In summation - THANK YOU

Alright it’s time for me to write the post that no coach looks forward to writing. Unfortunately the Road Warriors season ended last night in the regional quarterfinals. Last night and this morning, I had to constantly remind myself of one of my favorite quotes: “comparison is the thief of joy”. I will admit that at times I have stumbled into the thinking trap of comparing our season to others. In an effort to grow stronger than this thinking trap I am going to type out my (many times edited and shortened) “thankful” list.

• I am thankful for Stonewall Jackson High School. The school that taught me the value of diversity and the benefits of connecting to your community.
• I am thankful the athletic department and administration at SJHS for both teaching me when I was a student and for allowing me to become a member of this great school.
• I am thankful for our team managers. These young ladies are tough as nails as they recorded stats, filled up the water bottles, made sure game day was smooth while having to endure uncomfortable weather conditions. Keep in mind they did all this with smiles on their faces even knowing they would have to be stuck on a school bus with over 20 smelly teenage athletes.
• I am thankful for my fellow coaches in the community. Sharing our passion for lacrosse and the young people that play it is truly one of the best aspects of this fraternity we call coaching.
• I am thankful for my coaching mentors. For answering my calls/texts/emails throughout the year. You have helped me become a better coach and your brilliant tactics are appreciated. I am most grateful to you all allowing me to be vulnerable especially during the episodes of self doubt that I’m sure almost every first year head coach experiences.
• I am thankful for my coaching staff at SJHS. You guys are the true heroes and words cannot truly express how much I am thankful for you all.
• I am thankful for the parents of the players. You all raised truly amazing young people who will accomplish amazing things in this world. You all were incredibly supportive from the day my hiring was announced and your love, caring and support during this season is so appreciated. I am so thankful that you all allowed me to coach your sons this year.
• I am thankful for my family. Your support every year but especially this year was amazing. I loved seeing you guys pregame, sharing our secret hand sign during warmups and hugging you guys against a fence line post game.
• Finally and most importantly, I am so thankful for my players, my 2019 Road Warriors. You boys bought into a whole new culture, a whole new way of doing things in the off-season, in practice, and on game days. It would have been understandable for you guys to continue to do what was your comfortable routine however you took a leap of faith in me and my approach. You boys focused on the process rather than the results, did the simple things better, and pounded the proverbial stone all season. You guys did all this while not having a home field thus playing on neutral sites or in opponents territory all spring. The positive energy and incredible effort you guys brought every day was truly awe inspiring and you helped me become a better coach but most importantly a better person.

Thank you all for your likes, shares, positive posts all season! I am such a lucky guy and I am forever thankful.
Love,
Sean