Shelley Klaes, James Madison
I am amazed at how technology is allowing us to do so much, even though this job is about developing people. COVID has reminded me that I am so grateful that I have a job that I am truly passionate about. I appreciate the opportunity COVID has given me to understand what it feels like to be fully recovered and ready for work on Mondays. Being at home, while working and supporting the education of my two children, I have learned to appreciate the pleasure of “just going to the office” and ONLY having to manage the job that day. My children’s activities and social schedule have been way less, which has allowed us to slow down and take a breath, and be the mom I am always wanting to be when I am on the road recruiting or traveling with the team.
Jen Fallon, New Haven
As coaches, I think we all know that gratitude in general helps build strong teams. This year has provided us with SO much to be grateful for. I am grateful for the community I have been able to lean on in these difficult time — colleagues, peers, student-athletes, friends and family. I’m grateful for the small personal connections I have had the chance to make with my student-athletes outside of lacrosse. I continue to be grateful for happy moments and for the ability to seek them out when they are not always obvious. I’m grateful for new experiences and new opportunities to learn. I’m grateful that I know things change. I often remind myself and my players that what we are going through will change, too.
Meg Decker, Hartford
When I reflect back on 2020, it reminds me of the Japanese tradition of ‘kintsugi’ — the golden repair. It is a practice of restoring broken pottery by melting gold in the cracks to hold it together. In many ways, our worlds have been broken; things do not look the same as they once did. But I see the pieces picked up and put back together, golden threads now fill the cracks. Special moments with those we love, laughing over cereal for lunch and pancakes for dinner; realizing how many creative ways we can connect with those we love — from letters, to FaceTime, to front porch drop-offs and car parades! If we really think about it, our worlds haven’t been broken as much as redesigned … using much more beautiful pieces. So, cheers to golden threads and gratitude for all the ways we have pulled together through this year. Happy Thanksgiving!
Anne Phillips, William Smith
As we approach Thanksgiving and reflect on all that has transpired in 2020, it would certainly be easy to find things to complain about! As an avid golfer, I like to say that I am on the “back nine” of my coaching career (for you non-golfers, I am approaching the end of the second half). Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. As I think back on the last 20 years, I am grateful to those who have been influential in my life. I am grateful to my high school and college coaches, current colleagues and, of course, the members of my family who have supported me. As I look back, there were many remarkable coaches who had a major impact on my life. Though they taught me a lot about lacrosse, they also taught me many life lessons through sport. I am thankful to these women who gave their time and energy, in support of not just my athletic career, but me personally. They taught me about responsibility, goal setting, discipline, accountability, leadership, resiliency (and wow, is that coming in handy today!) and ultimately, how to compete and be successful in life. I am grateful to all of the important people in my life and for all they have given me. Though I have thanked them, I can never repay them. What I can do is ‘‘Pay It Forward.”
Though 2020 continues to be challenging, I believe we will see progress in controlling the pandemic after the Holidays. As coaches, we will continue to find creative ways to teach life lessons through lacrosse. I am optimistic about the spring season, but however the 2021 season unfolds, I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with so many wonderful and talented young women. They seem to have a deeper love for the game and a greater appreciation for their teammates and the time we have together. I know I do! We will emerge stronger, resilient and yes, more “thankful” for each other.
Monica Plut, Eastern Oregon
I am thankful for what this year has taught me, no matter how hard the lessons were. I learned to slow down and enjoy the moment, to control the things I can control, and to learn to be even more flexible in every aspect. Although this year isn’t what we thought it would be, we are learning resilience during all of this! I am thankful for my supportive school, my team, and my friends and family!