Coaching is something that comes easy to me. I love working one on one with youths involved in sports. It is such an important outlet socially. It provides a sense of leadership, teamwork, and confidence. I have watched these pre-teen girl laxers grow and excel at the sport. The most impactful part of volunteering as an assistant coach for the 14U girls program at Fleming Island Girls Lacrosse League—FIGLL—had to be not just their growth, but seeing their love and passion for this sport come alive. They poured their hearts out on the field every game, and were eager to learn. I hope to be involved in some way in the program next season. Many years ago I played. I fell in love with the goalkeeper position. I made it my own and played D1 briefly in Syracuse on a partial scholarship. After transferring to a smaller school, SMCM, I began my lengthy pieced together career if you will, as a coach. I went back to Ryken in 2005/2006 to assistant coach my old school girls lax program. While coaching in college part time, I began to appreciate my love of the sport from the sidelines. In 2006/2007 I coached a season as assistant coach of the North Carolina Wesleyan College (NCWC) girls lacrosse program. After that time, I fell backwards, spiraled actually. It took me years to find interest again in the things that I loved. When we moved to Jacksonville in 2020, I researched local lacrosse leagues in the area and was pleased to find some local recreational leagues and high school leagues. It is growing quickly, catching on like wild fire. After coming to the program in Spring 2022, I head coached the 12U beginner league. This year I assistant coached the 14U and 12 U girls leagues. Fast forward to last Sunday, the last game of the season.

The last game. It was full of energy and excitement. Warming up our awesome goalie, she stopped goal after goal on the 8 meter fan. She has grown leaps and bounds and now, she is virtually unstoppable. During the season I worked with her half of practices to hone in her skills, and advance her natural talents. She was always respectful, always eager to learn. She is and always will be an amazing young woman, in my eyes. Even more than that, even more. Is watching my little Ella. She is not so little anymore. She is so athletic. A sponge, always willing to take it all in. She watches every move and is a goofball like me. My dear Ella, if you ever read this, remember that I love you with every ounce of my soul. I love watching you grow everyday. You are my little doodle bug, and will always be my #1. Watching you and coaching you, seeing you fall in love with Lacrosse, brings me so much joy. Ella, and to every young girl I have ever coached, you help my heart grow and heal. I know my purpose somewhere in life is to be your coach and mentor. and I will always be willing to be that person for you.

• Uncategorized