Swimming Against the Current: Fighting for Common Sense in a World That's Lost its Mind

by Riley Gaines

For coaches and teachers… Be the voice of the voiceless. Create and cultivate a healthy environment where all opinions can be voiced without fear of repercussions. Don’t let the greater powers above you intimidate you into submission. Remember why you started. I would bet it was to influence, empower, and inspire others. You have one of the most powerful platforms in a young person’s life, I know my teachers and coaches did. You can impact more young people in a year than most people are awarded in a lifetime, so use it to the child’s benefit. Be transformational rather than transactional. Seek to transform their sense of worth, value, and talent rather than using your students or players as tools to meet your own personal needs like a job promotion or for monetary gain. Great and effective leading (especially to young people) requires integrity, self-reflection, and a greater sense of obligation. That obligation includes protecting the child’s safety, privacy, and opportunities. I so desperately waited for these influences in my life to stand up for me when it mattered, but they failed. Be the one they can turn to for anything. For girls… Don’t get discouraged. Please hear me when I tell you are worthy. And you are deserving of the same opportunities that I was fortunate enough to have. You deserve to see yourselves as champions. You are not defined by the thoughts in a man’s head. Be bold. Be strong. Be brave. Hold the line. Speak up for yourselves and others when you se...