Cobras Strike Again

I know I said I would not return as soccer coach, but what had happened was…

Apparently, I was struck by a feeling again (insert playful smirk).  I had the honor of coaching my son, and the Cobras, for yet another fun filled soccer season.  This is now my third season as their soccer coach, and I am still having a blast, learning, growing and helping both myself, and the young men, to develop.

With each new season comes a new set of challenges and expectations.

Some things remain the same: the Cobras are still full of energy and concerned for my watering eyes on the field.  However, we were now three seasons in together, the fellas were all a year older than when we first began together last spring, and the Cobras were no longer the underdogs.  We have worked to become worthy competitors; striking each opponent we faced on the field.

We won some, and lost some.  Ultimately, the young men were seeing the fruits of their labor, and wanted to work harder. There was more drive and determination present.  I can not say for other coaches, but seeing that hunger and motivation come from them, was one of the greatest achievements of the season for me. To say I was/am a proud soccer mom, is an understatement.

You play like you practice

Practices were more intense this year.  Being mindful of the heat, water breaks, and keeping it fun, there were more skill drills, less tolerance of excuses and horseplay, and every practice ended running lines “until I am tired.”  To which they would playfully moan simultaneously, “you’re never going to be tired, you’re not even running!”

I drill into the Cobras, whether on the field or in life, you will play like you practice.  You can not expect to show up to the “big game” and find victory, without putting in the work beforehand.  This is a mantra I try to live by, and I am constantly telling all my children.

Message: Whether in sports, business, relationships, life, etc.,  if you practice half ass, you will perform half ass.

Last week, due to weather cancellations and delays, the Cobras played what would be our final game of a rainy 2024 spring soccer season. We were dominate in our victory; playing one of our best team performances to date! Everyone was in on the action!!

It was not just the points on the scoreboard, although, we commanded a 15 to 5 victory. But, it was seeing the footwork skills, communication, strength, focus, endurance, leadership, teamwork, and hustle, that we had been diligently working on this, and past seasons, being fully displayed by ALL the young men. We were venomous!

I’m not only his coach, I’m his mom

I am conscious to not show favoritism on the field. However, I want to take this opportunity to dote on my son. It is a joy and a blessing to be his mother and coach. To see the growth in his leadership skills, work ethic, coachability, and confidence (all on and off the field), is an honor.  Arrington showed attack, passion, and had a competitive strike that has grown over the seasons. He was not to be out hustled, and had 6 of the 15 points in our season closer.

During this season in my life as coach, I feel I was called to be not just their soccer coach, showing them the X’s and O’s.  I strive to also be an encourager, a teacher, and mother on the field, and an example of a black woman.

I thank the parents for yet another supportive and successful season. Until fall….

BTW: Thank you Uncle Carl (a.k.a Frick) for all your help these three seasons! Signed, Frack!

Shout out a coach! What mantras do you live by?

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