A learning experience for coach & girls soccer team

Posted June 11, 2012 at 9:56 AM, Filed Under: Community News, Front Page, Village Mill

To the Editor:

When I took on the responsibility as the coach of the Swift Creek Middle School girls soccer team, I felt that I was taking on the role of much more than just a coach. I wanted to make a positive impact on each of the girls, to help them develop as young women.

I made it my goal to help them become their own best advocate. Many people rely on other people to speak up for them, and in this world, you have to be able to stand alone. I pushed the girls to always be responsible by turning in assignments on time, and to always be properly equipped. This was to help them mature and take what they were learning in
soccer and apply it to day-to-day life.

Each girl was held to an academic standard by a contract that they and their parents signed at the start of the season. Knowledge is power, but unfortunately, some student-athletes are starting to become “athlete-students.” This is unacceptable, and a false image that many athletes are given. Young athletes must have an education to be competitive in today’s challenging job market. The sad part is the emphasis that is put on our kids in sports. We give them private lessons, club soccer teams, premier training, tournaments, travel and anything else it takes to be a better athlete. However, young athletes should be offered the same discipline and advantages when it comes to education and character-building.

I enjoyed watching the girls grow, and being a constant mentor in their lives. I feel privileged to have been their coach. I am also proud to be the coach who ended the Tomahawk winning streak against Swift Creek soccer and to give them their only loss for the season! I know we can all be proud of that.

Grace Cuenin
Harbourwood

Editor’s note: Letters to the editor are welcome. Letters may be edited for length, grammar, spelling and clarity. Letters can be e-mailed to editor@brandermill.com.