I'll skip the usual apology for laziness regarding updating the blog: I've actually had MANY situations that I'd like to write about, but to be honest I feel it's best to keep it in private at times, so I've been doing quite a bit of self-reflection. If you're curious feel free to msg me privately and I'll tell you all about it.
In August, I packed my car up and drove down to Georgia to begin graduate classes/assistant coaching for Mercer University, a Division I program that competes in the Atlantic Sun conference. At 25, this is probably the highest level of coaching I can get to, and I was very excited for the opportunity.
As someone who has coached junior college and Division III programs, I really was unsure of what to expect. Looking back on this last month, it was probably the opposite of what I expected (not that it's a bad thing). The first thing that blew my mind was how much heavier the administrative side is. Setting up pre-season, tape exchanges, itineraries for weekends we travel as well as other office work takes up the majority of my time, compared to my other gigs where as an assistant I was basically at practices and that was the extent of what I did. I've learned an incredible amount in the 5 weeks I've been here, and feel that when I leave the school for other ventures, I will be much more knowledgeable that I was when I arrived.
The facilities are amazing: The girls play in a huge arena, the training facilities are top notch, and the workout room has everything they need (it's a bit small for big teams like Lacrosse, but with 15 players we have no space issues). They along with every other team have their own lounge (we share ours with softball, so technically I suppose it isn't all ours), with nice couches and a projector screen to watch tv or game film. I wish these girls could come back with me on a visit to Newbury to truly appreciate how lucky they are, because there's not much "wanting" being done around here!
Classes started 2 weeks ago and I'm enjoying it - it's a lot of work, but the class sizes are small, the teachers are much more personable, and the classmates are very engaged. It's rough in the aspect of you have class once a week from 4:30-8:45 at night, but I do enjoy how that gives me more time to focus on coaching. I'd be lying if I didn't say it's tough to find a balance, but my teachers understand and I'm doing my best to find a happy medium.
The weather here is wonderful - hot and humid, and although some of the locals don't like the humidity I'll take this over snow any day. The only gripe I have with Macon is the bugs... cockroaches are generally accepted here. Creep the hell out of me. I don't think that'll be one of the things I get used to. I've only found 2 in my apartment, I caught one and launched him outside, the next one wasn't so lucky. Nor will any future ones that decide they want to free-load off of us.
I do miss home. There's no doubt about it. The people here are VERY nice, but once I get done with my obligations, all I want to do is go to my room and correspond with people back in Chicago, which is odd because I didn't feel that way at all in Boston. Perhaps it's a bunch of events that took place while I was home the last 7 months, but it'd take a hell of a job offer for me not to head back there once my time's done here.
Although I have more to write, Joe Trinsey (former college opponent who gave me a nudge to update the blog) had a good idea for me to break updates up into separate posts rather than be as long-winded as usual. I'll take his advice. Next time I'll talk a little more about what happens on the court!
