It’s been asked of me, “What’s it like being a coach’s wife?” It’s not THAT bad. In fact, it’s kind of fun. How many women can say that their husband’s job entertains (& stresses) them 11 Saturdays a year?
I feel like I’m the new breed of “Coach’s Wife” — I’m young, a new mother, independent. I am supportive of my husband, but I also value my own interests. I don’t let football rule my entire life — you won’t find me wearing our team’s football t-shirts around town or carrying a blinged-out football handbag. I save my pom-poms for game day. Know what I mean?
You do have to make room for football in your life. It’s your bread & butter. Will your husband work long hours? Yes. Would you rather have him punch a clock or have a career that he’s passionate about?
Here is my advice…
FOOTBALL. Embrace it. Try not to learn too many of the rules — it ruins the fun. Stop by practice. Learn the kids’ names. Meet their parents. Let your own kids run wild in the end zone after the game. Bake cookies for the staff. Get involved. Hug the mascot. Eat dinner together — even if it’s at the office. Be creative –try sewing, painting, or scrapbooking. Get together with other wives. Dress your baby in a cheerleading outfit. Paint a paw print on her face. Learn to mow the lawn. Redecorate. Plan after-the-game parties. Enjoy control of the remote. Netflix girlie movies. Go to church on Sundays. Make a treat basket for your Coach. Invite the seniors over for dinner. Hire players’ girlfriends to babysit your children. Smile. Keep your fingers crossed for a winning season.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks so much for the great advice! I grew up in a small town that shut down on friday nights for the game and was the captain of the dance team… so needless to say.. I LOVE football season! My husband played football in college so I dealt with not seeing him that much then but I think your advice about getting involved and learning to distract myself will serve me well! Good luck to you this season!
My coach and I are beginning our 15th season together. I love being a part of his “team”. Every day during two-a-days I fill up our 5 gallon jug with ice cold sweet tea and take to the coaches office for them to enjoy during their afternoon meetings. Doing little things that are helpful to my coach absolutely makes my day!!!
Thank you for your wonderful posts! I love reading about other coach’s wives!
Great advice! I have to admit I let out a chuckle when I read the part about learning to mow the lawn. It’s so true!
Your advice was definitly inspirational! It really made me smile! I am the “new coaches wife” at his first job, trying to fit in and help out in any way that I can. I would love some more advice like what to do for the team and coaches after the games and even before. Some of the other wives are excited and want to pitch in too, I just need some ideas. We tried watermelon after the game and sandwichs too, but I could use some fresh new ideas. Also, sweet things to do for my coach, I really liked the gallon of ice tea idea! Please help this rookie out!
Agreed! Embracing the game is the only way to get through it. I used to get bitter but now I look forward to it. Shh, don’t tell coach!
Beginning our 25th year together, 20 of those we shared coaching football. I say share because I’m as much a part of it as he is. Our two girls were brought up on the side-lines while I photographed the games. One became our school’s cheerleader and when I decided to go into the booth to film his games, the other daughter took over as photographer. Her collection of photos, from camps to the last game are put on a program she created and set to music for our end of the season football dinner. I sit with the staff and watch game film. I’ve become a student of the game. I rarely go into the stands — but we’re involved in so many ways. I work hand in hand with the captain’s mothers on dinners, etc. I organize homecoming festivities and make each mother a photo button of their son. As a family, we’ve endured disgruntle parents, and an occasional loud play suggestion from the fence….. but we’ve grown to be a loyal, strong family unit because of our experiences. Our youngest daughter now coaches field hockey at our school, and I’m the A.D’s secretary. Go Black Hats!
Not only am I the wife of a football coach….I am also his athletic trainer. Some how after 3 years of working together we have found a way to keep our work arguments at work. I love football and can’t imagine it not being part of our lives. I too try to bring fun to the stress of being in season. Goody bags, crock pot dinners for the coaches during film sessions and Saturday afternoon “Football Family” BBQs. Its is alot of work, but alot of fun being a coach’s wife.
That’s very cool! Our associate head coach’s wife is the head athletic trainer at the college & she, too, works football.
Thanks for stopping by & keep in touch!