Dear Kirby Smart’s wife,

I’ve got some questions.

During the football season when your husband is coaching, and his team secures a victory, does he sort of seem just a little bit happy in an uneasy sort of way?  Like he can’t fully enjoy the win because there’s another game yet to be played? (Reason I’m asking is because I’m married to a head coach, too.  Sure, it’s tee-ball he coaches, but I mean.  He gets noticed at the local Mexican restaurant after a game.) 

SAME.  We  won a game the other day, and it was a pretty solid victory.  We hit the five run limit every inning on our side and we would get two– sometimes three outs–on the other team.  Grinding out the five inning/ hour and fifteen minute limit can be challenging.  But we were victorious.  And I swear the man of mine came home with just the left side of his mouth cocked in a grin and the other side steeled for the game coming up. Pure elation is just a winning record at the final game away…maybe?

On the flip side, does he ever get grumpy after a loss, like take it super personally?

Being as how we (you know, the five and six year old fellas and their coach and his wife and cheering parents and even louder prouder grandparents) lost our game tonight, and mine is in sort of a funk.  Half-cocked grin looking more like chagrin.  Like a I’m-not-hungry-for-dinner-y’all-go-on-ahead-with-out-me-I’ll-just-be-in-here-looking-at-the-score-book-and-line-up-for-a-minute sort of mood.  And then, when he’s FINALLY eating (honey, I made some cheesy carbs to help you feel better), kind of glazes off and takes a mental hike while he’s thinking about the game and how he coached and pitched and where it went wrong kind of spirit.  Sort of crabby even; even after eating that serotonin soaked meal I prepared.  (I know, just as shocked I cooked a meal after that game as you are, Mrs. Smart, and you don’t even know me.)  And especially crotchety because this team has beat us every darn time.

Do you know what I’m talking about?

I’m imagining you sort of do, what with that dadgum Elephant team that seems to get our G.O.A.T. goat every.single.time. in recent history.  (“Our” goat as in us– us UGA grads and fans that love our DAWGS not just the fellas and their coach and his wife and cheering parents and even louder prouder grandparents.)  I can imagine Mr. Smart isn’t feeling his best self after these kinds of losses.  And I’m telling you that I can empathize with you being that you are married to the head coach. How long does that bad mood last?

Also, what kind of snacks do you send for the team after the games?

I try to think of allergies and high fructose corn syrup contents prior to purchase.  Do you find they like cute themed snacks (like those Scooby Doo Graham crackers that look like dog bones? that would be stinking cute) or just basic bag of chips and a Gatorade?  Man, can’t those kids put down some food?!?!

I just want to know, though, how do you deal?  Especially when someone is critical of the job he is doing (not that we’ve encountered that, because you can’t complain about free)?

Knowing that your husband gives his heart and lots of cares about the fellas he coaches, and only wants the best for them?  That he wants to make sure these kids have a great time while they’re here, learn and hone some skills, and that he’s also so proud of the gains they are all making?  That his desire is to build a team who cares about each other and encourages each other in victories and (most importantly) mistakes and defeats?  That mostly he wishes that these kids have fun?  And knowing he (willfully and joyfully) volunteers hours of his time coaching and thinking strategy to get these guys to be their best selves?

(Just kidding on the volunteer part.  Your husband gets a gigantic paycheck to coach because that is his real job, and I don’t have any problem with that, but now I do want to know how good does it feel going to Target without looking at price tags outside of the Dollar Spot?  I told you I had questions!)

But seriously, I want to know.  How do you handle being his “other half” during the season?

Because I’m a coach’s wife now.  And there’s only like eight months or so to prepare until next season…

(Thanks for any advice you can toss my way.  And hopefully more in the strike zone than some of my husband’s pitching–but don’t tell him I said that!)

Sincerely,

Mrs. Head Coach’s Wife

Author: dailyparrscription

Fun gal with a lot to say View all posts by dailyparrscription