To the athletes who didn’t make the cut — and the parents who love them most — and the coaches who care —
A room full of talent. A sea of personalities. And a handful of spots.
At this level, everyone is good.
And yet, decisions must be made.
For some athletes — especially juniors and seniors — this might feel like the end of the road.
Like the dream is over.
Like you weren’t enough.
But please, hear this:
This moment does not define you.
It is a chapter — not your whole story.
Yes, it hurts. Deeply.
But pain is often the place where the most powerful growth begins.
Some let it make them bitter.
The best let it make them better.
Choose better.
Choose strength.
Choose resilience.
Choose character.
To the parents —
This is your moment, too.
Not to fix it.
Not to fight it.
But to wrap your child in love, remind them of who they are beyond the game, and walk with them into what’s next.
Please don’t tear down coaches.
Don’t question the character of others to soothe the sting.
It doesn’t help your athlete rise. It just teaches them how to fall.
And to the coaches —
The burden you carry is heavier than most will ever see.
To evaluate. To decide. To hope you got it right.
The good ones don’t take it lightly.
And the great ones never forget the weight of the kids they couldn’t keep.
To everyone reading this —
It’s not over.
Not unless you decide it is.
There is life after this moment.
There is opportunity still ahead.
There is greatness in the making.
So lift your head.
Support one another.
And keep becoming.
With heart,
A coach who sees you all
© 2025 Becca Johnson, Rooted You™ Consulting. All rights reserved.
This content is the intellectual property of Becca Johnson and may not be reproduced, distributed, or used without permission.
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