Soon, I will be hanging up the whistle for good. Last spring, I coached my last high school season; ended with a championship which was way cool. This is my last year of club. I have been wrapping my club coaching experience with Maggie’s 2026 team, and President’s Cup is one of our last big tournaments. It is in Bradenton, FL. While Maggie is hanging with her friends, I took a “jog” to the beach to catch the sunset.

Maggie played her butt off in the tournament. It was the first tournament that I played her at her natural position, defense. And she just rocked it. She caused several turnovers, had a number of clears, and scored two goals. Our team did really well. And I am especially proud of Maggie for crushing it, as she is narrowing down her college opportunities, and there are a number of coaches out here watching her, and a few options already on the table.

Bradenton is beautiful. We have had a few opportunities to come here, as a family, and for lacrosse tournaments. View from the hotel was really nice

We went out to dinner with her teammates one night and were seated right out on the beach front during sunset. The view was spectacular. Mags sat with her teammates, and me with the team parents.

Maggie and I stayed an extra day. We were initially going to go to a camp or two on the extra day, but decided to instead relax and enjoy Florida. We had a great relaxing day together, father and daughter. And went to the same restaurant, Beach House, again the following night.

Reflecting back, I have coached now as long as I can remember. For a long time, it has been my calling. My duty. And has been joyous. Coaching Liz, Eden, Noah, Maggie, Luke and Jack. It has been a special time this past year with Maggie, as she is currently the only one who is playing, and she has gotten my undivided attention. None of the others got this from me, except in spurts.

As I turn the page on my life, I will miss all of these special moments. But I am planning grand adventures and great experiences for the next stage of my life. I am extremely happy and am lucky to have the opportunity to stop focusing on other people’s kids, other people’s expectations, other people’s hopes and dreams, and other people’s criticisms (and much worse). I have the opportunity to focus all of my time, all of my energy on being a provider, on being a supporter, and working on my legacy. I am so grateful that my legacy is not in sports. Lacrosse is a game, meant to be played and enjoyed. And I have played. And I have enjoyed.

Lila is very young, and I may return to coaching in some form in the future, but for this next stage, I am happy, and my coaching days are fulfilled.

This photo sums up my fall pretty well.

Up before the dawn, Maggie and I drove down to the Naval Academy. Such a peaceful morning and a beautiful sunrise. I popped up the TLC tent to snap a pic for Mike.

I have always enjoyed tournaments. The preparation. The competition. The calm before. I have always like carrying the tents, getting there early, setting up a tailgate. Scouting a good location so the team can gather. Getting some quiet time with one of my kids. Getting to talk with them about their preparation, their team, their teammates, how they are feeling.

This morning, we picked up Mike from a parking lot near the Academy. It was pitch black when we arrived at his truck. We had some coffee and a good morning chat while we sat by the field and waited for others to arrive. He is a good man. I am glad I brought the Redshirts over into his organization. It has helped me end my club experience without all of the pressure of running a club. And I am grateful for that opportunity.

It was good for him to get to chat with Maggie about recruiting and about competition and about her. It is great always to support your own child and tell them how much you believe in them. But when another authority figure in their lives also expresses that they believe in them, and it is authentic, it certainly enforces their self-esteem.