Sports Provide Safety, Stability, and Support
As a young child, I was drawn to sports by curiosity, boundless energy, and an innate competitive spirit. At recess, I was the girl playing basketball, dominating four square, and tetherball was my absolute favorite. I loved it so much that I begged my dad to install a tetherball pole in our backyard. Being active was my freedom. I was always moving in class, talking when bored or tired of sitting still, and socializing because I was done with my work. School came easily to me, and since I understood the material quickly, I often found myself restless, seeking movement. Therefore, sports became an essential outlet.
Later in life, when studying Occupational Therapy in graduate school, I learned about sensory systems and movement-seeking behaviors. Looking back, I realize I craved proprioceptive input as a child. In softball, I always wanted to be the catcher—I loved the feel and pressure of the gear- the helmets, chest and knee pads, and I thought it looked cool! Running, jumping, anything requiring gross motor skills—I couldn’t get enough. Back in the ‘90s, no one thought much of this. I was just an active kid who sometimes talked too much or moved too much in class. For the most part, teachers managed it with gentle reminders and guidance. That changed in fourth grade.
A Tough Year
My fourth-grade teacher—a stark contrast to my patient third-grade teacher—seemed to find me annoying. He lectured in a monotone voice, lacked patience, and had a controlling demeanor—not exactly an ideal fit for young, energetic students. His teaching style didn’t engage me much, but when we played flashcard games, I thrived. I loved standing up, competing, and racing to get the answer right. Winning was fun, but more than anything, it meant I didn’t have to sit back down.
Unfortunately, my energy and restlessness irritated him. My high metabolism made late lunches unbearable, sometimes leaving me nauseated. I told him when I didn’t feel well, but rather than offering understanding, he became increasingly agitated. I wasn’t defiant—I followed rules, paid attention when I could, and worked hard to please my teachers. Praise motivated me. So when he became cold and distant, I was confused.
One day, he took my desk and isolated me in the hallway because I was bothering him and didn’t feel well. I cried in class and continued crying at home, which did not happen very often- at this point, my dad had enough. He drove to the school and confronted my teacher, making it clear that the targeting and emotional abuse needed to stop—though I doubt he said it politely.
The isolations ended, and the outright rude comments ceased, but tensions remained. That year, my greatest sources of safety, structure, and support were recess, gym class, soccer, and softball. Those outlets didn’t just help me through fourth grade—they became lifelong anchors, vehicles to move through life, and a healthy channel for release of energy and emotions as I got older.
Assessing the Environment: Remembering the Purpose
That year, practices were a welcome escape, a space to release energy and refocus. As a coach today, I remind myself that sports are about far more than just winning. Creating a safe, structured, supportive environment is the true priority. You never know what a player might be going through at home, school, or in their social circles. A team should provide a unified purpose—a place to learn, grow, and channel energy in a positive way. Sports have the power to do exactly that.
A few questions to ask oneself- Are the kids ever smiling? Do they talk to each other? Are they running onto the field to practice or running away from it at the end? Do they approach you to tell you stories about their day, or their family? Are they excited to share with you their achievements, or when they master a new move or skill in their sport? There are others, but these are some that may help you assess your environment closer. As coaches, this is something we are all responsible for in positions of leadership shaping the lives of the youth. It is important to remember to stay age appropriate and keep a perspective that this should be an enjoyable extracurricular activity for the players, not a shame based or anxiety filled experience.
Sports were a safe haven for me, and am sure for many others out there! Would love to hear more about your personal experiences! Please subscribe, comment or reach out to share!
Until next time,
Kelly
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