I learned something about my son, Dylan, this summer. He is an amazing coach, and he has potential
to be an even more amazing coach. He loves
basketball, but is too old to participate in the recreation center league. Brandon began playing in the rec center
league a year ago. He is still in the youngest division ( 9 – 10 year olds).
The Blue Gryphons (minus one player) |
This summer, Lance and Dylan coached Brandon’s team, the
Blue Gryphons. Dylan was too young to
coach so Lance served as head coach while Dylan was assistant. This presented a great opportunity for Dylan
to grow personally. He had to step out
of his comfort zone and exert maturity as he tried to teach, lead, and mentor
these young boys. They all loved and
looked up to Dylan. It was easy for
Dylan to take on this role. The
difficult and more challenging responsibility of being a coach for Dylan was dealing with
the parents. He had to communicate to
the parents. He had to give end game inspiring speeches. He had to make decisions at game time.
When we first got the roster for our team, Dylan wrote a
script out that he followed when he called each parent to introduce himself as
the coach. He was so nervous. By the end of the season, he gained
confidence and became more articulate.
At our final pizza party, Dylan called each player up to stand next to
him as he complimented them and noted their strengths and contributions to the
team. He thanked the parents for their
support during the season. I was truly
proud of him. It is not easy for a
15-year old to step into this role.
It was a big commitment to coach. Lance attended the weekly practices and made
most of the games. However, he had to go
to San Diego some weekends, and Dylan was left to his own devices, and I am
proud to say that he did not disappoint.
He even benched Brandon at one of the games, because he believed Brandon was not being a team player and making foolish shots (a ball hog). I didn't agree with Dylan's assessment, but the other players did. Brandon is the best player on the team, and it took alot of maturity to bench the best player in a close game. Dylan made the right decision.
Lance and Dylan received appreciation and recognition for volunteering to coach |
Brandon? What can I say?
He is an incredible ball player.
He is one of the youngest in the league and already one of the best
point guards. He is aggressive and fast. He has that competitive drive. He HUSTLES. I know this is also due
to Dylan mentoring him over the years. Brandon wouldn't be as good as he is without Dylan as a big brother.
The Blue Gryphons took the last place title in the league
winning 1 game and losing 9. Nonetheless,
we believe we were the best team out there because we never lost by much. It was always 2 – 4 points only. The games were so close!!!
Lance, Dylan, and Brandon enjoyed the seasons so much that
we have already agreed to coach again. Lance made a keen observation about this team. He said the boys all got along so well. There were no big egos....no star players. Everyone genuinely liked and cared for each other. Unfortunately, most of the players on
the team will advance to the next division so we will have mostly new players.
I’m excited for the Winter Season, and I think this time, we will go for the first place
title.
Go Blue Gryphons!!
No comments:
Post a Comment