Watching from the stands: a father's reflection, by Bill Poirier

This post was written by Bill Poirier, father of Rachel Poirier and Courtney Poirier

This was my 8^th season of watching my girls play volleyball. 2 years in grammar school, 4 years in high school, and 2 years so far in college. Plus multiple years of club. And like most parents of volleyball players, I’ve watched most of the games from the stands. 

After matches or at night, when the parents get together at tournaments, we often talk about those times when the girls were younger and how fast the time goes by.  And how we’re going to miss it when the college years are over. We want it to go slower. But it won’t. You have to enjoy each moment of each game of each season. And for me, watching my girls play volleyball has been one of the most enjoyable journey’s I’ve ever been on.

Frustrating at times?...sure. Exhilarating at times?...you bet. Entertaining?...without question. Developing relationships that last a long time, or a lifetime?...it’s what you hope for.

Nothing makes me prouder than watching my children succeed at whatever they choose to do in life. Whether it’s doing well in school, making a great play on the court, sincerely supporting their teammates from the bench, or watching them become the kind of friend you hoped they could become to another human being.  It’s one of the most satisfying feelings as a parent to have pride in your children.

Parents, from left: Sue Madison, Meg Garrity,
and Lori Poirier

And nothing hurts you more than when your child suffers an injury or takes a loss particularly hard. You want to make it better. You want to put a Band-Aid on that hurt and make it go away.  But then you watch from the stands, as a teammate walks over and consoles your child. Or your child comforting another teammate.  A “family” member trying to make it all better for another “family” member.  How wonderful and heartwarming that is to see.

Watching from the stands is never easy. You want the team to win. You want refs to make the right call. You want your kid to play. You want your kid to play better. You want success for the team. Above all, you want your kid to be happy. Sometimes you have to bite your tongue so hard it hurts.

The emotional rollercoaster that you ride during a volleyball match can be gut wrenching. You win the first two games; you’re super excited and confident! Then you lose the next two; you’re a nervous wreck. The game to 15 sits at 14-13, you don’t think you can take it anymore…you watch from the stands, wanting a victory. As in life though, sometimes you get what you want. And many times you don’t.  But, we keep watching.  It’s what we do. Because we love our kids, we love our family.

This season has been one of those crazy rollercoaster rides. A great start, then some struggles, but a strong finish at the end to make the playoffs, and ultimately, the season came to an end. No one knows what the next season will bring. What new challenges the team will have to overcome. But, knowing what I know about the girls on this team, I believe they will come back next season with a renewed sense of “family”.  And without a doubt, I will be there, in my Fredonia gear, cheering them on…watching from the stands.