Maria: Because he won't play on Sunday

Maria sat on the sidelines, disappointment etched on her face. The soccer match was about to begin, and she was left to watch her teammates take the field. It wasn’t because she was injured or lacked the skills. No, the reason Maria wasn’t playing on this Sunday was because of him, her coach.

Coach Johnson had made it clear that Maria wasn’t going to play this Sunday. The decision had left her baffled and frustrated. She had worked hard in practice, honing her skills and giving her all. She felt she deserved to be on that field, showcasing what she had learned.

But why did Coach Johnson deny her the chance to play? It wasn’t because of her dedication or commitment. Maria was always the first to arrive at practice, ready to put in the effort. She had proven her worth to the team, consistently showing up and giving her best.

Maria’s confusion turned into anger as she watched her team struggle on the field. The passing was sloppy, and their strategies were falling apart. She knew she could make a difference if given the chance. It seemed unfair that she was sidelined while her teammates struggled.

As the match reached halftime, Maria decided to confront Coach Johnson. She approached him cautiously, hoping to find answers. “Coach, can I ask why I’m not playing today? I’ve been working hard, and I feel like I deserve a chance,” she said respectfully.

Coach Johnson sighed and looked at Maria with a mix of concern and regret. “Maria, I understand your frustration, but I have my reasons. You are an amazing player, and I do believe in your abilities. However, I made this decision to protect you,” Coach Johnson explained.

Maria’s confusion deepened. “Protect me? What do you mean?” she asked, puzzled.

Coach Johnson took a moment to gather his thoughts. “There’s a scout from a well-known soccer academy coming to watch tomorrow’s match. They have expressed interest in recruiting players from our team for their program. I didn’t want to risk any injuries or exhaustion for you. I want you to have the best chance possible if you decide to pursue a future in soccer.”

Maria’s anger melted away as she realized the true intention behind Coach Johnson’s decision. It was about her future, her dreams. A sense of gratitude began to replace the frustration she had felt earlier. She realized that Coach Johnson was looking out for her in the bigger picture.

“Thank you, Coach. I had no idea,” Maria said, her voice filled with gratitude.

Coach Johnson smiled, relieved that Maria understood his intentions. “You have a lot of potential, Maria. I wanted to ensure that your skills are seen at their best by the academy scouts. So, don’t worry. Your time will come.”

Maria nodded, feeling a renewed sense of determination. She may not be playing on this Sunday, but she knew that her dedication and hard work would eventually pay off. She trusted Coach Johnson’s guidance and believed that her chance to shine would come.

As the match resumed, Maria continued to watch her teammates. This time, instead of feeling frustration, she cheered them on, offering support and encouragement from the sidelines. She knew that her time on the field would come again, and when it did, she would show the world what she was truly capable of.

Sometimes, the decisions of coaches may seem unfair and leave players feeling disheartened. However, in Maria’s case, she learned that there can be underlying reasons and intentions behind such choices. In the end, it’s important to trust in the guidance of those who have more experience and believe that every decision is made with the best interest of the player in mind.