Wednesday, May 4, 2011

My Decision/Explanation

Girls & Families,
As some of you know, I have been debating for a while whether or not I wanted to coach you guys for another year. Although I initially said yes, a few different things have come up in my life and I am unfortunately going to have to change my decision and I'm hoping you will understand my reasoning's below.

As most of you know, I am not rich and although it's a good price, as a cheer coach I don't get paid tons of money. I coach you guys not for the money, but because of my passion for cheerleading and the bonds I have created with you all. However, in the last 6 months, gas prices have increased in Des Moines about $1.50. And although I probably lost some money last year with driving/gas, I honestly cannot afford to pay $70 a week to fill my gas tank to drive to games and practices from Knoxville to Adel.

Also, after thinking long and hard, I have decided to try and reach my goal of becoming a doctor. I've always wanted to do that with my life, so I've started taking steps towards that goal. Now just with any high goal, comes a lot of sacrifice. I'm having to use my free time to study for the MCAT and apply to different schools. Since that is a priority in my life, I'm afraid I won't have the time necessary to be a good coach. I've had coaches in my past who have basically abandoned the squad to pursue their own dreams, while still keeping the coaching position. I do NOT want to put you guys thru that. You deserve someone who is 100% dedicated to you and unfortunately I won't be able to fulfill that amount of dedication this year.

Now I know we've started camp, and I still plan on attending camp with you and helping you girls grow as a squad so you can dominate state competition!! Whoever decides to take on the role of head coach this year, I will definitely help them/you in anyway I can. I can give out the information to my choreographer I was going to use this year, as well as my knowledge of the sport!

I hope you ladies can understand that I'm not doing this because of you. I told Rikki yesterday that this is definitely one of the hardest decisions I've had to make so far in my life. If there were more hours in the day and gas was free, I would definitely coach you again, but unfortunately neither of these are true. As always, if you ever need anything (advice, a listening ear, a muffin or cookie) I'm only a phone call/text/email/facebook msg away!

Coach Lisa