- Jun 12, 2015
- 3,848
- 83
We have our first tournament of the fall this weekend. Last week, our head coach passed away. Those of you who've been here awhile may know our story. DH head coached last year, because our head coach quit a few days before tryouts. DH prefers assistant coaching (you who have head coached can probably understand why - it's a lot of stress and drama and a full time job in itself), so he talked to our organization head (who is great), who sent us to the father of one of their 18U players who had a lot of coaching experience. DH talked to him and their philosophies were in line, and he supported our vision for the team, which for 2nd year 12U includes keeping it fun but stepping up the competition this year. The kids really liked him, and he was so passionate about the game. He was 100% invested in our team even though he had no child on it.
Last week he passed away suddenly, most likely from an existing heart issue. He was only 46 years old, and so full of life. I have a picture of him full-on airborne from our last practice before he passed away, demonstrating a drill they were working on. Lots of energy, always a smile and encouragement for the players. The girls seem to be handling it pretty well but they're definitely sad. It's kind of amazing for a person to have as much impact as he did in such a short period of time. Anyway, just hoping for some softball community positive vibes this weekend.
Last week he passed away suddenly, most likely from an existing heart issue. He was only 46 years old, and so full of life. I have a picture of him full-on airborne from our last practice before he passed away, demonstrating a drill they were working on. Lots of energy, always a smile and encouragement for the players. The girls seem to be handling it pretty well but they're definitely sad. It's kind of amazing for a person to have as much impact as he did in such a short period of time. Anyway, just hoping for some softball community positive vibes this weekend.