In return
When Kate approached me to coach a local college team, and I agreed to help her, I was expecting very little. I figured I'd be able to help them with at least a little bit of the tricks, tips and tactics I've learned over the last thirteen years of playing ultimate.
What I wasn't expecting to do, however, is learn from them. Least of all in the way that I am.
Here are fifteen women who are looking to me to provide them knowledge and leadership. If I fail, they fail.
Sure, they're willing to learn, they're eager to learn. They absorb everything I teach them, and apply it very well. They learn quickly, and remember, too. I'm really impressed with them. However, it's strange to be in a teaching position; not really of authority, but of experience and leadership.
I'm used to being the number two in a group, able to do the work, but not really at the top.
Kate's been in a position of leadership in many different parts of her life. I haven't, not really. When I'm at practice, however, and Kate's not, the team looks to me to provide guidance and direction. I've started doing exactly that. I've started to lead.
I teach them ultimate. They teach me how to be a leader.
A big fish in a small pond, but a leader none-the-less.
It's a lesson I'm glad they're willing to teach.
