were the one that changed my love for the game...but not in a good way. I have been playing soccer for almost all of my life and I've never felt so relieved to leave you in the past.

First of all, when you were my coach, playing soccer was no longer fun and that is what it's all about. You put me down (too many times for me to count), talked about me to other players, picked favorites (which I was not), called me names and acted like a child. I always thought coaches were supposed to be role models, encouraging, and supporting? I guess I was wrong.

I feared you. I could never come to you for my problems because you were the problem. I lost every ounce of confidence in myself on and off the field because of you which was just the beginning to a domino effect on the situation. You made me hate soccer, something that I loved more than anything in this world. I dreaded going to practice every single day and tried avoiding you in every way possible.

My friends and family asked why I continued to play and that answer was simple; soccer is my life. I wanted to quit but I just couldn't give you the satisfaction and let you win. Soccer was my passion so I had to put you aside and continue to do what I love. Yes, my love for the game changed but deep down it was still there (and always will be). You just made me view it differently. I told myself at the time, just keep fighting because it wouldn't be like this forever.

When I look back, all you cared about was your favorite girls and winning. As a coach, just how important is winning to you anyways? When you win, does that mean that you are doing your job better? Does it make you a more effective coach? Similarly, when we fail, does that mean you are failing? Are our losses concrete evidence of your incompetence?

I'm overjoyed that you are no longer my coach. I have moved on, became extremely happy again, and my passion and love for the game of soccer has been regained. I love that you doubted me for all the years you did because none of that matters anymore. I'm on my way to bigger and better things that you never thought I was capable of.

Sincerely,

That "one" girl on the team.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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