I’m an armchair quarterback for girls volleyball!

Posted on September 18, 2007 in Schools & Education, Sports & Recreation by DM

volleyball image When I was in the Des Moines public school system, I did not participate in athletics. So on one level it’s amusing that I now find myself the parent of a middle school volleyball player, who likely will become a high school volleyball player. And more power to her - if she enjoys it then I am thrilled for her. What’s amusing is that one of the things I distrusted about school athletics was the reputation of the “sports parents” for being over-bearing - and I now find myself doing my share of armchair quarter-backing from the spectator stands.

Here’s the thing: it’s painfully obvious that our team is a team only in the sense that they are all from the same school. We have some players who seem to really try - and others that act like moving to reach the ball is a supreme act of personal sacrifice. It’s agonizing - why are these kids even allowed to participate if they aren’t going to try? And why does the coach shout “good job!” at them when they demonstrate their complete lack of interest in being part of the team?

As the parent of one of the kids who really makes an effort to pay attention, play the game (if imperfectly) and support her team mates, I find it increasingly infuriating that some of the kids on this team seem to wish they were anywhere but on that court. If I were their coach, I’d grant ‘em their wish and save my ‘good jobs’ for the kids that really deserve the encouragement.

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