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As a coach, I was filled with a whirlwind of emotions this past graduation weekend. I felt the obvious joy of seeing some great young men and women pass through one of life’s great ceremonies. Theywill now transition into a life out on their own, pursuing personal dreams while finding themselves.
I also felt a slight sadness, as their transition will also affect me personally. For those who don’t understand the intricacies of team sports, there is a certain bond that develops between its members. Strong player-to-player relationships form as well as unique player-to-coach relationships. When a core group of guys comes through a varsity sports program, having given something of themselves for the better part of four years, a bond of trust is created.
That kind of bond doesn’t always happen between player and coach, but when it does, it rarely ever fades away. It’s not just about spending time together playing football or basketball; it is about developing strong personal relationships. More pointedly, it is about trust.
When trust is established in any personal relationship, it allows people to let down their guard and trust their counterpart, whether that is a coach, friend, teammate, or parent. Trust is something that is earned over time, not something handed out to students on the first day of school.
Sometimes a coach hears something said like, "Well, you have your favorites and that is why they play." That kind of comment usually comes up when someone is upset with playing time. Coaches really don’t have favorites. They do, however, have student-athletes that they trust more than others. Coaches tend to have stronger personal relationships with certain players because of that trust.
If player "A" is always looking for a way to become a better teammate, improve team chemistry, or serve the team in some capacity, it is easy for the coach and that player to establish trust between one another. That is the level of maturity coaches are looking for and trying to develop in the young men and women they are working with.
On the other hand, when player "B" lacks that maturity and only looks out for himself by doing the bare minimum and is more self-serving than team oriented, it is tough for that player and his coach to establish a relationship based on trust. The relationship is hindered due to immaturity and insecurities.
Many Cook County athletic teams have had a lot of success over the past couple of years. A big reason for that success was because of the character and integrity of the student-athletes in the 2009 graduating class. They were dedicated to each other, their school, and yes, this community. While they move on to pursue greater ambitions, I am filled with hope for the future. Theworld just received some solid mature young men and women whom they can trust. A job well done by the parents of the 2009 graduates!
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