Another Memorable Year

Well, last night was our Cheerleading Banquet for the 2012-2013 Season. It was bittersweet because this is the first class of graduating seniors that I have coached for all four years of high school. I loved this team just like I have all the others (because of their own unique dynamics) but this team taught me more about myself than any other. This team challenged me. I pray that I rose to the occasion and didn't scar anyone too badly...

I feel that a little slack should be given for my meanness because I was learning to juggle teaching, coaching, and being a good wife and mom. For some reason my brain still isn't working like it used to. I can't attribute it to Harper's sleeping habits, because she's an angel baby and sleeps at least 11 hours a night. I don't know, but for some reason I feel like this year was...different.

One of my favorite lines from To Kill a Mockingbird (FAV book of all time) is when Scout says she forgot that she was too old to be fighting and that "Cecil Jacobs made [her] forget." I think that what I didn't like about this year is when the girls made me forget that I was the adult. Talking at practice is one thing. Talking and disturbing practice to where it distracts others from learning is another. Talking and disturbing practice to where I knew it was going to come back and bite us in the butt on the award stage is something that I will never allow again.

Coaching is hard. But coaching 30 teenage girls is HARD.

Like I said, I love each and every one of the members of the 2012-2013 team. I wouldn't change anything about this year even if I could. I appreciate the hard work and dedication they gave even when they didn't want to. I understand AP classes, jobs, parents, boyfriends, frenemies, and clubs/community service can add a lot of stress. And I didn't even mention the "extra-curricular activity" (since most don't consider us a sport) in which they put in at least 20 hours a week practicing and conditioning to uphold our competitive reputation as the best in the state and nation, and oh yeah, the world. They're tired. They're cranky. They're over it. I know. But it is worth it. It is so, so worth it.

We're at the point in every year where everyone is tired and hurting. I mean physically hurting. So much jumping, stunting, and tumbling can take a major toll on their little bodies. When people aren't feeling their best they complain. I remember this time of year from when I was in high school: "Are you going to try out again?" "OMG I am never trying out again." "I don't know if I want to try out again." You get the idea.

What I really want to say to them is this: Suck it up, buttercup.

Everyone eligible to return next year eats, lives, and breathes cheerleading. I don't know what they would possibly do with their time and energy if they really don't decide to try out again. We have big plans for the future of FWBHS Cheerleading (By we I mean myself and BFF Rachel Pritchard. *I Thank God every night that she moved back and coaches with me*). I am so excited for next year. A fresh start. A change. It's time to put 2012-2013 to bed and start dreaming up the best team that Fort Walton Beach has ever seen.

If it was easy, every one would do it.

If it was easy, it wouldn't be worth it.

STATT.