Every day I am reminded by friends and supporters of our program of just how special Texas A&M Soccer players really are.  I’m not just talking about their prowess on the soccer pitch, but more about the way our ladies carry themselves as representatives of their families, teammates, and our university in general.

In a conversation earlier this week, a supporter summed it up this way – “When people look at athletes from our other sports they’re rightly impressed with the physical dimension of that person, but when we look at Aggie soccer players, we’re blown away by the total person – their intelligence, manners, athleticism, character – they ARE the way we’d like our college kids to look and behave.  It’s just a bonus that your soccer team is great year after year after year…”

We teach our players that the more you give to your community, the better your community becomes.  Thus, our players and coaches work hard to be good citizens and neighbors.

 

Here is a nice email that my wife received earlier this week:

Subject: Nicole Ketchum – FCA meeting

“I wanted to let you know how awesome and impressive Nicole was today at our FCA Board meeting.  She shared how she and 18 fellow Aggie soccer players participated in a weekend FCA retreat (19 out of 27 players is a strong showing).  It was obvious how grounded she and her teammates are in their faith.

“I am glad they were able to participate and appreciative of her feedback to see how FCA and God is working in their lives seeking His guidance.

“While I’m continually amazed at what your team does year in and year out on the field, it’s nice to see what solid leaders and persons you’re coaching/educating, too.”

Keep up the good work,

Michael J. Ashfield

Here’s another from a youth leader in town:

Coach G,

“I just wanted to say thank you so much for arranging for Mary and Kat to come out and talk with our youth Friday night!  They did a great job and we so appreciate their time and service.  Please be sure to let me know if there’s ever anything we can do for all of you.”
-John Kral, CFLE

I have a drawer full of nice cards with comments similar to the messages above.  I’m a lucky guy to be able to work in a place that attracts these kinds of kids!

Gig ‘em! -Coach G