I must start off by sharing how I met Coach McKain, because that is what shaped our forever friendship. In August of 2007, Coach McKain began her first year of teaching with my physical education class, in addition to being the Head Girls Varsity Soccer Coach. I was so fortunate to have the “strict coach for physical education.” We had a rough start when she gave me a “C” in physical education, but she helped me to discover a sport that I would come to fall in love with. After she taught me all about the game, I tried out for her team, and I made it. I played Varsity soccer all four years of high school. Not only did Coach McKain grace me with her friendship but soccer also made lifelong friendships with my teammates.
As my Freshman season began I was so worried that I wasn’t good enough to start and began second guessing myself about why I chose to play, afterall, I was the youngest on the team. Little did I know, I became a star on her field. I went from never playing soccer before, to becoming a lead scorer. I played defense, and even though I was the smallest on the team, Coach McKain taught me how to hold my own.
Sophomore year I became co-captain which was a huge deal, considering I was young, compared to the upperclassmen. By Junior year, Coach McKain finally made me captain. Not only did the title alone have significant meaning, but to me, it also meant leadership. Coach McKain made me practice everyday to better my skills, and I did in fact, improve everyday.
My Senior year was a roller coaster of emotions. I was excited to graduate and go off to college but extremely devastated that soccer was coming to an end. One particular day of my senior year came that, after all of these years, I have never forgotten. I had earned the nickname “Baby Kate” on the team, because I was small but strong. On a night of playing soccer under the lights, I got injured. I layed there for a minute, but Coach McKain would not pull me off the field. She yelled, “Baby Kate get up, get up!” She wouldn’t let anyone come on the field until I stood on my own. It took some time, but I finally did get up, and sure enough, I did it on my own.
Coach taught me more than just how to play soccer. She motivated me to be the leader on and off the field and to never give up. Coach McKain is always there for me, giving me advice and coaching me through life. She is a true blessing because I don’t think I would have made it without her, and through soccer, she changed my life. Coach McKain cried on my senior night, but little did she know, is she is stuck with me forever. Coach McKain is an inspiration to me-she gave me a chance and taught me how to succeed.
Today, I am 24, graduating with a BSN of Nursing in May, and she is encouraging me to take on the role of Head Coach of the high school girls varsity soccer team. Coach McKain is truly a mentor that’s made an impact in my life and for that, I will forever be grateful for her.
-- Katelyn N. McCutcheon, former player