I chose a career later in life than many, but once it finally occurred to me, I knew I was made to be a teacher. Math was always my favorite in school and I had some good luck tutoring in that subject so I chose that as my medium. What really drove me to teach was my desire to coach. I had played soccer in high school and, despite the fact that my only coaching experience was with youth soccer, I had always loved softball and my umpiring experience led me to connect on a deep level to that sport.
My first team was at a private school in the Bay Area and then I took a JV assistant position at the school I worked at during my credential. I finally found my home when I moved to Sacramento and became an assistant coach for what was soon to be the dominant softball program in Northern California, with whom I believe to be the best coach of any high school sport in recent history. The good fortune I had to work with Coach Truesdale, and the rest of her incredible staff, over the next 15 years is indescribable. In addition to learning more about the game and about coaching, I learned more about working with kids, and adults, on that softball field than I ever could in a classroom.
I absolutely loved all of the teams that I coached over the years, but there are three softball teams and one soccer team that will forever hold a place in my heart. The first team I got to coach at Moreau Catholic High School is where I learned to let the team’s abilities and attitudes set the pace. My role was to guide and encourage, but I could not change who they are. The 2002 Sheldon team was our first section championship and I recall Coach asking me what I thought about the team. “My favorite thing about them,” I said, “is that they have no idea how good they are.” They never quit. They never surrendered. “Ain’t No Mountain High.” Our ‘07 team knew how good they were and they never had a doubt that they would win. Several of those players went on to play for big schools and 2 played for Team USA (one still plays pro ball). Finally, I will always cherish the 2 years I had the privilege to coach my own daughter in soccer. It meant giving up my beloved softball, but it was an easy choice. I was there for my own children more than anything else. In fact, we bought a house and moved so that they would be able to attend the school where I taught.
Over the years I developed a passion for mentoring off the field, as well. From my years of teaching I take with me countless students who called me “dad.” Some because they did not have a father around. Many of those still call me that years after they graduated. I have had three students whose fathers passed away while they were in my class. They still hold a special place in my heart. I introduced several students to trail running and some of those still participate in that. One of my greatest sources of pride is when a young men came to me and, in the midst of sagging pants and common disrespect, wanted me to help him influence young men to be gentlemen. For several years I taught countless young men and women to tie ties. We were able to introduce them to a whole new world of fashion and self-respect. With help of some community members and Sterling-Scott, we provided fashion neckwear for a dozen seniors who could not otherwise afford it for graduation.
Truth be told, fitting 20 plus years of experiences into a few boxes is not easy. It’s Even more difficult to go through those boxes and figure out what to display, what to put into storage, and what to discard. I have thousands of stories that I have acquired and shared and I hope to be able to share them through my writing and my speaking in the future. While I hate to say goodbye to Sheldon High School and the relationships I have built there, I look forward to what the future holds and to the new relationships I will make there.
