I can sense your frustration and am sure your DD is frustrated, as well. As travel ball coaches (and players), we have the "luxury" of pool play every weekend, which allows us to use all of our players which in turn allows us (theoretically) to make better decisions about who gets to play on Sunday. We get to see our girls play in games against other girls and we don't have to rely solely on what we see in practice when it comes time to make out the lineup.
I bet you're frustrated because your DD's HS team is probably playing in just the one tournament before beginning the season and if your DD didn't get to play in that, she may not get a chance to showcase her in-game level of play so the coach can be better informed. It is also hard on you both because you each know that the girl she is competing with is roughly her equal, but perhaps the coach places more emphasis on something she may do a bit better than your DD rather than on something your DD does a bit better than her.
Regardless of your level of frustration, this is DD's battle, and hers alone. Encourage her, try not to let her sense your frustration, and ask her what she thinks she needs to do to earn playing time. Once she is able to figure that out for herself, she will be better equipped to go out and earn the spot or at least be more confident if she decides to ask the same question of her coach.
Daddy can't fight this for her. That could end up being disastrous for her if you do. Don't take her opportunity away from her because you're frustrated. Support her and help her and tell her to be the best teammate she can be and to keep working. She needs to remember that she is a player who made varsity as a freshman and who is a solid travel ball player and that she can do this because she is good at it. I think if she takes that approach you may see her earn a little PT down the line.
EDIT: This may not have come across as I'd hoped .... adding that it could be the frustration that is her undoing, as that emotion can show up in her practice habits, her attitude, and even in her quality of play. Stay upbeat, cheer for your teammates, work hard and show your love for the game every day and the frustration will ease and things will get better.
I bet you're frustrated because your DD's HS team is probably playing in just the one tournament before beginning the season and if your DD didn't get to play in that, she may not get a chance to showcase her in-game level of play so the coach can be better informed. It is also hard on you both because you each know that the girl she is competing with is roughly her equal, but perhaps the coach places more emphasis on something she may do a bit better than your DD rather than on something your DD does a bit better than her.
Regardless of your level of frustration, this is DD's battle, and hers alone. Encourage her, try not to let her sense your frustration, and ask her what she thinks she needs to do to earn playing time. Once she is able to figure that out for herself, she will be better equipped to go out and earn the spot or at least be more confident if she decides to ask the same question of her coach.
Daddy can't fight this for her. That could end up being disastrous for her if you do. Don't take her opportunity away from her because you're frustrated. Support her and help her and tell her to be the best teammate she can be and to keep working. She needs to remember that she is a player who made varsity as a freshman and who is a solid travel ball player and that she can do this because she is good at it. I think if she takes that approach you may see her earn a little PT down the line.
EDIT: This may not have come across as I'd hoped .... adding that it could be the frustration that is her undoing, as that emotion can show up in her practice habits, her attitude, and even in her quality of play. Stay upbeat, cheer for your teammates, work hard and show your love for the game every day and the frustration will ease and things will get better.
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