If you are at all connected with the football coaching world, I am sure you are familiar with "convention". It was the Thursday before AFCA 2015 convention and things worked out for me to go to Louisville with my husband for the first time. We are proud parents of a three year old daughter and one year old son and I was on the fence of leaving them for the weekend. Between football and parenting, our time together is minimal; therefore, we were both excited for a couple of nights together in a bed without distractions ... so we could sleep 8 hours straight. I figured he would do his thing during the day, and I would check out the AFCWA (American Football Coaches Wives Association). At the very least, I would enjoy some peace and quiet and the opportunity to nap at free will.
Once I made the decision to attend convention, I sent an email to fellow AFCWA women that I had met through social media asking them if they had any tips for a first timer. Within minutes, I had a phone call from another wife and a text from another. Wow ... the SUPPORT has already begun and I didn't even make it to Louisville yet! It was such a blessing to hear from these two wonderful women and I was excited to meet them in person within the next couple of days. One of the women had attended a few other conventions and had a lot of useful information. One of the biggest take aways that I had from our conversation was to get involved and volunteer because it is fun and will help you meet new people. The other woman who I conversed through text message was a first timer as well. Her and I enjoyed going back and forth trying to figure out what to expect and what we would do. Our biggest obstacle was what to wear?!
Just before convention began, I noticed an announcement from AFCWA that they were looking for models for the fashion show. I wasn't really sure what it was all about, but my new friend told me the fashion show was a lot of fun so I decided to give it a try. On our way to Louisville, my husband took me by Saks off 5th to get fitted for the fashion show. A representative from Saks off 5th had a few outfits for me to try on and let's just say one of the outfits isn't what I would have picked out, but it was cute(ish)... and of course that was the one he wanted me to wear for the show. Great way for me to say "Hello, I am the new girl!"
Upon arrival at our hotel, I immediately noticed that I was way out numbered by the sea of men all joined together by a common bond of football. I was already thinking ... Hmmm, maybe this isn't the place for me? Then my next thought was ... Where are all my single girlfriends? There are soooo many guys here. After getting into our room, my husband was eager to depart so he could reunite with his buddies. We quickly went our separate ways. My trek to the women's convention took me through the main convention center where the AFCA convention was taking place. I thought I saw a lot of men in the hotel, but that was nothing compared to the mass of coaches in the convention center. Oh my ... what am I doing here?!
Once I made the decision to attend convention, I sent an email to fellow AFCWA women that I had met through social media asking them if they had any tips for a first timer. Within minutes, I had a phone call from another wife and a text from another. Wow ... the SUPPORT has already begun and I didn't even make it to Louisville yet! It was such a blessing to hear from these two wonderful women and I was excited to meet them in person within the next couple of days. One of the women had attended a few other conventions and had a lot of useful information. One of the biggest take aways that I had from our conversation was to get involved and volunteer because it is fun and will help you meet new people. The other woman who I conversed through text message was a first timer as well. Her and I enjoyed going back and forth trying to figure out what to expect and what we would do. Our biggest obstacle was what to wear?!
Just before convention began, I noticed an announcement from AFCWA that they were looking for models for the fashion show. I wasn't really sure what it was all about, but my new friend told me the fashion show was a lot of fun so I decided to give it a try. On our way to Louisville, my husband took me by Saks off 5th to get fitted for the fashion show. A representative from Saks off 5th had a few outfits for me to try on and let's just say one of the outfits isn't what I would have picked out, but it was cute(ish)... and of course that was the one he wanted me to wear for the show. Great way for me to say "Hello, I am the new girl!"
Upon arrival at our hotel, I immediately noticed that I was way out numbered by the sea of men all joined together by a common bond of football. I was already thinking ... Hmmm, maybe this isn't the place for me? Then my next thought was ... Where are all my single girlfriends? There are soooo many guys here. After getting into our room, my husband was eager to depart so he could reunite with his buddies. We quickly went our separate ways. My trek to the women's convention took me through the main convention center where the AFCA convention was taking place. I thought I saw a lot of men in the hotel, but that was nothing compared to the mass of coaches in the convention center. Oh my ... what am I doing here?!
Still feeling a little unsure, I head towards the Marriott where the AFCWA convention was taking place. I quickly recognized my texting buddy who was selling jewelry in the marketplace, and it was so fun to finally meet! I then walked into registration where I was greeted with a warm welcome and introduced as a new member to the intimate group of women in the hospitality room. The SUPPORT continued as I met new people.
The first day, I mingled in the hospitality room and attended the ice cream social that was sponsored by The Jason Foundation (foundation dedicated to the prevention of youth suicide). My husband accompanied me to the ice cream social. Originally, I think he wasn't too sure what he was getting himself into by attending an ice cream social, but he was glad to be a part of it with such a great organization and it allowed us both the opportunity to build relationships with more football coaches and wives. The next day, I listened to a phenomenal speaker and author, Dr. Carolyn Curry. I was inspired by her drive, determination, and ability to be a supportive coach's wife while establishing her own identity and following her passion. Following, there was a breakout session where wives of similar coaching levels (high school, Div. I, Div. II, Div. III, NAIA) met and talked about their journey. It was crazy ... this was the moment I realized I am not in this alone. I heard story after story from ladies across that country that were identical to the life experiences I had in relation to be married to a football coach. This was refreshing and I realized how important the CAMARADERIE with these ladies would be. |
I had to miss the next breakout session to prepare for the fashion show that would take place during the luncheon. Such a great idea by my mentor friend to volunteer. Relationships quickly started to develop as all of the fashion show volunteers laughed about our outfits, the strut down the catwalk, and whether or not we would make fools of ourselves. In the meantime, we were able to have deeper conversations about where we were from and share stories. Luckily, we all shared a table at the luncheon as well so were able to continue our conversations. The luncheon was well attended and was a wealth of INFORMATION regarding the work of AFCWA. The fashion show followed lunch and all went well. It was a lot of fun and seemed to be well received by the attendees.
Sadly, I had to leave immediately after the fashion show to head north to Chicago trying to avoid an ice storm. As I reunited with my husband, I was sad to have to miss out on the remainder of the AFCWA convention and not be able to say goodbye to new friends that were made. I also would have loved to have gone to Kosair Children's Hospital with the other wives and provide SERVICE to the children and families in the hospital. Next year I will be sure that our stay will not be as short because I now know that convention has plenty to offer women and the opportunity to build CAMARADERIE with ladies who share a common bond of being married to a football coach.
I experienced firsthand many coach's and wives who didn't understand why I would go to the coach's convention. After my experience, I know that there is plenty to keep us both busy and it ends up being a great getaway for both the coach and wife. I strongly encourage all football wives at any level to form friendships with women who can relate and understand the life of a coach's wife. We all know it isn't normal and many can't comprehend what a coach does outside of season. It takes a special woman to marry a football coach :)
I experienced firsthand many coach's and wives who didn't understand why I would go to the coach's convention. After my experience, I know that there is plenty to keep us both busy and it ends up being a great getaway for both the coach and wife. I strongly encourage all football wives at any level to form friendships with women who can relate and understand the life of a coach's wife. We all know it isn't normal and many can't comprehend what a coach does outside of season. It takes a special woman to marry a football coach :)
CAMARADERIE ~ SUPPORT ~ INFORMATION ~ SERVICE is what AFCWA is all about! I strongly encourage you to join today so you can experience all of these wonderful values like I was able to. Hopefully we can meet next year in San Antonio! |
ATTENTION ALL FOOTBALL COACH'S WIVES: Feel free to leave a message ... I would love to connect with other football wives (fiancees or girlfriends)!