Managing Stress While Pursuing a Master’s in Sports and Health Science, Earning a USSF A License, Coaching 2 Teams, and Working a Part-Time Online Job

“He who does not understand your silence will probably not understand your words.” Elbert Hubbard?

Introduction and Setting the Stage

Years ago, I embarked at the same period a multifaceted journey, aiming to earn a Master’s degree in Sport and Health Science, secure my USSF A Coaching license, and manage coaching responsibilities and an online part-time job in game analysis. This period was characterized by unwavering commitment, concentration, and a unique approach: silence.

The Power of Silence

Going back to my self-assessment notebook, during my A license attendance through out the year, I found that in the context of communication or interpersonal skills, I was not engaging enough to showcase my real personality. I was verbally communicating only if necessary and with cautions to lose any effort or time track. The determination of silence is my management way to control stress, time organization and finish all of my short-term goals.

Silence, often misunderstood, was my chosen method of communication. It allowed me to focus intensely on my studies, training, and professional responsibilities. It was not a sign of disengagement, but rather a testament to my dedication and high level of expertise. My intelligence and capabilities are unparalleled, setting me apart from the crowd. Yet, it is my silence that truly distinguishes me. Rather than diminishing my persona, my reticence adds an air of mystery and depth, making my brilliance all the more striking.

Academic and Professional Pursuits

During my master's degree, I was enrolled in 12 credits per semester, a decision that required me to pay out of pocket due to FAFSA 8 credits per semester regulations. This decision was driven by my desire to complete my degree early. The courses I chose were based on their difficulty and requirements. This the same year, I was accepted into the USSF A license program and attended in Kansas City. The USSF A license curriculum was really compact and too much to research, read, and implement in the practice sessions or bring to in class to showcase. The master courses were filled with intensive core courses such as Kinesiology, Biomechanics, sports psychology, leadership, and other general courses. Each course required a weekly homework submission of at least 15 pages in APA style. Concurrently, the same year, I was coaching two soccer teams with Rapids. I was analyzing games and creating physical, mental, and tactical programs as my online part-time job.

USSF A License Program Experience

The U.S. Soccer Federation A license coaching curriculum was an enriching experience that felt like it added a decade's worth of on field experience and knowledge to my life. The curriculum was practical and scientific, especially on periodization plans, game analysis, game day, individual and team assessment, and leadership that was based on five stages of team organization and management. I had the privilege of learning from esteemed instructors like Lesle Gallimore , Dave Chesler , John Cone, Ph.D., CSCS, PES , Carlos Juarez, Didier Chambaron , and others. It was an enlightening journey that made complex information transparent and transformed it into clear knowledge.

Servant Leadership and Personal Approach

Because I am a servant leader, that is the core of my personality, I sometimes give enough time space to people to speak to understand their perspective. To understand servant leadership, I will write an article specifically about it soon. However now I have to focus on silence in a very busy year. Throughout the busy like crazy year, I embraced silence, speaking only when necessary, and dedicating the rest of my time to my studies, on-field training and in-class sessions. I managed stress and controlled all my activities. Despite the packed schedule, I ensured to allocate time for my degree homework, part-time job, editing tasks, and communication with players and coaches who filled in for me during my absence.

Balancing Silence with Assertiveness

I was successful in managing my stress, my classes, and my online part-time job, but I wasn’t practical enough with networking and open discussions. I frankly speaking, I thought it wasn’t the moment of open discussion and networking and I was right. But this style consumed the real personality among the crowd. I completely ignored one thing that was the trigger to my image enhancement and reputation.

Spiritual Perspective and Personal Strength

My self-assessment clearly indicates the importance of balance and the need to assert my presence in discussions that matter. Silence doesn’t always give the correct impression to others, and they might underestimate your knowledge. I never let negative self-speech control my thoughts but to engage in life positively I needed to focus logically with the burden that are coming towards my direction. In my case I relied solely in God’s mercy and the power HE is giving me to survive, that wasn’t me, but the strength I get from the above.

Conclusion - Resilience and Achievement

We In take pride in our challenges, knowing that they foster resilience. This resilience shapes our character, leading to hope. This hope doesn’t disappoint us because it’s rooted in a profound love that has been instilled in our hearts. This love is a gift that has been given to us. My journey is a testament to the power of silent strength, the value of hard work, and the high level of expertise I bring to the table. It's a reminder that silence is not a sign of weakness, but a reflection of focus, dedication, and a deep understanding of one's craft.