The Power of Connection

This past week was by far the busiest one I have had since I “retired”. It was also an emotional week as on October 8, it marked 10 years since my dad passed away. It’s so hard to believe that much time has passed and how long it has been since we lost him. I spent a lot of time especially on Wednesday remembering dad’s impact and I also wrote a Facebook post if you want to read more about my memories. Dad loved in person gatherings with family and friends where stories and great food were shared. He was not much for talking on the phone and never figured out how to text or email!

The anniversary of dad’s passing and my numerous meetings this week reminded me of something simple yet very powerful — the importance of connection. In a world where it’s easy to send a text, scroll past a post, or hit “like” from a distance, I was reminded how meaningful it is to actually show up in person. There’s something irreplaceable about looking someone in the eye, shaking their hand, giving someone a hug, sharing a laugh, or simply saying “thank you” face to face.

I spent part of my week attending three regional athletic director meetings to share information about the IGCA mentoring program. It was great to see so many familiar faces -people I’ve worked alongside, respected, and learned from over the years. Having been an AD myself, I know how much time and effort they give to their schools and programs, and it meant a lot to thank them personally for all they do and to share the work that I am doing. All AD’s have received emails from me about the mentoring program but many have never met me, so being able to connect in person and for them to put a face to a name, was very important.

At one of those stops -in Atlantic, a town where I taught and coached for two years- I was able to reconnect with my former basketball assistant and his wife. We hadn’t seen each other in nearly 25 years. Sitting down for lunch, swapping old stories, and catching up on life was a powerful reminder that relationships built through coaching and education truly last a lifetime. My former assistant has had some health issues and isn’t on social media so being able to check in in person was so meaningful to all of us and well worth the long trip to southwest Iowa.

The rest of my week was filled with even more connections — basketball activities with my high school team, leading a youth clinic for kindergarten through 2nd graders (which reminded me why I never taught lower elementary grades!), coaching my 7th grade volleyball team, watching my new school’s volleyball team play with many basketball players on it, spending Friday afternoon at the high school speaking to the IJAG classes about my career choices and experiences, and doing color commentary for the Riverhawk football game. Each experience involved people — players, coaches, parents, and colleagues — all tied together through the shared love of sports and community.

Every one of these moments reminded me of something vitally important: connection happens when we make the effort to be present. Emails and texts have their place, but they can’t replace real conversations, shared experiences, or the energy that comes from being together. Whether it’s catching up with an old friend, supporting a young athlete, or just showing up to cheer from the sidelines — it all matters.

As adults-be it as a coach, leader, teammate, or just an adult, we set the tone. When we take the time to connect in person, we strengthen relationships, build trust, and remind others that they’re valued. Athletes, students, and colleagues all notice when we take the time to truly see them — not just for what they do, but for who they are. A quick conversation before practice, a pat on the back after a tough game, or even a handwritten note of encouragement can mean more than we realize.

In-person connections also build culture. Teams and families that talk, laugh, and share experiences together develop a bond that can’t be replicated through a screen. The same goes for professional relationships — when we sit across from someone, listen to their story, and share our own, we create mutual respect and understanding that make collaboration stronger. Ultimately, connection is leadership. When we model genuine care and presence, others are inspired to do the same — and that’s how communities, programs, and people grow.

Life moves fast, and it’s easy to think we’re “too busy” to reach out or stop by. But this week reminded me that the best connections don’t happen by accident — they happen when we make time for people. So pick up the phone, set up that lunch, or make the drive. You never know whose day you’ll brighten — or how much it might fill your own. Have a great week!

Coach K