It’s never too late to start heading in the right direction. There is a valuable life lesson somewhere smack in the depth of tournament time. Survive and advance is not for the soft hearted. Winning is important to our family, but what brings us real joy is the experience of being fully engaged in whatever we are doing. It's not human nature to be great. It's human nature to survive, to be average and do what you have to do to get by. That is normal. When you have something good happen, it's the special people that can stay focused and keep paying attention to detail, working to get better and not be satisfied with what they have accomplished.
Keene’s are a coaching family. I am a former scholarship division one athlete and division one head golf coach. My husband is a former division three athlete and current high school coach. Our two boys, well they are honestly a blog of their own. In the summer they live on the golf course and in the winter they are gym rats; what can I say? Our passion runs deep for family, values and leading people.
Today while on a gum search, and a search for inspiration, I dug into my husband’s coaching bag. He’s superstitious. Always gum at tip off. I found an old email I sent him folded up. The paper was wrinkled. The corners were torn. Not to mention the once white paper was dingy. The email was dated February 19, 2011. The significance of the date was the sectional title game. In other words, we were David and the opponent was Goliath. This short note has multiple meanings. I was touched he had kept it. I was moved he has read it more times than one by the dirty prints left behind. I believe this letter showcases our commitment to being our best, not only as individuals, but as a team; Team Keene.
Coach Keene,
When tonight’s game starts--give it your best. The opportunities are there to be anything you want it to be. But wanting to be something isn’t enough; dreaming about it isn’t enough; thinking about it isn’t enough. You have to study for it, work for it, fight for it with all your might and all your heart and all your soul, because nobody is going to hand it to you.
Success does not come to you---you go to it. I am proud of your swagger, I am impressed with your leadership, I am intimidated in your will to win, and I am overcome by your love of the game. Passion makes every detail important. Tonight, take some time to enjoy the “small details” of everything you, as a coach, have overcome this year. Not to mention the success you have molded. It took years to get to this point. Now take it in, and evaluate where your heart tells you to go next on your journey…
Your biggest fan,
Mrs. Coach Keene
Hummmm, evaluate where your heart tell you to go next on your journey. My heart tells me to lead. My heart pushes people to be their best. My heart tells you the truth, even when it’s not the popular answer. My heart is inspired by others goals being met. My heart gets a rush from the journey to the sale. My heart cares about family. My heart is a coach, cheering from behind the bench. Behind the bench was where I was made to be. Does your team roster need a heart like mine?
