Coaching Tales

Last school year, somewhere in April or May, my principal approached me and asked me to be one of the basketball coaches for the girls’ team. My first reaction, which was a private thought, was “are you out of your mind?".

Anyone, who can see me, can see that I am a short and chubby woman. Anyone, who knows me well, knows that I cannot run to save my life. Then, why would anyone want me to be part of a coaching team for a sport that is partial to tall individuals and that requires quick footwork?!

Anyways, it turned out that I would simply be assisting the Toronto Police Services (TPS) with a basketball program they run for underprivileged girls. It was a privilege to be part of it in any capacity. I think of police as protecting us, but I saw them inspire young girls to come out and have fun. Some of the girls were there for the love of basketball; some of them were there to hang out with their friends, and some of them were there for the free food! It doesn't matter why they were there; it was cool that they had the opportunity to be there!

So, when the other ISP teacher approached me at the beginning of this school year to help coach soccer, I did not hesitate. Again, I had no clue about the sport; however, I was willing to learn and support in any way I could! The both of us are there before 8 am on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Some mornings, it has been rainy or cold, but we have been there for 3 weeks, and next week, we have the tournament - 4 schools go up against each other, and one advances to the next round. I am keeping my fingers crossed. We have one practice left!

Here are some highlights:

- Since it is 'All Gender', there is also a fierce battle between the boys and the girls when they do scrimmage. Once a girl blocked the ball at the net and I screamed with joy and said, "nice save" ... literally all the students looked at me and said, "she used her hands!!". Haiyya ... I keep forgetting that in most parts of the world, the sport is known as 'football' with an emphasis on the word 'foot'. :-)

- The phrase I use the most is "listen up!". I have *the* Teacher's Voice and I use it when kids don't listen to the coach.

- I feel super important with my clipboard and pencil.

I won't be going to the tournament next week as they can only provide release time for one teacher. It doesn't matter. I will be cheering on from wherever I am.