Here is a note that I needed to send to one of the 16yr old girls that plays for our team.
Dear Xxxxxxx
If you come to the field again like two weeks again where you had taken caffeine pills and not eaten all day
Or last week where you collapsed and then sat huddled in pure pain because you only had cabbage soup for three days
Or last night where you showed up and your eyes were flickering because your body needed nutrition because you had not eating at all. And then threw up because of heat exhaustion I will not put you on the field, just like I did not do last night.
And I don’t care what your mom or dad say. If there is a problem they can take it up with me or the club.
It is dangerous for you and I will not take the risk or assume the liability
You must eat sensibly and healthy. I understand you want to lose weight but starving yourself is not the way to do it.
It is dangerous and you will do a lot of damage to your vital organs.
there was more but that is the just of what I said to her. The hard part about this is the dad knew this was going on and was angry with me that I would not play his daughter.
I really thought that girls were starting to be okay with their bodies and body image but apparently not. I know my daughter is very balanced and knows this is not acceptable she gasped when she read what this girl was trying.
Do you know anyone in danger? Would you stand up like I did?
About Kristin
You go, girl!
Sounds like the poor girl needs some counseling. She seems to have a very,very poor self image and low esteem if she is doing these things.
Too bad her father isn’t any help.
It was great you are standing up. It sounds like the father is part of the problem. He is pushing her harder than is healthy to. Make sure to document all these incidences, in case something happens.
Good for you! Teens have to know how to take care of their bodies. It’s tough, I remember being there and struggling myself, I just didn’t have anyone paying attention.
I didn’t know you coached. I think you did an amazing thing. Hopefully it will force her family to talk about these issues more openly. How scary!
Definitely. The young girl needs some help and guidance and apparently she isn’t getting it from her parents/dad. What a shame. You did the right thing, Kristin. Absolutely!
I think its very courageous you stood up for this young woman, because even if the parents or she disagrees you are doing whats best for her regardless. Its usually coaches that push students into playing, but I can’t imagine demanding you child play when they’re that sick. Its so sad. I really hope she finds her way and that her parents wake up and see whats happening before its too late.
If that were my daughter and a coach did that, I think it would hit me like a ton of bricks. What..someone else has to do my job? Where –what–why haven’t I been paying attention to my own daughter? I am standing by and letting her do these things? Good for you coach. Doing right by your players on and off the field.