This story initially appeared on Behind the Whistle, the official blog of the IWLCA, and is being republished with permission from the organization. Taylor Sindall is the head coach at Frostburg State University.
I was extremely fortunate to be offered my very first collegiate head coaching job last summer in the midst of the global pandemic that we have all come to despise, COVID-19. I had so many plans, ideas, implementations, etc. and absolutely could not wait to get started.
As the weeks and months continued, I found my positive enthusiasm slowly draining as bad news upon bad news flowed steadily into our lives. If we are all being honest with ourselves, this pandemic has been TOUGH. Tough on mental and physical health, tough on budgets and salaries, tough on relationships and so much more. Being a first-time head coach, or someone who works in collegiate athletics in general, this past year-and-a-half was not at all what we were hoping for or expecting. It has been a hard situation to navigate.
What has been thrown at all of us has been unexpected and tragic and yet has brought so much wisdom and growth. While my first year as a head coach was not what I had expected or hoped for, it has still brought so many amazing lessons and I could not be more grateful.
I’d love to share some of those with you:
FLEXIBILITY IS A NECESSITY
As coaches, we understand that we need to be flexible because things always change. Weather throws a wrench in practice plans, opponents run a new offensive set that wasn’t on the game plan, players sustain injuries and the list goes on. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a new meaning to the word “flexibility.” There were days when practices had to be canceled due to possible exposures or positive results. Recruits were unable to visit campus because of out-of-state travel restrictions and new recruiting mandates.
So, we remain flexible, we make adjustments and we create new opportunities. Instead of practice, we did virtual film sessions. If a recruit couldn’t make it to campus, we set up virtual tours and phone calls. We must remain flexible; we get creative, we make it work.
THE X'S AND O'S REALLY DON'T MATTER
Okay of course they matter, but not as much as we think they do.
It is important to have a slow break and settled offense, a solid defensive set, a clear, a ride and everything in between. But you know what really matters? Being with your team any chance you can.
While at times it is frustrating when your team isn’t understanding a concept or making the necessary adjustments in a specific drill, we need to take a step back and remember that we are so lucky to be able to even be on the field together during these times. There were times this year when practice was just plain ugly, and all I wanted to do was send the girls home for the day, but then I reminded myself that this specific practice session could be the last opportunity we would have together on the field as a team. So, I decided, let’s just be together and give them the opportunity to right the ship. Cherish every moment together, the good, bad and ugly.