How do you know when it's time to move on?
DD has played for the same coach since she started playing TB - so for 4 years now. We have actually known the family since DD was 2 - not necessarily friends, but acquaintances. He is a good coach. The girls like him and he always puts together a fairly successful team. We have had some issues in the past but I think we've worked thru those and thankfully I feel like I can have an honest conversation with him without it getting weird. He adores DD. Told me once if he could have 11 players just like her he would have the perfect team. She has always been a starter. She is lead off batter, and plays catcher and OF. I know if she stays she will be a starter and will get plenty of play time.
So why would we consider leaving? Couple reasons...
Last weekend I watched some of the girls just give up. They were tired and ready to be done. So they just quit. It was very frustrating to the girls who were willing to continue to play hard and fight. DD was more upset about the team attitude than losing. This is a common problem with this team. They just quit playing.
HC's DD is arguably the weakest player on the team. She is a pitcher but it is like he is conceeding a game when he puts her in (which isn't often). She really couldn't care less if she plays or not. She loves wearing the uniform and being part of the team, but she doesn't love playing. There is such a huge gap between the top players and his DD - it is hard.
I'm wondering if DD might benefit from different coaching.
I also know that you get better by playing the best. DD is one of the top 3 players on this team. There is no comparison between her and the #2 catcher. I know it could benefit her to be challenged and have to work to earn her spot. She loves to work!
I am so torn. And so is DD. She hates change so the idea of leaving freaks her out...I know she would adjust fine...
One huge issue is where we live. There are 3 teams in the area that are competitive. DD's team (probably the #3 team of the 3), and two others. One coach has repeatedly asked DD to come play for him but he has told us in no uncertain terms that DD would never catch on his team because he does not believe in lefty catchers (don't get me started on that). The other team is not my fave either...other than that all the teams I would consider are at least 1 hr away.
For what it's worth - DD is 13 - was still 12U eligible this past year but played 14U. She absolutely does not want to play for a 1st yr 14U team next year. And I agree knowing the teams that are moving up.
How do we make this decision?
DD has played for the same coach since she started playing TB - so for 4 years now. We have actually known the family since DD was 2 - not necessarily friends, but acquaintances. He is a good coach. The girls like him and he always puts together a fairly successful team. We have had some issues in the past but I think we've worked thru those and thankfully I feel like I can have an honest conversation with him without it getting weird. He adores DD. Told me once if he could have 11 players just like her he would have the perfect team. She has always been a starter. She is lead off batter, and plays catcher and OF. I know if she stays she will be a starter and will get plenty of play time.
So why would we consider leaving? Couple reasons...
Last weekend I watched some of the girls just give up. They were tired and ready to be done. So they just quit. It was very frustrating to the girls who were willing to continue to play hard and fight. DD was more upset about the team attitude than losing. This is a common problem with this team. They just quit playing.
HC's DD is arguably the weakest player on the team. She is a pitcher but it is like he is conceeding a game when he puts her in (which isn't often). She really couldn't care less if she plays or not. She loves wearing the uniform and being part of the team, but she doesn't love playing. There is such a huge gap between the top players and his DD - it is hard.
I'm wondering if DD might benefit from different coaching.
I also know that you get better by playing the best. DD is one of the top 3 players on this team. There is no comparison between her and the #2 catcher. I know it could benefit her to be challenged and have to work to earn her spot. She loves to work!
I am so torn. And so is DD. She hates change so the idea of leaving freaks her out...I know she would adjust fine...
One huge issue is where we live. There are 3 teams in the area that are competitive. DD's team (probably the #3 team of the 3), and two others. One coach has repeatedly asked DD to come play for him but he has told us in no uncertain terms that DD would never catch on his team because he does not believe in lefty catchers (don't get me started on that). The other team is not my fave either...other than that all the teams I would consider are at least 1 hr away.
For what it's worth - DD is 13 - was still 12U eligible this past year but played 14U. She absolutely does not want to play for a 1st yr 14U team next year. And I agree knowing the teams that are moving up.
How do we make this decision?