65,000 travel miles on his 2003 Dodge van. $10,000 of his own money spent on equipment and meals during travel tournaments for the female athletes that could not afford it. Those are just two of many sacrifices a dedicated coach by the name of Walter Stewart does for his Philadelphia based Anderson Monarchs soccer team.
I recently read a very touching and inspiring article in the Philadelphia Daily Newspaper on Coach Stewart and his Anderson Monarchs African-American girls soccer travel team, that consist of girls between the ages of 8 and 13. Coach Stewart has been volunteer coaching the Monarchs since 1998 when he formed the team partly because he noticed the baseball players' (of the Monarch boys baseball team that he was volunteering with) sisters and their sister's friends hanging around playing basketball and a little baseball, and partly because he wanted to step out of his comfort zone to help bridge a racial divide.
To some this endeavor may seem like a nice gesture by Coach Stewart, providing recreation and activity to some of the neighborhood girls, however I see this as a man making an impact in the lives of children that are not just underdogs on the field... in a sport like soccer that is dominated by Caucasians, but also in life as many of the young girls do not come from the best living or family situations.
This coach is not just opening up opportunities in the sport of soccer by teaching and instructing the girls on how to play the game, but Coach Stewart is just as dedicated and driven to opening up opportunities in life by steering them into the city's best public schools and helping them get scholarships to the top parochial and private schools that will deliver them to college, fully prepared. The greatest thing about the latter, is that it will have an impact far after their athletic careers are over.
Now I know the Thanksgiving holiday just passed however, I feel it is important to take a quick moment to stop, think and thank all of the coaches out there that, just like Coach Stewart, have gone over and beyond their call of duty. That care about helping young athletes excel in their sport but also in life by helping them develop life-long friendships, build character, confidence, self-esteem and have a fun time doing it.
I know the coaches that I have had over my athletic career have helped to mold me into the person and coach I am today, and I am willing and wanting to pass on that samething, so that those after me can do the same for other young athletes. For all of that I want to say thanks Coach!
Athletes that have been taught, current coaches that have been influenced and parents that have a great coach working with your kids, you should do the same!
MR
"The Queen of Speed"
If you want to help or find out more about the Anderson Monarchs contact Dan Geringer at geringd@phillynews.com.
