From Coach Fentriss Winn
A Love Note
to Parents
Coaching since 1982. Thousands of families. One truth that never changes.
Coach Fentriss Winn
NAYS Certified Youth Sports Administrator
To every parent who has ever sat in the stands…
To every parent who has driven to practice after a long day of work…
To every parent who has worried quietly, sacrificed privately, and loved loudly…
This is for you.
I've been coaching since 1982. In 44 years, I've seen talent. I've seen championships. I've seen heartbreak. I've seen kids rise and I've seen kids struggle.
But through it all, one thing has always remained true:
The most powerful influence in a child's life is not a coach.
It's not social media.
It's not a trainer.
It's not a highlight reel.
It's you.
You are your child's first coach.
You are their first example of resilience.
You are their first lesson in integrity.
You are their first model of love.
In today's world, there are thousands of voices competing for your child's attention. Likes. Followers. Influencers. Trends.
But none of those voices love your child the way you do.
Social media can applaud them.
A coach can guide them.
A crowd can cheer for them.
But only you will stand with them when the crowd disappears.
When they strike out three times.
When they miss the final shot.
When they sit the bench.
When they feel embarrassed.
When the world feels heavy.
That is your moment.
Not to shame.
Not to panic.
Not to compare.
But to hug them.
To steady them.
To remind them who they are.
Your child already wants to succeed. They already feel pressure. They already care more than they show. What they need most is not more intensity — they need your stability.
Monitor what influences them.
Know who they follow.
Protect their space.
But most importantly — protect your relationship.
Because if parents don't lead, someone else will. And no one will ever have your child's best interest at heart more than you.
I tell young athletes all the time:
Go home and say thank you.
Shake your parent's hand.
Give them a hug.
Work hard in honor of the sacrifices they make for you.
And I tell parents this:
Evaluate your child honestly.
Hold them accountable with love.
Correct them with dignity.
Celebrate effort more than outcome.
You don't have to go easy on them.
But you must treat them well.
Youth sports will end one day.
The relationship will not.
When the scoreboard fades, what remains is the bond you built — or the bond you neglected.
So from one lifelong coach to every parent reading this:
Thank you for trusting us with your child.
Thank you for the rides, the fees, the uniforms, the late nights, the early mornings.
Thank you for believing in them when they don't believe in themselves.
You are not just raising an athlete.
You are shaping a human being.
And when done right, that is the greatest win of all.
With respect and gratitude,
Coach Winn
NAYS Certified Youth Sports Administrator · Coaching since 1982
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A free gift for every parent who made it to the end.
Coach Winn's Coaching Checklist — 10 things every youth sports coach should do before, during & after practice. Share it with the coach in your child's life.
- ✓Set your intention before every practice
- ✓Use the 5:1 positive feedback ratio
- ✓Watch for burnout signals early
- ✓Close every practice with connection
- ✓Say Thank You — every single time
- …and 5 more inside the full checklist
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