Going back four years ago and starting my managing career as a wee little freshman providing water, filming, and cleaning up after the football boys you would think that someone would want to get out of that situation as soon as possible. Now I’m here four years later only managing basketball.

Managing was the one thing I never thought I’d be doing in high school. I started in 7th grade and never expected to continue after middle school but when I was approached by Coach Mike Whisner asking me to manage, I couldn’t say no because I mean who could say no to Whiz–it was the greatest decision of my life. I met my best friends managing football and I’m very grateful for getting to work alongside them for the three years I managed. I also got into managing boys basketball because Coach Aaron Mager approached me and asked me to manage as well, and, me being an innocent freshman, I couldn’t say no.

I learned so many valuable skills from managing, one being responsibility. Responsibility is a skill you need when managing. You have to make sure the towels are available and the waters stay filled and the equipment is organized so that practices are running smoothly.

Patience and calmness are great skills learned from managing. You’re constantly on the receiving end of the players and the coaches. They will say things to you in the heat of the moment but you need to remain calm and be patient with them, especially when they’re letting the emotions come out, their tempo on the court and field will change. Practices are another place you really need to be calm and patient as they can stretch on for a long time and you can have some sitting around time or jobs assisting the coaches during practice, but just wait your time to shine will come. Once game day hits, it’s a whole other feeling and makes all the boring days of practice worth it.

Another lesson learned from managing is don’t expect people to appreciate you.  This was important to realize because I came into managing expecting the players to bow down to me and worship me because I took care of them which wasn’t the case. The players are appreciative of everything you do for them but they are terrible at showing it and in the heat of a game they can be very nasty to you and mistreat you but you’ve got to learn not to take it personally and remember that they are appreciative of what you do even if they don’t say or show it to you.

Lastly, I learned social skills. Being a manager you’re around people all the time whether you like it or not. I learned great social skills and control. In the heat of a game, it’s easy to get upset and curse or do whatever to release that anger but being on the field or court you have to remain professional and represent your school and community well.

I couldn’t imagine a life where I didn’t manage in high school and I’m glad I made the decision four long years ago because it made my high school career one to never forget and realize the heart I have to help others.

If you want to be more involved or are just wanting to try something new, think about managing. I’ve learned so many different skills that can apply to all aspects of life and they’ve made me the person I am today and, hopefully, you have the same experience I did. Just do it and you won’t regret it.