DD is leaving her team, and while I think it's the best move, it's still very hard. Just looking for some sympathy, but open-minded to second-guessing also.
Former team is a showcase team, and DD is the first player to get an offer and commit. I really appreciate what her coach did for her and what he's trying to build, which will become harder without DD. DD is not the best player on the team, but is an important piece. Coach will respect and support her decision, but also made a case for loyalty. Made the argument that now that she's reached shore (committed), that she can help others get there too. And while that might sound selfish, I get the idea of playing for something bigger than yourself. This is not a big name program, so it's not easy to replace key players.
But, new team is stronger and should better prepare her for college ball. New team also has the endorsement of her future college coach. DD is much more motivated by the challenge of the new team than returning to the old one. She wants to be on a team where every player in the dugout is very motivated to play hard and play at the next level. Old team has some of that, but not enough. That's DD's biggest complaint. She is having an easier time with this than I am.
Also, she's not leaving mid-season. Previous team's schedule is basically the calendar year.
Thoughts?
Former team is a showcase team, and DD is the first player to get an offer and commit. I really appreciate what her coach did for her and what he's trying to build, which will become harder without DD. DD is not the best player on the team, but is an important piece. Coach will respect and support her decision, but also made a case for loyalty. Made the argument that now that she's reached shore (committed), that she can help others get there too. And while that might sound selfish, I get the idea of playing for something bigger than yourself. This is not a big name program, so it's not easy to replace key players.
But, new team is stronger and should better prepare her for college ball. New team also has the endorsement of her future college coach. DD is much more motivated by the challenge of the new team than returning to the old one. She wants to be on a team where every player in the dugout is very motivated to play hard and play at the next level. Old team has some of that, but not enough. That's DD's biggest complaint. She is having an easier time with this than I am.
Also, she's not leaving mid-season. Previous team's schedule is basically the calendar year.
Thoughts?