Author Biography Prior to retirement, I was employed as the athletic director of a pre-K through 6th grade independent school in Nashville, TN. The school has a strong emphasis on Christian values and academics with an enrollment of over 500 students. This was the culminating experience I had in youth sports and provided a profoundly different perspective as I worked to establish an athletic program there. My earliest experiences in youth sports began when I was a young middle-schooler playing basketball for my school team. I played throughout high school, where I received All-City Honors. In professional school at the University of Tennessee College of Nursing, I continued to play basketball in the Cotton States League. I earned a B.S. in Nursing which enabled me to view youth sports through the filter of children's health, growth and development. My science background qualified me to teach in the classroom, which I did after my nursing career. That experience gave me the opportunity to develop rapport with young middle schoolers. I was also hired to teach physical education classes, requiring a more focused approach on the fitness of students, K-6th grade. My husband, a physician, was an All-American shortstop at Lipscomb University. We had three athletically gifted children who were successful in their respective sports. Our oldest daughter was an exceptional gymnast, a state champion and record holder who later cheered on a nationally ranked University of Alabama cheer squad. Our second daughter won several individual state titles in track and field during high school, and was recruited to be a heptathlete at Princeton University. Our youngest son played multiple sports until high school when he discovered a love for football. He excelled as a tight end at the University of Virginia, becoming All ACC, the Top Scholar-Athlete of the Conference, and captain of his team. He was drafted into the NFL in 2008 to play with Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. It is unclear to me whether they had success because of, or in spite of, their parenting. In retrospect, I see more clearly things that worked, and things that did not. Sports has been a major focus throughout my life. My perspective as an athlete grew throughout the years as I continued playing in college. Parenting three young athletes throughout their careers taught me countless lessons and broadened my perspective. However, seeing through the eyes of coach, teacher and athletic director rounded out my unique perspective. I have been encouraged by what I have learned and am excited to share it. Writing this book was the first item on my bucket list upon retirement. I never dreamed my sports journey would lead me to all the places I've been. The challenges and rewards in a youth sports journey, navigated with the right perspectives, can have enduring value in your child's life.
