“Don’t judge someone until you walk a mile in their shoes” is a proverb that advises against making judgments about someone until you have experienced what they have, or have developed an understanding of their circumstances and perspectives. The maxim emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding before forming opinions or criticisms. By metaphorically walking in someone else’s shoes, one gains a deeper appreciation for their challenges, motivations, and reasons behind their actions.
For most football coaches, regardless of level, we have walked in many shoes. We understand what it is like to strap on those pads and feel the physical contact of the sport, but most women interested in coaching football have rarely been afforded such opportunities. Three years ago, that was the situation for Vermont’s first female high school football coach, St Johnsbury Academy assistant coach Julia Kearney, who will be entering her third season coaching the Hilltoppers. But it is not anymore, because she just completed her first season playing women’s tackle football for the New Hampshire Rebellion, in the Women’s Football Alliance.
When asked why she decided to play, she said that “she wanted more street cred with her players.” She just earned it along with a better perspective of what her players are going through by walking a mile in their shoes.
Shared experiences matter… There’s quite a difference between thinking one can endure adversity and having actually endured it. Vince Lombardi is famously quoted as saying “Fatigue makes cowards of us all.” Such a sentiment becomes oh so real when one has stared such a beast in the eye and overcome it. When Julia tells a player contending with a similar situation, “I know how you feel… and I know you can overcome the self-doubt,” they know she speaks from a place of truth where battles have been won.
Coach Rich Alercio is available to discuss coaching philosophy, X’s & O’s, or teach his O-Line “techniques in the trenches.” Contact Coach at richalercio@gmail.com and share http://www.olineskills.com with your colleagues and friends. Thanks for supporting this blog and joining our conversations, and as always, thanks for your time!
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