The Lifelong Role of a Parent who Coaches

A parent who coaches never really stops being a coach. Even when high school and college teams end, the bond formed through that sport endures much longer.

My dad was my soccer coach for my entire childhood. From the time I was a soccer “squirt”, through middle school, and even indoor in high school, he was an assistant coach. Even when I moved on to high school and club teams, he was always there supporting on the sidelines. We’d have pre-game car ride chats and post-game debriefs after every game. Breaking down the game and different plays always worked for us.

That care and dedication even continues now in my adult rec league season. After Monday night games, I’ll get a text on Tuesday asking if we won and if I scored.

It’s funny that he still asks about these meaningless games, but it reminds me how deeply soccer bonded us. The sport we shared when I was just a kid continues to be a reason for us to connect.

Now, it’s come full circle. My dad plays in his own men’s league on Sundays, and I often reiterate the same questions he’s always asked me: Did you win? Did you score?