No more hoop dreams

We as parents never thought we would be writing a letter to the editor. But we feel there is a question to be asked. Why should one coach be able to take away a person’s dream?

Our daughter has played basketball since fifth grade, loving the sport. As a freshman her dream was to make the varsity basketball team and she did. She was a swing player. I can remember the pride, we as parents, had that first home game. When we looked at each other as the team ran in and said “this is what she has waited for, to run into the game as a Woodland Lady Dragon.” Her sophomore year she was a swing player. Last summer she played summer league in Machias with the team, Husson team camp, and a team tournament in Dexter.

Then on Nov. 19 came the all-awaited day, “tryouts.” The coach tells you, “You have improved.” Your running time is better than last year. The assistant coach asks, “what’s got into you?” You feel pretty good, except for your bruised knee from practice on Nov. 20.

Then comes Nov. 21. The long awaited day arrives for the final list. After years of hard work, your name can’t be found on the posted list. Why? When you think you have done all the right things. All the time and effort that had been put into the sport. The practices you have gone to injured just to watch the new plays. All the dedication and love for the game has meant nothing! One coach has taken your child’s dream away in one second. No explanation required. Only a list! Whose dream will be lost next?

Jim and Sue Holmes

Princeton

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