Remember March 2020 when the pandemic was just starting to wreak havoc on our world? When we shared a strong resolve and unity to persevere? In the early days, it was common to hear phrases like:
“We can do this!”
“We’ve got this.”
“We’re in this together.”
Do you remember?
Fast forward through almost two years of politics, division, and loss, and weariness has set in for many, including the coaches and athletes we serve every day through FCA. All were hit with upset sports seasons, and uncertainty continues today with each new virus variant. Coaches are working hard to keep the “we can do this” attitude, but it has been one of the hardest seasons in their lives as they try to coach well and meet the changing needs of their athletes, many of whom are also worn out.
THANK
Adrienne Haugen has learned to approach coaches in a way that’s about them, not FCA. She says, “I thank them for being a coach and giving their time leading the athletes at their schools. I let them know that we see them, and we know that as rewarding as coaching is it also can be thankless by so many others. I thank them for giving up their time from their families to lead the athletes, tell them we are praying for them, and then ask them if there is anything that we can pray for them, their other coaches, or their athletes.” Coaches are grateful for the care she shares, how she notices them, and the genuine offer to pray.
ASK
Bob Spiegler has found that coaches crave connection with other coaches who understand what they are going through. More than ever, they have been willing to be part of a weekly Bible study over Zoom. In the past, it may have been hard to get coaches to make time to attend a Bible study, but now, Bob says, “When asked, they say yes.” No one else understands what they are walking through except other coaches, and sharing a common faith adds greater depth to their conversations.
PRAY
Brent Voight said, “Our Stillwater FCA student athletes met, prayed for teachers, wrote cards to teachers, and slipped them underneath their classroom doors so they’d see them in the morning.” Many of the school’s coaches are also teachers, and for them to know someone is thinking of them and praying for them is a small gesture that makes a big difference in the lives of those who have poured so much of themselves into others over the last two years. One teacher told his whole class about the card and how it had made his day on a very hard day.
NOURISH
Joy Gardner and her team provide loaves of bread and encouraging notes to the coaches at several metro colleges. The University of St. Thomas has gone from a D3 to D1 school this year, and one coach acknowledged the challenge along with appreciation for the thoughtfulness of FCA staff: “Thank you so much for the kind note AND the bread, so very thoughtful of you! Thank you also for your prayers and your words of encouragement.”
FEED
Kelly Lindell and the
North Metro Team recently held a coaches appreciation breakfast at an area high school. She said, “We wanted to thank them for all they have done this past year to keep students engaged, active, and social, and the huge impact that had on keeping students physically and mentally healthy.” It was well-received by coaches who enjoyed the time of fellowship and relaxation as FCA staff and students served them.
ENCOURAGE
James Bolin has discovered that
encouraging texts sent to individual coaches each month, along with zoom huddles, have had a significant impact on the 12-15 coaches who have been engaged. A recent text shared this statement: “You are loved, forgiven, free, chosen, and redeemed. That is who God made you! That is your identity.” For weary coaches, these words speak life and hope into their hearts and give them a renewed sense of purpose.
