Stepping in to Give Back

My fall has been full of unexpected opportunities — and meaningful experiences. After stepping away from full-time coaching, I didn’t expect to find myself back on the sideline or behind a microphone. Yet here I was this fall — coaching 7th grade volleyball and serving as the color commentator for Mason City Riverhawk football on 98.7 FM. These were two very different roles, but both have reminded me just how important it is to step out of your comfort zone and give back where you can.

Most of you know that I was a head volleyball coach for a number of years before retiring two years ago. I had no intention of getting back to volleyball but when the middle school season was about to start, and my former AD tag team partner reached out saying he had no coach, I felt the need to support the program and give kids an opportunity to play. An added bonus was that one of my former players from my last team, signed up to be the assistant, so being able to support her first coaching job and give her a great experience was quite enticing.

Overall, despite the usual obstacles of coaching 7th graders in their first school experience, it was an awesome season with much growth from everyone involved. These players were full of energy (don’t ask me about the 6-7 trend... ) and much of the focus was on how to act, how to respond to others, and respecting those they play with and against. Watching them improve each week — not just in skills but in confidence and teamwork — was extremely rewarding. It’s a reminder that coaching is so much more than wins and losses (although that was quite successful with wins over two teams that we hadn’t remembered defeating); it’s about teaching life lessons, encouraging effort, and helping young athletes discover what they’re capable of.

On Friday nights, the view changed — from the gym to the press box. A great friend of mine became the play by play announcer for MC games on 98.7 FM and when he reached out about providing commentary for the games, I decided to step outside my comfort zone and give it a shot. Seeing high school football from a new perspective has been a blast. I’ve learned a lot about preparation, communication, and sharing the joy of the experience with listeners. But more than anything, I’ve realized how much I appreciate the people who make these experiences special — the players, the coaches, the listeners, and my fellow broadcaster who brings the excitement of the game to life. We didn’t take ourselves too seriously and it hopefully showed up for those who listened.

Both of these opportunities came because someone asked, and I said yes — even when I wasn’t sure how it would go. And that’s the lesson I keep coming back to: you never grow by staying comfortable. Growth happens when you take a chance, try something new, and pour your time and energy into others.

As this seasons wrapped up, I was grateful — for the laughter, the learning, and the chance to make a difference. Whether it’s teaching a young athlete how to serve or calling a big touchdown play, it’s all about connection and contribution. Ultimately, the relationships built through both experiences and supporting others in their journeys was the most rewarding part of the fall.

So as we move toward winter and I transition to my next season of girls basketball, maybe that’s a good reminder for all of us: say yes when you can, step out of your comfort zone when you’re asked, and give back where you’re able. You never know what new joy — or lesson — might be waiting.

Have a great week!

Coach K