Day 1 Tryout Recap: What Kids Really Need From Us

Tonight was Day 1 of tryouts, and the field was packed. The sun was still blazing at 7PM — over 80 degrees — and there were so many kids out there giving it everything.

One of them was mine.

I’m so proud of how he played.

He kept his position. He stayed focused. His touches were sharp. He hustled. And one of the coaches even asked for his name.

But... we weren’t called over when they pulled some parents aside afterward.

He noticed. And it hit him hard.

In that moment, I had to take a deep breath — and remind myself what he really needed from me:

Not analysis.

Not a list of what he could’ve done better.

Not my own disappointment layered onto his.

What he needed was to hear this:

“You did amazing.”

“You got noticed — and that’s a big deal.”

“There’s always tomorrow.”

Because what matters most isn’t just making the team. It’s helping our kids believe in themselves even when they’re unsure if others do.

Tryouts are high-pressure.

The stakes feel big.

But the mindset we help build during these weeks? That lasts longer than any roster list.

Here’s to the effort. The growth. The belief.

We show up for our kids by helping them focus on the good, not the gaps.