Some may say my life is a permanent vacation, and in many ways I agree. Not a typical vacation: oceanside, magnificent waves crashing, an ocean breeze, a cool beverage and the warm sun. More like fluorescent lights, a cold gym, girls screaming and ear piercing whistles. I coach. I coach volleyball and do what I love. My permanent vacation.

This weekend I am taking a vacation from my permanent vacation. Its the first time in four years that I have been able to get away. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve taken excursions, field-trips, and visited family, but this is my first opportunity to be in a hotel, room-service, fishing, a ballgame, and spend quality time with best friends. I know it will provide me with a renewed soul and new perspectives to bring back to my hobby.

It’s a weird feeling to “escape” from your hobby. The initial transition from making my passion my career consumed me and I never imagined needing a break. As glamorous as the coaching life appears from the outside, it is a highly competitive profession with unique stresses and an unusual schedule. In a sport that does not generate revenue for schools, supply and demand causes the wallet to be a bit lighter than wished. Its a giant leap from financial security to spiritual freedom. But I’m richer nonetheless.

The vacation will enable me to reflect on my initial plans, goals, and objectives when I took that giant leap to realize I achieved my four year goal, but in a whirlwind fashion I never could have imagined. Three schools, four head coaches, six moves, eleven roommates equals one priceless experience. I have gathered more insight into coaching styles and perspectives than I could have ever hoped. Influences from Mary Wise, Mike Hebert, Shelton Collier and now Russ Rose. I have been very lucky.

I look forward to the next four days of vacation and the next four years of my career. I have thoughts, plans and goals of where I will be in four years. I’m anxious yet apprehensive to learn the winding path that will lead me to my goals, but I’m extremely confident I will reach my mark. The journey is the reward.