Heart of a Coach
April 2009

Tyra Perry Western Kentucky University Head Softball Coach

Chosen Attribute: Patience

Dictionary definition: "An ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay."

My definition: "The understanding that, no matter what things look like at the moment, God is in control."

Who has helped me develop patience: "My father. He was also a coach, and he showed me how to lead people and how to be strong even when things aren't going exactly your way."

Favorite Scripture that deals with patience: Romans 8:28 – "We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose."

Why I chose this passage: "I know God has an ultimate plan for me and that, even if it looks like I don't have what it takes to make it through, God does. He sees the end at the beginning. So, patience is really about finding strength in Him to make it through whatever situation you're facing."

"He sees the end at the beginning."

How I have exercised patience in my life: "I have a good life and a good family, so it is easy to think those blessings are of my own accord. But my experiences in coaching have helped me to see that they were all given by the grace of God. He has put me here to be with people, to listen and love and be patient with them.

"Also, as a single woman, patience has helped me be secure with myself. I am confident in Him knowing that He has my future all planned out and taken care of. That has helped me encourage other single women to also be OK with who they are."

How I've learned to be patient in coaching: "I began coaching when I was 24. I was starting the program at Birmingham-Southern and becoming a head coach all at once. I basically was starting from scratch and learning on the job. It was tough, and we lost a lot of games early on and had a lot of injuries. I went from a roster of 16 to a roster of 10. But, instead of throwing up my hands and quitting, I knew I was called to be there. I knew that how it started in the beginning wasn't going to be the same in the end. It was all about trusting God, praying and asking Him to guide me. That took a lot of patience and maturity. And with me being naturally impatient, I had to pray and believe God for strength.

"Because of that time in my life, I am now a much better coach and better person. I've had to develop patience with different types of people and situations. The most important thing I can do for my athletes is be patient with them and point them toward growth. To be tough and provide discipline, but also to show that I care for them and am there to help them."

About the Coach: Hometown: Zachary, La. Alma Mater: Louisiana State University Coaching Career: – Recorded 146 wins during her six years as the head coach of Birmingham-Southern. – Currently in her second season at Western Kentucky. FCA Involvement: Perry has been an active part of FCA's ministry throughout her career, most recently since she joined the coaching staff at WKU. Along with her assistants and a majority of the team, she participates in the weekly Huddle meetings on campus, and she also serves on the local board. This past summer, Perry attended her first FCA Camp when she traveled to Black Mountain, N.C., for a multi-sport camp. Said Perry: "The kids at camp are so open and excited about God, and I was drawn to that." FCA Staff Quote: "Coach Perry has been a tremendous influence for FCA not only to her team, but to the community and the entire region." – FCA Area Representative Andrew Hammond

--For more stories about faith and sport, visit www.sharingthevictory.com, the official magazine of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. To subscribe to STV, click here.

Photos courtesy of Jim Robinson/WKU.