An open letter to women wrestlers as I close my commitments with Waldorf University

There’s a long story to this, but when I moved from California to Iowa in pursuit of my master’s degree on a whim in 2017 the goal was always this: start Transition Wrestling.

For those of you reading that know me, you know I am moving on from a position as the graduate assistant women’s wrestling coach at Waldorf University to starting this business, Transition Wrestling.

With all of that comes the obligation of closing out my contract and commitment to the Waldorf team as I broaden my scope toward covering all of collegiate women’s wrestling. Below you will find a shortened version of the speech I gave to my Waldorf Warrior Women at our Wrestling banquet to close out the 2018-19 wrestling season.

It’s really hard to believe I’ve been in Iowa for almost two years. Using the graduate assistant position to coach and obtain my masters has allowed me to grow tremendously as an individual. Much of that growth can be attributed to you ladies, as I’ve navigated how to deal with your ambiguities, strengths, weaknesses and developments.

This is an open letter of thoughts, affirmations, beliefs & general guidance statements I’ve developed and/or strengthened during my time with the Waldorf Women’s Wrestling team.

• Failure is greater than “I could have, or should have” on every occasion.
• Time is the most valuable thing you have; invest it in people, work and experiences that matter.
• Don’t be small to make others comfortable.
• Your lifestyle and your habits are the purest expression of your values and beliefs.
• Sometimes you’re going to feel like you’re wandering around lost – you’ll find yourself.
• Always start before you’re ready. If you really want something you’ll figure it out.
• Motivation is an emotion with peaks and valleys. It’s what you do in the mundane routine of your day-to-day life that leads to success.
• Genuine collaboration requires an ability to think on your own and ask questions.
• You don’t need to like someone to respect them.
• Be a person that adds value – even if that value is an ear to listen to, or a smiling face.
• Although many experiences are shared with others, they will always be unique to you and your ability to internalize their importance
• Your ability to navigate ambiguity impacts your freedom.
• Knowledge really is power.
• People who dislike you or wish to see you fail will share your worst moments with their social circles. Their opinions of your past selves have no power over your present.
• Don’t be afraid of your power & strength, but keep it humble.
• Reduce, reuse & recycle.
• There’s a podcast for everyone.
• Be friends with people willing to argue with you.
• Have dreams so big they can make you nauseas.
• It is human to experience the entire landscape of emotions – embrace it.
• Positive thoughts and dialogue are more beneficial than self-criticism.
• Use your identity as a source of strength, not an excuse for division from those with different views, opinions and beliefs.
• Stress is the body’s inability to manage the gap between your reality and your desired state. Recognize the gap, find the actions required to close the gap, enjoy the process.
• You are growing members of society, be engaged and participate.
• You will never be enough for everyone, but as long as you are enough for yourself, nothing can break you. (Thanks for this, Kevin Black)

So I’ll leave you with this quote from the way of the warrior:

If you believe the world is full of possibilities, it is. If you believe the world is filled with fascinating people, you will find them. If you believe the future is waiting to be created, you will create the future that is waiting for you. If you believe in love, you will find love. If you believe in hope, you will find hope. And the reason you will find them is because you will bring them to you.

I wish each and every one of you growth and enjoyment in your futures, you can always reach out to me for anything, or nothing at all.

Thank you for sharing a piece of your life with me.