PREFACE
My life has primarily been about two things: my family, which consists of my husband, John, and our two children, Maddie and Jack, and my profession, which is coaching women’s college basketball.
Trying to live a life of balance and success has never been easy. There have been many highs and lows. It’s not a steady thing; it’s more like a seesaw. One side has more weight while the other rises, then a push comes and it reverses. It keeps moving, and in that constant movement comes the balance over time.
My professional world and private world often collide, and the push and pull can be both painful and poetic. An instance of this happened to me not that long ago.
One of the most emotional moments of my coaching career thus far took place during the regional finals of the NCAA Tournament in 2011 in Philadelphia. Our team had been trounced, bringing a painful end to a very special season. I was fortunate to work with a very unique and talented team, led by three seniors whom I had enjoyed coaching for four years. I had to face the media at the end of the game—their glaring cameras and piercing questions.
Our 11-year-old son, Jack, showed me the strength of character that he possesses, well beyond his years, and allowed me to get through this very challenging moment with a smile in my heart.
Moments after the game, I saw Jack, Maddie, and John in the hallway outside the room for the postgame press conference. The room was as packed as any I had ever seen following a game. ...
