Coaching 🔶

I started coaching in grade 9 as a volunteer coach for a U8 girls rep team (my sisters team). It has been 6 years since I started and I now have my coaching liscenses. 

Over the years I have coached many female teams between the ages of 7 and 14. It took a couple of years for me to notice how coaching helped me as a player and how it also helps many young female athletes. 

First, coaching helped me see and understand a different part of the game. I started thinking more in my own games and tried to solve issues on the field as if I was coaching. Coaching taught me the importance of communication, problem solving, and team work. I know coaching is a factor that really helps develop my game and make me a better player. 

Secondly, my coaching experiences have really taught me the importance of female mentors in sport. I see how important it is for younger female athletes to have a bond with a older female athlete. Nothing against male coaches but I can see the difference with how a younger female athlete responds to a older female coach in comparison to a male coach. As a female coach, I have developed relationships with players to not only help them in sport but in life. I have helped young female players develop confidence both on and off the field. 

I continue to encourage females to get into coaching because it not only helps you but it truly does mean something to a little girl who is scared to go to soccer practice. 
