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I coached my oldest daughter's soccer team last year with a friend of mine. 

I didn't coach because I was a soccer aficionado, because I wasn't.  I didn't coach because I wanted to make a difference. Making a difference in youth sports was pretty much as far from my mind as it could get.  I coached for a far grander reason:  My friend and I wanted our daughters on the same team. 

(Pause for laughter)

I admit it's funny.  We wanted to enjoy the soccer experience together with our girls.  And we did.  But I got far more out of it than I ever expected.  And it made me wish I had committed to coaching again this year.

* I was reminded that winning isn't everything.  Adults forget that.  Even though score isn't kept, kids know and more importantly parents know.  And if the kids didn't know, usually some loud parent lets them know.  But you know what?  I had just as much fun at the games where we didn't get any shots in the goal and so did they.  At the risk of becoming sappy...sometimes it's the journey not the destination right?

* I learned that playing in the rain is fun.  I should have guessed it when we found out what day picture day was.  It rained like crazy.  We got soaked during the game and then had to take pictures after that.  It's the best picture in the world.  Everybody is soaked, muddy and smiling.  Even me.  Note to self: Melissa lighten up when things don't go the way you planned.  It might still work out.

* I was reminded of the power of being an adult.  Those sweet faces looked to me for direction, encouragement and comfort when they got kicked.  They trusted me, so I couldn't let them down. 

Even thought I'm not coaching this year, the highlight of this year's season so far has been seeing those kids, my kids, playing soccer again this year. 

It has been a nice reminder of lessons learned plus it just goes to show, I didn't destroy their futures in the sport!