I love Field Hockey...

Sometimes when you stop doing something you forget how much you love it until you get a chance to do it again. I love field hockey and my girls reminded me of that love.

When I was young (way back in the day), field hockey was not even available for me to play until 9th grade in high school. Now, girls are practically born with a pacifier in one hand and a field hockey stick in the other. They can actually start playing on an organized team at the age of five in our area. I waited until both of my girls reached the age of seven but that was more because I wasn't ready to give up my weeknights and weekends just yet. (I know, I can be selfish like that sometimes.)

At Ash's very first game, I felt the adrenaline rush just like I felt like when I was out on the field. She looks so much like me that it was like watching myself run around out there at the age of seven. With each game, I could feel the love of the game growing again. By the time her last game rolled around in her second season, I emailed the field hockey commissioner and asked to sign up to be a coach the following season. Yes, you read that right...I signed up a whole year in advance. I was ready. I was more than ready! I was actually kicking myself in the bum for not signing up for her second season!

Ash taking a shot on goal...GO GIRLIE!!!

Ash then moved her sports with seasons. Basketball in the winter and lacrosse in the spring. Bean played lacrosse for the first time in the spring. My girls had such AMAZING coaches that gave their time, patience and knowledge to help grow both of my daughters' skills. I was inspired by them. I watched them like I was a sponge. I wanted to absorb all of the positive and fun styles of their coaching and when it was my turn throw in my own personal twist. I also was excited to get underway because of the incredible support of a commissioner who knows the game and loves it just like me.

Well, I am one month into my turn of coaching field hockey and I LOVE IT!!! I am head coach for Ash's team and I am assistant coach for Bean's team. (Bean turned 7 in late 2011, so she is a field hockey player now too!) I have a fantastic assistant coach on my team and I assist a wonderful coach on Bean's team. It is a lot of work and our schedule is crazy but it is so rewarding to see all of these girls grow as a team and watch their skills improve at each practice. I put my heart into it. I want these girls to love this sport the way I do. I want these girls to know the confidence that comes from being part of a team. I want these girls to create friendships with their teammates. I WANT THESE GIRLS TO HAVE FUN!!!

Bean saving the ball from going out of bounds

Our last games are the last weekend in October. I don't know what life will be like without all of these girls in my day to day life but I know that they will remain close to my heart. I love all of them now just as much as I love the game!

That's me, in the tie dye, coaching my girls
at halftime

Do/Have you coached any sports? Do you want to? If you have, what is the most rewarding part for you? If you have a favorite coach, give them a shout out and recognize them here.

I received so many wonderful emails from this post that I decided to link up with Momma Made It Look Easy on her "sharing awesome" post. Thanks to everyone who sent me such kind words! It means so much to me!