Anna's_Mom
Proud Parent
I got a very upsetting email from DD's coach this morning, noting that the coaching team feels she is "not reaching her full potential" due to "lack of focus" and "excessive use of injury log" (which means not doing a full work out due to whatever injury/pain/issue is present. Their conclusion is that she should "consider whether this is the right place" for her. So, basically, you aren't doing as well as you could so please leave.
I am deeply conflicted about this. On a practical matter, not having to deal with gym would be lovely for me (and the family honestly). Of course, it's not about me, it's about her. She is 12, struggles with ADHD (gym is aware, she is medicated), and is L4 (team started 2 years ago, everyone had to start at L3). She and I know that she won't be competitive for college and may or may not be good for high school. She doesn't work as hard as she should, he is right. She has a ridiculously low pain tolerance and probably does overuse injury as an excuse. She does lose focus quickly. This is probably the first year ever that everything hasn't come easily for her and it shows at school and the gym. She hasn't ever had to work to be good before and she isn't adapting well. So, really, I can't actually argue with his observations.
But, if she loves it and I am willing to pay for it, so what if she could be better? She's not taking a spot from anyone else (that I know of -- but I am going to ask about this). There are enough girls on the team that outscore her that she isn't the make or break person for the team win. She's going to be a middle-of-the-pack finisher (Spring meets overall AA around 34.5 or so). Someone always will be. Is this a reason to deny her a spot?
So, difficult discussions and decisions this weekend -- fall team fees are due on Monday. I'm not even sure how to approach this with her or the coach.
I know this is mostly a vent, but I'm open to thoughts.
I am deeply conflicted about this. On a practical matter, not having to deal with gym would be lovely for me (and the family honestly). Of course, it's not about me, it's about her. She is 12, struggles with ADHD (gym is aware, she is medicated), and is L4 (team started 2 years ago, everyone had to start at L3). She and I know that she won't be competitive for college and may or may not be good for high school. She doesn't work as hard as she should, he is right. She has a ridiculously low pain tolerance and probably does overuse injury as an excuse. She does lose focus quickly. This is probably the first year ever that everything hasn't come easily for her and it shows at school and the gym. She hasn't ever had to work to be good before and she isn't adapting well. So, really, I can't actually argue with his observations.
But, if she loves it and I am willing to pay for it, so what if she could be better? She's not taking a spot from anyone else (that I know of -- but I am going to ask about this). There are enough girls on the team that outscore her that she isn't the make or break person for the team win. She's going to be a middle-of-the-pack finisher (Spring meets overall AA around 34.5 or so). Someone always will be. Is this a reason to deny her a spot?
So, difficult discussions and decisions this weekend -- fall team fees are due on Monday. I'm not even sure how to approach this with her or the coach.
I know this is mostly a vent, but I'm open to thoughts.