Dear current, former, and future youth sport coaches in New England...

HOLY SMOKES - I had no clue how much you actually did. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I recently decided to begin my coaching career a little earlier than I anticipated. Originally, I thought that I would start coaching once I had kids of my own...

Not the case anymore. I noticed that a few local high schools did not have a head coach for their tennis teams just a month or so before the season was set to begin.

Knowing the schools would find a teacher, parent, or just any willing and able adult, I decided to throw my name in the hat. I played tennis in high school and college, so I figured I was certainly more qualified than a fill-in.

Fast forward to the start of the season, today...WOW. There is a lot that goes into coaching.

Sure, it was wildly naive of me to think I was just going to show up for the hour-and-a-half practices, and two-hour matches, and carry on with my normal life outside of the season.

No, no - that part of coaching is maybe 40%.

The other 60% is admin work like writing out practice plans, senior banquets, and managing a team (and parents) through New England's non-stop changing weather.

As I sat down to prep week one for the Dover, New Hampshire girl's tennis season, I could not get past day 1 of planning. I did not know the weather. 60% chance of rain in March could mean 3 inches of snow, a spot shower, a downpour...or even a sunny day!

It could also mean a last-minute location change...indoor courts, outdoor courts, or school gymnasium.

I want to make it clear that I am SO excited to coach and give back what so many coaches did for me...but my gosh...I had no clue just how much "extra" my coaches did when I was in high school.

So to all current, former, and future youth sport coaches in New England...god bless. Thanks for what you have done or will do.

I have quickly learned that coaching is like an iceberg. There is a lot more under the surface that most are unaware of.