The challenge

I haven't been here for a minute because my summer vacation ended (just in time for the Olympics:( and school started. Practices are more intense now. I never mentioned that have taken over the boys XC team as well. I am assisted by our 2 male assistants but I am the only one who was mentored to take over the XC program. I am using the same formula that enabled my girls XC to win last year. Right now I am giving our kids a good base and staying on them about form. I am excited because its going to take me to another level as a coach. The boys are still getting used to my strictly business approach but for the most part they are responding. The girls already know. They have always been my stress relief. Its going to be a good season.

Becoming a Leader

The past couple of years I have been spoiled by my now college bound seniors who were great leaders and captains for me. I currently have XC team where I have to go back and lead them myself as I develop one. Thankfully since I have gotten older I understand things alot better.

A team has to have a solid leader that will lead them in the right direction. They understand your philosophy as a coach and demonstrate that philosophy to the rest of team. Some kids are hesitant about taking on a leadership role because they don't want to disappoint. I try to make sure they understand that there are going to be some times that you are going to get frustrated and not want to do it anymore. It is a task you have to work on daily. Good leadership is essential to a teams' success.