Confessions of a cheerleading coach, part three

Wow. This time last week, I was busy planning with my co-coach Chrissy for our future as cheerleading coaches. Today, I am blown away that we actually made it through our first week!! Perspective on what it would be like to coach any sport has definitely altered. I knew going in there would be challenges, but I must say, that even amongst a group of sixteen teenagers, I feel amazed. We literally watched as sixteen young girls went from the first night of fueled nerves to the third night of, "let me help you." Let me explain.

That first night, after conditioning and introductions, we sat in a circle and went around one by one talking about our past cheer experiences, etc. Some girls sat quietly with their nerves in tact, and others were well, not so quiet. By the second night, nerves eased a bit for us coaches and cheerleaders alike, and we started getting into a groove. I actually remembered names much to the thanks of our amazing trainer, Maddie and her name game from the first night. By the third night, our girls were amazing. See, mama hen is already out and about as Chrissy and I stood watching three of the girls teaching a cheer to the newer girls. I can't help it, I beamed with pride watching them bond and smile and actually forming into a team. By the end of the night, Chrissy and I already knew what type of stunt groups we were forming, how we would go about cheers and our plan of action for Monday. Now if that isn't impressive, I just don't know what is.

I know there will be challenges in life, and we will reach hurdles as coaches. But even after months of research and planning, I probably couldn't feel prouder than I do today. As I reflect on our first week as coaches, I smile. I know, no matter what clouds come our way, we will see rainbows.

Proud.