As summer break winds down and the season kicks back into gear, there’s a familiar buzz in the air. I’ve always loved the energy of those early weeks—players excited to reunite with teammates, eager to train, and bursting with movement after the lull of school days returning.
But as any mother-coach knows, this time of year brings more than team huddles and whistle blows. It’s a juggling act: your kids head back to school, you’re managing another job, and then there’s training and games most nights. The question that echoes through all of it—what does it truly take to find balance?
I often wonder how much male coaching counterparts really grasp this aspect of a female coach’s reality. Many are supported by partners who handle the household and parenting responsibilities, while we—mothers who coach—are stretching every ounce of energy to be everywhere we need to be.
In my experience, building a coaching staff of strong, supportive women has been nothing short of a lifesaver. When each of us had kids, we adapted together. We covered for one another so no one missed their child’s game, school play, concert, or milestone moment. This requires trust, communication, and a deep commitment to teamwork—both on and off the field.
I’m especially grateful to the women I’ve coached with who may not have children themselves but still stepped up to help. Their generosity made it possible for us mothers to stay present in our kids’ lives, and that support never went unnoticed.
If you’re entering the coaching season as a mother with a job outside of coaching, here are some practical tips to stay grounded:
- Plan Ahead: Map your calendar through October. Lock in both work and family events.
- Build a Flexible Team: Surround yourself with coaches who communicate openly and are willing to adapt.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Schedule breaks. Rest when you need it. Ask for help.
- Protect Your Energy: Your children deserve your presence—not just your leftovers. Adjust your commitments when you notice depletion.
There were moments I felt so drained after practices, meetings, and work that by the time I sat down with my daughter, I barely had anything left to give. That’s when I knew things had to shift. I started saying no more often, reshaped my schedule, and committed to the present moment—because this time with her? It’s irreplaceable.
There is a way to make it all work. And that balance—that intentional, sometimes messy, beautiful balance—is what makes us successful not just as coaches, but as parents.
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