Dear Fans….. Let’s Talk

Let’s discuss your dedication to supporting our team the way you do. Let’s talk about your commitment to attend most, if not all, of our home and away games. The fire you have in your eyes, when you’re cheering us on and yelling at the Referees, is unmatched. Your over the top game day paraphernalia, is eye catching. The enthusiasm and admiration you have for our team, is next level!

Then there are you not so pleasant fans…the bleacher coaches, who “know what’s best for the team”. You yell “you suck!” from the stands, and show little to no appreciation for the players who are playing their hearts out. Keep in mind, most of these players are still 18-20 year old minors; who are being cursed at and belittled by adults! If they are struggling to follow plays given by their Coaches, what on earth makes you think they will listen to you!? These are also the fans who confidently say “they would have won the game had the Coach taken my advice”.

Lastly, there are the “All Day I Dream of Sports” fans. The ones who don’t mind approaching the Coaches and their families while they’re at dinner, shopping, the movies, etc. to discuss the pros and cons of the season. The ones who will call and attempt to get the Coach fired, at the end of a tough and unrewarding season. As a Coach’s Wife, I want to tell you to “kick rocks”, but instead, I smile, wave, and stay in my lane. Trust me, no one keeps up with their wins and losses like the Coaches.

Coaches know when their time is coming to an end or when they have more time. The last thing they need is unsolicited pressure from their fans. Imagine someone coming to your job, demanding that your boss fires you. Sounds insane right? So instead of taking it upon yourself to tell the Coaches how to do their job, use that energy and become a courageous, enthusiastic, sports fanatic. Be the fan who cheers and encourages the team on; win or lose!

Home is Where the Heart Is

You can either find me in the Gentry Center or another Arena, cheering my boys on, every Thursday and Saturday. The excitement and support I show at practice, is the same energy I have when they run out to the floor on game day. I get butterflies before the season begins and every game throughout the season! My ultimate desire is for them to do well and to be successful on and off the court. They are like my kids; when one is hurting, I need to know what’s wrong. When they are sick, I pack them a care package filled with medicine, soup, and juice. That’s just how I roll about mine. Yes, they could receive medications from their trainer, but there is nothing like a mother’s touch to help cure a cold. I do not have to go to the existent that I do, but as a mother, I am a nurturer first. Consider me their Mom away from home!

It’s the laughter, the constant chatter and joking, the hard work and dedication on and off the floor; that brings me so much joy. Graduating high school and leaving home to attend college, is a big step in a player’s life. Once they step on campus, it immediately becomes their home away from home. Their Coaches and fellow Athletes become their family.

As the Coach’s Wife, it is my pleasure to be their home away from home. Being there to provide care, comfort and safety, brings me great joy! I enjoy preparing team meals and watching their faces light up as they walk into the house. They treat my kid as if he is their own little brother. A lot of weight rides on their shoulders and as a mother, it tugs on my heart strings when the fans are dishing out their commentary. I’m a Mama Bear, so I immediately want to protect my Cubs.

To my Boys…You all may not hear it often, but please know that I am proud of your accomplishments. At times, I know Coach is hard on you all, but I always have your back. It is always comforting for me, to watch you all eat and enjoy yourselves, while being piled in our home. As a Mom, it puts me at ease knowing that you are at my home, safe and out of harms way. I live for the days when you all come raid the snack closet and pack as much food as your arms can carry. For as long as you will allow me to be, I will always be your home away from home.

Timing is EVERYTHING!

It’s the “Babe, I’m speaking at an event tonight”, while he heads out the door to work. Or the “don’t forget we were invited to that event” statement; when all along, I am completely unaware. Oooohh! And let’s not forget about the “Hey, I invited the players over to watch the game tonight”, just moments before they are set to arrive. And no matter how many times you’ve asked for at least 3 to 5 business day turnaround, there is always that pop up event, he swears he’s told you about! I can’t be the only one who experiences this, right?

I love attending events with my Husband, but I need time to prepare our wardrobe and to wrap my mind around what to expect at the event. I also need a heads if it involves me cooking or cleaning. It is all a mental adjustment for me because as I’ve mentioned before, being late for things or not being prepared, gives me undesirable anxiety! The more time I have to prepare, the better off I am mentally and emotionally. I’ll give my Husband credit; over the years, he has become better at managing activities and events, but there will always be at least one time his come and said, “Hey, we have a thing tomorrow night”. And when that moment comes, I will roll my eyes and wreck my brain trying to figure out what we are going to wear!

Because I have been doing this thing for a while, I’ve learned a couple tricks that no one shared with me! Let me put you up on game, Sis! Instacart is a life-hack that I discovered during quarantine. You can order most, if not all of what you need and have it either delivered to your door or you can pick it up. Boom! Problem solved. For those last-minute events, always have two or three outfits on standby at all times. A casual outfit, a razzle-dazzle outfit (dressy), and something that can be dressed up or down (ex: an outfit you can throw on heels or cute kicks with). Also, have a house cleaning company on speed dial! You’d be amazed at how cheap you can find one. No matter how big or small the space, having that help will free up time for you to focus on the menu, when you’re expected to host. Meal prepping for an event is a chore within itself, but the options are endless! Ordering pick up or delivery is always an option, but if time permits, prepping and refrigerating is always the best option. You can purchase fruits, veggies and chicken and prepare really cute party trays. You can always do the small things to add your personal touch. When it comes to hosting larger events, like holiday gatherings, it’s best to pre-order your protein and make homemade sides. This way, everyone is happy and your sanity is in tact.

Life is very inconsistent and can be unpredictable, but with proper planning and timing, we’re capable of accomplishing anything.