Years ago, I started my professional career as a PE instructor and basketball coach with teens at a small high school outside of Boonville, Missouri. I had a great year with something like 19 wins and 2 losses along with 2 out of three tournament wins. The girls team was awesome but one of the things that I always believed in was letting everyone play. Team sports can be such an enriching experience with lessons learned along the way. Much to my surprise and delight, I received an email from one of my old students recently and here is what she had to say,
“I can remember that you were one of the few coaches that it didn’t matter what a persons last name was, you got to play basketball. I can’t remember whether it was my Soph. or Jr. year that I had you as a coach. But made me feel good to get the chance to play then. I am married and have 4 sons and a daughter. I’m sure you don’t remember me but I do remember you and giving a person without a name a chance to play ball. Thank You!”
Little did I know the effect I had on this young woman. Sometimes we do not know the effect we have each day on the people we come into contact with. One small word of encouragement or a smile can make all the difference in the world. Make a note this week to connect with someone in your life and let them know how important they are to you. Little do we know.
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