Spring sports are here!
I am lucky. At this time of year, I get to coach Middle School Girls Soccer. While we often have to start indoors because the fields are still covered with snow or recovering from the Winter months, it is always terrific to be able to share an experience with the girls. The excitement about the new season, the demonstrated interest the girls have to improve, and the fun that they have together is terrific. I believe these statements are true for ALL of the sports teams and programs that started this week.
Spring sports, even when the temperatures are below the freezing point, provide a great opportunity for students to get outside, practice new skills, form new friendships, and generally have fun together. I enjoy the chance to get to know our students better and to help each become a little bit more skilled—whether the young person plays competitively or is coming out for the first time. Being able to support students across the spectrum of skill and ability is one of the things that sets CA apart.
Sometimes, at other schools, Middle School programs get shortchanged; instead of seasoned coaches with a wealth of experience working with different ages and levels, the programs are staffed by well-intentioned novices, reserving the “better” coaches for the varsity program. Often, at CA, the MS coaches have long teaching and coaching resumes, which allows them to better support player development. In this case, we have more than one former or current varsity coach working with the girls, and the coaching staff is headlined by Sean Stedeford, a former Coach of the Year and our CA Varsity Girls Soccer Head Coach.
Of course, when all is said and done, we are hoping that every student comes to enjoy physical activity, and that participation in our program, on whatever team and at whatever level, leads to an appreciation of sport and a more healthy lifestyle for the long term. When you are visiting campus this Spring, you may see me on Firman Field. I’ll be sporting a lot of CA gear and enjoying the company of a great bunch of soccer-playing Seventh and Eighth Graders.
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