This article by Bruce E. Brown, from the Proactive Coaching Intentional Coaching collection, reflects on looking back at old team pictures and realizing he was coaching not just "kids" but future parents, leaders and difference makers. It encourages coaches to see beyond today in their players' lives and believe in them before they are successful, and closes with a reflection on thankfulness and a humorous story about perspective.
Introduction
Looking back at team pictures I find it interesting how I can go right back to the moment with each group. When I was coaching them, they were great young men and women but they were "kids". Some were lacking confidence just learning to compete, and others extremely confident. Some who had reached the peak of their physical gifts and some who were years away. They had roles on the team – some had large roles and some had smaller roles but they were all important. Some had the gift of physical talent and others had to work hard for everything. Some were very popular and outgoing while others were shy and reserved. They were kids, trying to figure out who they were.