I’ve been a part of some wonderful sports events and memories at the high school and college level. They give me a great rush and a lot of joy, even in recounting them.

I got a new variety of that recently. My daughter Meg is now playing volleyball for St. Pius. She has been enjoying the school, the people, and the chance to be a part of the volleyball team. She has been a little down that her team has not experienced a ton of success in the win-loss department. Well, actually…none, to be more precise.

I was so excited I was going to get to see Megan play in a match. I had not gotten to see this because of the weirdly busy travel schedule of the last month.

I had people praying for me that I wouldn’t be the Will Ferrell dad type (Kicking and Screaming). I tend to think I know more about sports than I actually do! So I sat in the bleachers with my popcorn and tried not to yell/coach too much and just enjoy the game.

The team (the Cougars)

lost the first game but were really competitive in the second game…you could see their excitement rising, along with some natural nervousness and excitement as they were ahead late in the second game. (Who am I kidding? I was excited and nervous too!) When they won the second game, I would have loved to have the local media there (or even ESPN) to see the PURE JOY of sport and accomplishment and team spirit. They won a game! You could have sworn it was the Super Bowl, the World Series and the NCAA Final Four all wrapped into one. Jumping, cheering, hugging as a group, smiling. I couldn’t help but grin as Meg’s eyes met mine in that moment. (Nothing like that girl’s natural smile!) And the spring in their step as they took the court for the third and deciding game of the match.

I would love to tell you they came back and won the entire match; that didn’t happen. What DID happen was they caught a glimpse of their own potential, possibilities and the power of team work. That made for a great afternoon. And I got to enjoy it, not as a wanna-be jock, or an ex-coach but as a proud dad.

Go Cougars! Way to go #20.