Why Coaches Do It

By Elena Limauro

What is it that keeps coaches showing up? What is it that makes them come back season after season? Is it the feeling of winning games or trophies? Watching their players grow on and off the field? Or maybe even the pay? Einstein Girls Soccer Coaches Jared Kavlock and Georgia Broitman had much to say on the subject.

Both soccer coaches grew up playing the sport, with Broitman being an Einstein Varsity Soccer alum. Kavlock shared that his experience growing up playing soccer fueled his love for the sport, which led him to become a coach. He started as an assistant travel team coach, then, when he became a teacher, “it seemed like a natural extension of teaching and a way to get involved in the school community.”

Though Broitman had a similar story, becoming passionate about women’s soccer through growing up playing it, she also had a different take: “I want to be part of changing the game and expanding access to the sport, especially for groups who have historically been marginalized. I feel my previous coaches have positively impacted my life through building my confidence, teaching me to be a team leader, and instilling the moral imperative to do what’s right. I want to pay that forward.”

Kavlock said that his “favorite part about coaching is building relationships with players and having an outlet to get stress out, get outside, and share a sport I love,” showing how integral player and coach relationships are. Broitman shared similar feelings, though also added that “the soccer field is a wonderful place where people are free to be who they are and forget about their worries, while they strive to be better versions of themselves.” She later followed that up by sharing that since players are free to be themselves, she can connect with who they truly are. 

In the end, both coaches happily stated that they are looking forward to continuing to coach for many seasons to come.