Self-awareness is a journey of introspection and understanding that allows us to connect with our inner selves. It’s about recognizing our strengths, acknowledging areas of weakness, and celebrating the unique qualities that make us who we are. This journey is challenging and requires us to be open to hearing hard truths that we may have been blind to. However, through this process, we can find more satisfaction and happiness in roles that align more closely with our personal values and strengths, thus allowing for a more positive impact.

Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

1 Timothy 4:16 (ESV)

I have been a head coach for 6 years. I am not a head coach now. This is not a bad or negative change. Being a head coach has been one of the hardest things I have ever had the privilege of doing. My role as a head coach was born out of necessity. As the organizations I have been a part of continue to grow and excel, so did the need for more head coaches. This has been a responsibility that pulled me WAY outside of my comfort zone and I have both loved and hated.

Softball, as with all sports, is a game of failure. Coaching is no exception to this. I have made a lot of mistakes over the years. I have played or pulled the wrong player at the wrong time or called the wrong play more times than I can remember. I have tried my best to own my mistakes, learn from them, “flush” them, and move on to new ones. In spite of all of this, one thing I have always tried to do is to love my players the way Jesus loves me.

I want my players to know their identity is not found in softball, school, boys 🤮, or anything but Jesus. I want my players to work their butts off and know that nothing is given and they do not deserve anything, instead they must earn everything. I want my players to be mentally strong and prepared for life. I want my players to know that they are loved even when those closest to them struggle to do so. I want my players to love coming to practices and games because they know they are in a safe place and will not be judged for being who they are. I want my players to love themselves and those around them while showing grace and mercy to both. I want my players to stand against evil and be unafraid to do what is right even when the world disagrees and will beat them down for it.

I do not need to be a head coach to achieve these wants for my players. On this journey I have found some of my closest friends. One of which is Cory Hutson. The last time we coached together was over 6 years ago and one of our desires, all these years, is to have an opportunity to do it again. I am beyond excited for the 2024-2025 softball season! Cory and I will be once again coaching together.

I do not know what the future holds, but I am more prepared and self-aware to tackle whatever comes my way. Let’s goooooo!!!!!!

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