From Coaches

Hey team,
From Coaches

I coach because I love helping kids find the big courage hiding behind small moments. When things get tough — whether it’s losing a game, feeling left out, or dealing with a family change — the right words can feel like a steady hand. Below are short, simple phrases I say a lot, and why they matter. Think of them as tiny tools you can carry in your pocket and pull out when you need them.

Here are quick phrases to remember: - “You’re allowed to feel this.”
- “Mistakes are practice, not proof.”
- “One step at a time.”
- “Name it to tame it.”
- “I’ve got your back.”
- “Breathe with me.”
- “What can we try next?”
- “This won’t last forever.”

Each phrase has a job. “You’re allowed to feel this” gives permission — sometimes kids think they should be brave all the time, but feelings aren’t a weakness; they’re information. “Mistakes are practice, not proof” reminds you that trying means learning, and nobody becomes good at something without falling down first. “One step at a time” helps when a problem feels too big; break it into tiny moves and celebrate each one. “Name it to tame it” means saying out loud “I’m sad” or “I’m mad” helps your brain sort things out. “I’ve got your back” is about safety and support — coaches, friends, and family can be your team. “Breathe with me” brings your body into the moment and can calm a rushing heart. “What can we try next?” turns stuckness into a plan. And “This won’t last forever” is a gentle reminder that feelings change, even hard ones.

Knowing a phrase is one thing; using it is another. Try practicing them when things are calm. Say them to yourself in the mirror, whisper them before big moments, or write one on a sticky note and put it in your backpack. Coaches use small rituals — a deep breath, a fist bump, a short phrase — to move from worry to action. If you’re with a teammate who’s upset, use the short phrases to listen and help. Often, listening and letting someone know they’re not alone is the biggest help.

If you ever feel really overwhelmed, tell a trusted grown-up — a parent, teacher, or coach — and if you’re worried about safety, tell an adult right away. I’m not a doctor or therapist, just someone who wants to pass along things that helped other kids. Keep these phrases handy, use them often, and remember: courage is something you practice, not something you’re born with. You’re stronger than you think, and you don’t have to do it alone.