The Life of a Coach’s Girlfriend

Lonely.

The end.

LOL. Kidding. (Kind of.)

If you’re dating a coach, let me go ahead and offer you a friendly heads-up: he’s never home. And I’m not exaggerating. After work? He’s off to practice, a game, or a late-night hitting session in the cage. Rinse. Repeat.

This is our norm. Monday through Friday is a blur of softball schedules and sunflower seeds. And then come the weekends - those mythical “free days”? Yeah, no. Saturdays are booked solid with travel ball tournaments that last all day, and Sundays? Those are reserved for his daughter’s pitching lessons.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit: I don’t always show up the way I could. I don’t lug my travel chair around from tournament to tournament like some MVP girlfriend. I’m a homebody to the core - content with my cozy blankets, iced coffee, and my own quiet rhythm. He knows this about me. Loves me anyway.

But here’s the truth: I miss him. I miss us. And as much as I pout about the time apart, I also know this is a choice - his choice to pour his time and heart into something that matters. He loves this game. Loves coaching. Loves watching these girls grow in both confidence and skill. And even more than that, he loves his daughter and the time they share out on that dirt-covered field.

So, this summer, I’m making a commitment - to him, but also to myself. I’m going to show up more. Not just physically, but with presence and intention. I’m going to pack that travel chair, sunscreen, and snacks like a seasoned sideline pro. Not because I suddenly love softball (though I’m learning!), but because I love him.

And if it’s important to him, then it’s important to me. Simple as that.

Besides, I’ve heard there’s a whole secret community of bleacher besties out there - and honestly, I could use a new group chat.