Inspire

by Ryan Krzykowski

You may have seen this one before, but this quote was new to me when our pastor sent this out a few weeks ago.  When I read this quote from the French author, Antoine de Saint Exupéry who wrote The Little Prince it was striking how well this idea applies to coaching young people and leading an athletic program.  Exupery writes,  “If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.”

Teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.  Teach them to long to be a part of something greater than themselves.  Teach them to see themselves as champions.  Teach them to love each other.  Teach them to push themselves and others toward greatness.  Teach them their value doesn’t depend on the outcome.  Teach them how much joy comes from accomplishing something together.

And…it’s that time of year, when we recognize finalists for Metro KC Coach of the Year.  These women and men specialize in inspiring their athletes — using sports as a tool to change lives, and making our city a better place.  Voting for 2024 Coaches of the Year will run through April 17.  Check out the finalist page that includes links to the voting pages, and also to the podcast interviews we recorded with each finalist.

Female finalists – 

Michelle Abshire – Volleyball – Blue Valley West HS, MAVS and Blue Valley Rec

Amy Hoffsommer-Griffin – Volleyball – Olathe West HS

Lauren Paccapaniccia – Soccer – Athena FC

Male Finalists – 

Aaron Davidson – Cross country/Track – Blue Valley West HS

Jerald Long – Football and Track – Pleasant Ridge Middle

Adam Olerich – Basketball – Olathe North HS

Thanks for voting and let’s Coach With Purpose…