WILKINSONS: 'Coaching has given us new understanding, appreciation for the game'

RELATED CLICKS:
Erin Wilkinson bio | Megan Wilkinson bio

Editor's note: This is the second entry in a summer diary series from Northern Colorado student-athletes. Today's installment was pennedy by softball senior-to-be Erin Wilkinson, who, along with her sister, is spending the summer coaching a competitive softball team in Fort Collins. Both Wilkinson sisters earned All-PCSC honors this season.

Hello, Bears softball fans!

Even though our season came to a conclusion about a month ago, that doesn't mean softball is no longer a huge part of our lives during our summer break. My sister Megan and I decided this summer to take on the task of coaching a competitive summer softball team, the 16A Fort Collins Stars.

Starting the week after UNC softball finished, we began running practices and making our coaching debut. Only two weeks in, and coaching has given us a whole new perceptive on the game and the challenges of being a coach. Every practice Megan and I have emphasized teaching fundamental aspects of the game, from hitting technique to the strategies of softball. By teaching our players these fundamentals, it has helped us develop an even deeper understanding of the game.

Every second of coaching has been a complete thrill for us, but it has also come with its set of frustrations and learning moments. The things we thought would be simple (coming up with a lineup, for example) are actually a little harder than we thought. Until being thrust into the coaching position, we took many tasks of being a coach for granted.

We thought it would be "easy." We thought wrong.

With two full tournaments already under our belts, and a few wins and losses later, Megan and I already have a list of things to work on for the team. Our team has grown, and Megan and I have grown, with each game and tournament. We're lucky to have been blessed with a great group of girls who have embraced us as coaches and are eager to learn about the game.

For the remainder of the summer, Megan and I will keep you updated on our new experiences and on our progress as a team. Hopefully, we can give you all insight on the challenges and joys of coaching from a player's prospective.

Keep checking the Web site for updates! :)