I’ve participated in National Signing Day as a college volleyball coach, club coach/director, and now as a parent. Some thoughts on this day:

1) Student-athletes who are signing: Congratulations. I’m sure you have worked hard. It’s about to get harder. There will now be more kids who jump as high as you, run as fast as you, and hit or dig a ball just like you...

Be ready for the work that the next step requires but know that you can do it. Never forget the joy of playing a game. Be grateful for the incredible opportunity ahead of you. I recommend expressing your gratitude to those that helped this day become a reality for you...

2) Parents of student-athletes: You should be very proud of your child. You have undoubtedly logged a lot of miles, hours, and in many cases dollars to support your child the best you can. Their ability will be tested from the first day...

but they are ready if you spent time helping them develop their character. It will be hard for them. They will have some bad days and great ones also. I hope you tell them you are proud of them and that you love them regardless of which of those days they had.

3) Middle School, High School, and Club Coaches: THANK YOU. Chances are high that you are the reason this child fell in love with a game. You might not get the headlines but you deserve them for there is no greater gift...

than helping a child fall in love with a game that can change the course of their life. My hope is that each child expresses their gratitude in a meaningful way to you. Without you, this day may not have been possible.

4) College Coaches: We are receiving someone’s most precious gift – their child. Let’s not treat this child as a commodity but instead as a learning, growing young person who is trying to figure things out. We have a unique opportunity to help them on this path to learning...

who they are and how they can contribute to the people and world around them. They will make mistakes and they will need our support when they do. They will also benefit greatly from the knowledge that we believe in them.

5) Finally, @annabelleschall: Congratulations. We are proud of you and excited for you. We are bracing for the day you go off to school next August. Just like the day you came into our lives, our home will never be quite the same. You are ready. Remember that there will be...

hard days but far more great ones. Enjoy and learn from all of the people around you and do your best to give back to them. We encourage you to love others, be honest, have courage, and do your best. Know that we love you…as big as the sky.