School spirit was running high today. It was our last game, which was also a home game. The girls were so excited. They were ready to play.

This whole season I have taught my team the importance of sportsmanship and to channel their energy into their skills and the game instead of becoming physically aggressive. However, looking at the teams energy I was concerned they would not be able to do so. I just had to wait and see what happened as I could not really do much before.

Before every team both coaches greet one another and address any concerns we may have. I was quite surprised to learn that another school/coach was saying my team was aggressive. From what I recall, every game I made sure my team was playing a game not a wrestling match. We were even complimented for the way we played so to hear this comment I did not know how to take it.

We lost our game, however, my team was happy. They played such a strong game. The opponents were great as well. Both teams were making basket after basket. It was an intense game. The parents were happy to see the skill improvement in the team. They were impressed with the game as well so as a coach I was very content.

Part of me wishes I could do more for the team, unfortunately, time was a constraint.

Looking at the teams drive to play, myself and another teacher were thinking of a boys vs. girl games for the grade 7 teams. Let’s see how this plays out!

Today was a good game. We did not win the game, but that is okay. As a team we achieved a very important goal.

After the game came to an end. The coaches from the other team came over and complimented our team for having great sportsmanship and skills. The coaches expressed how they had not played against such a good group of girls in a very long time.

After hearing that it did not phase me that we did not win. I was so proud of our team. It was such a liberating experience.

I was so nervous today. It was our first home game and we had a lot of spectators. I was so nervous for the team. I could tell the team was nervous as their family and friends were watching the game.

I encouraged the girls to play as if no one was watching. I advised them to keep focused on the court and my voice on the side lines.

The game was intense. It felt like every time our team made a basket the opposing team made two baskets. The girls were getting tired, but they refused to give up. The girls continued to thrive. They were constantly moving around to get open to get the ball. They were getting in the huddle for the rebounds. They had their hands up on during defence. The girls were implementing everything they were learning.

With all the girls hard work we WON our first game. I can not explain the emotions or the moment of when the girls were celebrating. I was so proud of them.

After last weeks game it was hard to get back into the team.

In today’s game I was a little hesitant and unsure how to bring my teams spirit back up. I knew I could not let them down. We started the game with a lot of laughter and encouragement.  The team just wanted to have fun.

We lost the game, however, I could sense my team were more motivated to win a game. The competition was fuelling their need to thrive. As a coach I was really happy to see that. I just hope we win our next game, especially, since it is a home game.

Let’s see what the next game has in store

Today was quite the game!

My main goal as a coach is to make sure my team is having fun and having good sportsmanship. At the beginning of every game I was tell my team “We treat other how we want to be treated not how they treat us!”

This game my girls were loosing focus. The opposing team was very aggressive. At one point of the game one go my girls was elbowed on the court.  She was in tears. Her parent stepped in and was very upset with how the other team was playing. Looking at this my team was starting to become aggressive. At the same time I had to stop coaching and support my injured team member along with the parents concern. I was a crazy few minutes. I had to call an extra time out. We collected as a team and I reminded the team of the type of team we are. We cannot loose focus!

We finished the game on a good note, but I could tell me team was not as happy as they usually are. I hope I did not disappoint them as their coach.

Today was our first game. I could sense the excitement during the lunch practice. The girls were ready to take the opponents.

When we got to the game. We had a team meeting. I let the girl know that we are here to have fun. We are here to learn what we are good at and what we need to work. As a team we need to keep a positive outlook. We need to work together to support, challenge and encourage one another.

Wow! Did we have a good game. We lost the game 22 to 18, but that did not seem to phase the girls. They all got a chance to play two rounds.

Our team had a smile on the their faces at the end even though the other team was a bit aggressive. When the girls were sensing the hostility I just advised them we as a team will treat other how we want to be treated. The girls agreed and tried very hard not to let the other team bring down their spirits.

The girls are very excited to see what our practice has in store next week.

I, as a coach, was so impressed with their sportsmanship and team work. At time I thought I was being tough but I could not help myself. I kept asking the girls if they thought I was being too strict. They were actually motivated to do even better.

At the end of the game. I had one of the grandparents come up to me and tell me how I was doing a great job. She was impressed at how the team was responding to my coaching. She said she is going to make sure she comes to all the games.

It was a great start to the season!

This week it was our first practice as a team. I was very nervous to take the lead for the team.  I have always be a team player but this was the first time I was the team leader. I absolutely loved the feeling.

The first thing I did before starting the practice was give the girls an agenda of our practice so they knew what to expect. I started off with some running, skill training and then we played a game.

As we went on with the practice I made sure I did everything with the team. As a new educator I know students perform the best when their expectations are modeled for them. I did not want them to feel that I was a superior/upper position as them. We are a team and we are equals.

Our practice was cut short due to an assembly after lunch. Something I did not expect but we were able to adjust. Something educators have to do all the time.

At the end of the practice we debriefed as a team. The girls wanted to know how I would like to be addressed. I let them know they could call me Ms. N or Ms. Narwan. The girls asked if they could call me coach. I was happy with that. They call me COACH!

Just before the girls headed back to class one of the girls came up to me. She told me that she did not like basketball and was not really into the game, but she liked they way I coach. She said now she is going to commit to the team just for that reason. I did know how to respond . I was caught off guard, but at the same time I was overwhelmed with such a warming feeling.

Practice # 1 = SUCESS!