Ode to a Coach: Brenda Adams

A few weeks ago, Saratoga Springs lost a beloved coach, Brenda Adams. I want to dedicate this post to her as we close out the month of January. For young children, a coach is one of the first influencers in one's life outside of parents and teachers. And, because sports are so intense, coaches often deal with extreme emotions from young players. And coaches often serve as role models to young children as they grow up into competitive players eventually heading off to college. For over 25 years, Coach Adams graced the playing fields and courts and courses in Saratoga Springs. Two quotes stand out describing Coach Adams dedication to all individuals, whether they had true athletic talent or just a desire to be on the team. The first quotes is "I won't accept anything less than the best a player's capable of doing, and s/he has the right to expect the best that I can do for her/him and the team. - Lou Holtz.  Coach Adams coached everyone, and everyone knew that Coach Adams would value each and every individual for doing his and her best, even if best was defined by each individual.  From gym class to basketball, from bowling to golf, she was there patting you on the shoulder, smiling (or teasing), making light of the moment to make everyone feel special. The second quote relevant to Coach Adams is: "A good coach will make his (her) players see what they can be rather than what they are." Ara Parasheghian. If you were in Coach Adam's presence, you were achieving what you were meant to achieve, which was above and beyond where you thought you'd be. Hundreds of former athletes and students and friends gathered at her calling hours to say goodbye to Coach and to thank her for the impact that she made in each and every life she touched.  Coaches are special like that.  They do make a difference in one's life.  Coach Adams definitely did.  Let her legacy live on through all the love and grace she brought to the athletic community in Saratoga Springs.