Lately I’ve been feeling a bit nostalgic. It’s been two years since I graduated college and put down my cleats for good. My senior year of college I was so beat up and my body was so worn down that I craved for summer to come sooner. Fast forward two years later where I now enjoy the game from a different perspective, I wish I could go back and tell my younger self to just slow down and enjoy exactly where I was at in that moment. I wish I could tell myself to soak in every adversity and triumph. I wish I could tell myself to enjoy the long bus rides, and the conditioning that made me want to throw up. I wish I could tell myself that the grueling schedule of juggling weight room, practice, class, and study time would be how I would create lifelong memories with forever friends. Reflecting upon what I wish I could tell my younger self, I began to think about what young athletes need to be told right now, before it’s too late. I decided to ask a few of the best former athletes and current coaches of the Coachella Valley this question:
If you could go back and tell your childhood self one thing (in relation to your sport) what would it be?
Brianna Luna (Softball)
University of Iowa/Current Head Coach at LQHS
“Everyone will face adversity, you are no exception. It is through adversity that you will find your true strength. Keep believing and keep working hard!”
Kelli Finan (Softball)
Creighton University
“Listen to your dad. Dads know everything. Make sure you’re always having fun while playing the game and give 110% every day.”
Kendyl Scott (Softball)
Towson University/Former ASBA E1 Pro Ballers/Great Britain National Team
“Never stop grinding and putting in the extra work because one day it’s all going to pay off and it will be so rewarding.”
James Dockery (Football)
Oregon State University/Former NFL Cornerback/Current Head Coach at Xavier Prep
“Don’t skip meals and to be aware of what you’re putting in your body. Like my dad always told me, you can’t expect to eat like a bird and play like a lion! Have discipline not only in your sport, but also with what’s on your plate.”
Patrick Evans (Baseball)
Former Professional Baseball Player/Owner of the Desert Prospects Organization
“I can honestly say, enjoy the moment! It goes quick! Enjoying the moment, means to me: Work a little bit harder, train a little bit more, take a little bit more time after practice to work on some of the little things. There’s no better place than being on the field.”
Natalie Allen (Volleyball)
Cal State Northridge/Current Head Coach at Xavier Prep
“Have fun in every moment of the game. This includes training, practices, and games. That feeling of playing won’t last forever! I would tell myself to not get frustrated when things are not going my way. In the big scheme of thing that time doesn’t matter. You only remember the good times and the team memories. I would tell myself to work hard even when no one is looking. That is how you get ahead. You can’t wish for it you have to work for it! Then celebrate. Celebrate the wins, loses, and everything in between.”
Tony Perezchica (Baseball)
Former MLB Player/Current Third Base Coach of the Arizona Diamondbacks
“Enjoy the ride. Keep the passion. Yes, money is great but this sport is not about the money. It’s about the people and the relationships you build along the way.”
Emily Garczynski (Water Polo)
CSU Long Beach/Current Head Coach at SHHS
“I would tell myself to enjoy the little moments and small victories of achieving goals in addition to celebrating big success. As a coach now, it’s easier for me to see the importance of small victories because those are the foundation of long-term success.”
