Yours in Coaching

Dear Athlete,

The time has come for me to step away from coaching. This was not an easy decision, but the right decision. I have loved the sport of track and field since I was a young kid in elementary school watching the older kids run. I could not wait until it was my turn. I did not know then that it would play a huge role in my life. Coaching has brought so much joy. I've had the privilege of watching you grow, mature and succeed on and off the track/field. 

I know I am usually soft spoken and definitely not the "fun" coach, but I hope you know I enjoyed my time with you and cherished being even a small part in your success over the years. 

It has been a priority to provide a welcoming, positive and safe training environment. One that you could be yourself and not fear judgement or harsh criticism. One where you could make lifelong friends. I hope you felt welcome. 

Being a volunteer has its ups and downs and unfortunately over the last several years it has taken a toll on me. As much as I love my time at the track, my battery has been empty for quite some time and now is the time to step away and let someone with more time and energy guide and lead you.  

You will be so missed,
​Coach Mavis (Mave)
....

Dear Coaching Colleagues,

I wanted to write a note to those who have made an impact on me over the last 20 plus years. When I first started coaching in 2001, I never saw myself in the sport for as long as I have been. I started like many of you, helping out my local club. 

Some time ago, I decided this would be my last year coaching (2023/24). I have nothing left to give and that makes me feel inadequate as a coach. Especially when I see what you do on a daily basis. You give (up) so much for your athletes. Sometimes sacrificing your wellbeing. 

One of the biggest reasons I have stayed for so long is because I wanted athletes to see a woman (a Black woman) as a coach. I feel a sense of responsibility to the athletes. I don’t want them to look back on their track/field careers and say they never had a female coach. Selfishly, I wanted to make an impact. 

I’ve been running on empty year after year and need to put myself first. In this case that means stepping back from what once was a passion, to improve my mental health. 

I look forward to watching from the sidelines and cheering you and your athletes on. I equally look forward to spending more time with family and friends, especially my husband (who I met through track and field in the late 90s and has been an amazing coaching partner over the years). He too has decided to step down (but that is his story to tell if he chooses). 

I am not known in the wider track community, but I hope I have left a mark closer to home. 

I wish you nothing but the best.

Yours in coaching, 
Mavis