I love to read and write. As a writer, I know how much words matter. But when I lost function of my voice for a few weeks, I realized I took the ability to communicate for granted.

Do the children in your life have time to discover their desire? I recently read another article about the importance of free play and how little time kids have to explore their interests. Time away from structured activities allows kids to learn about themselves and what they enjoy. Revisit this important topic, originally published in February 2021, while I take a personal timeout.

A timeout lets you catch your breath and reset, in a game and in life.

Many millennials and Gen Zers are reevaluating their priorities so they can make meaningful connections with others and enjoy activities outside of their careers. I am hopeful those who become parents will also make careful choices for their children by allowing time for free play and exploration. Life is more enjoyable when we have several avenues to joy, and if we are lucky, we learn to live a contented life like my mother.

Watching the Ted Lasso series, I have so enjoyed how he has, without any great fanfare or hard-nosed tactics, created a team culture that allows his players to not only have fun playing the game they love, but feel like winners regardless of the final score. I’ve read several recaps of a recent episode, and not one of them mentions the line on replay in my mind…

One is the college coach whose program has won more national championships than any other. You may be surprised to learn it’s not a men’s team. The other was a high school coach who loved to tell stories and always looked for life lessons. Both came to understand that coaching is about much more than the skills and the game.

Their coach described the race simply. It wasn’t about strategy. It was about speed. Whoever goes the fastest wins. But what does it take to be the fastest? The importance of teamwork is evident in every sport, but nowhere is it more crucial than in rowing. Every rower contributes unique talents and a coach’s job is to position each person in a way maximizes the team’s potential. Rowers understand their role and put in the work to fulfill their responsibility to the team. I’d hire a rower. We can all learn a few lessons from them…

If your child hopes to be recruited to play college sports, here are some tips on what they should be doing in high school — besides improving their game

Without prescribed tasks, I can choose how I’ll spend my writing time in 2023

Why learning to deal with adversity is the most important lesson of sport

Thanksgiving is a great time to let a woman know she made a difference in your life

What will you do today to further your purpose?

Burnout, anxiety, and depression can happen to anyone, including collegiate athletes

It wasn’t always easy to be the principal and coach’s daughter, but I wouldn’t have changed a thing.

Here is the history behind the long-time tradition.

Title IX is about opportunity and respect. Its 37 words are about opening doors and providing protection. For everyone.

We know more than ever about the importance of unstructured play for children, yet they seem to be getting less of it than ever before. How can you make time for your kids to play?

Authors go through a creation and delivery process—but unlike books, children need to learn to make their own choices.

50 Years in the Bleachers is now available for purchase from your favorite bookseller—in paperback and eBook!

I always wanted to write a book. Doing it was one of the biggest accomplishments of my life. If others enjoy it or learn from it, that will be like winning a game in overtime.