The coaches I’ve been working with lately have inspired me to reflect on my favorite coaches when I was a young athlete.
Back then, they were just… adults.
Steady. Certain. Always there.
- The one who left because she got married and moved away.
- The one who always had a smile on her face, always giving so much of herself to her athletes.
- The one who left to start a family closer to his hometown.
- The one who held something I couldn’t see at the time—
the responsibility of showing up for athletes, while also carrying the weight of how the world saw them.
At the time, I didn’t think much about it. I was young. I didn’t understand the realities of being a grown-up.
But now, as an adult, I find myself looking back at their experiences in a completely different light.
I understand more.
They had lives.
They had relationships.
They held hurts.
They navigated realities that extended far beyond the gym, the field, the pool.
And still… they showed up.
What stands out to me now isn’t just what they taught me in the sport.
It’s that they were whole people.
People holding joy, stress, transition, identity, pressure—often quietly.
And in the middle of all of that, they created space for us. They tried to reach us, to bring out the best in us.
Coaches, I See You
It’s so easy for the world to:
- See you only in your role
- Expect consistency without considering context
- Overlook what you may be carrying outside of practice
But behind you is a person who is:
- Figuring things out
- Navigating your own life transitions
- Showing up on days when it might not feel easy
And at the same time…
You hold real impact.
- Your smile.
- Your tone.
- The way you anchor your athletes and staff.
- The way you respond in a moment.
All of those things land.
They stay.
Maybe part of the work is holding both.
Coaches are human. And they matter.
A quiet shout out to my clients—and to the coaches who have stayed with me over the years.
Because of you, I’ve been thinking more about what it actually looks like to support coaches. Not just in how you lead others, but in how you understand and sustain yourselves.
It’s part of what’s been shaping a new pre-season workshop I’m building with my colleague, Rohan Piple (founder of AŠVA):
Pre-Season Coaches & Captains Leadership Workshop
Just as you prepare your athletes, this workshop is designed to help coaches and captains prepare for the season in a way that includes both performance and the person behind it.
It’s like putting on the oxygen mask for yourself first…so that you can help those who depend on you.
Reflection Prompts
- Where in your coaching are you being asked to show up consistently—without space to be human?
- What are you carrying into your coaching environment that others may not see?
- What support would actually help you sustain your leadership—not just your performance?
- If you were to prepare yourself for the season the same way you prepare your athletes… what might need to shift?
If this resonates—whether you’re a coach, part of a coaching staff, or connected to an athletic program—you’re welcome to reach out. I’d be glad to share more about the workshop or explore what support could look like for your team.
In solidarity,
Laura
Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health treatment or individualized professional support. If you or someone you know is in distress, please call or text 988 (U.S.) for immediate support. In an emergency, call 911.
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